We met as teenagers in high school. What was supposed to be a hang out with friends at Noodles and Company turned into the beginning of our story. Both of us were unaware that we were going to be there. John thought he had plans to go with his brother as a buffer to meet my friend. I thought I was going with my friend as a buffer to meet his brother. Upon arrival our eyes met. Not being prepared to meet two new people nerves ran through me. John, however, lit up like a Christmas tree. His smile calmed me. When we sat down he offered to share his macaroni and cheese. From that moment on our connection was instant. We talked like we had known each other for years and we shared a lot of laughs. The conversation was fluid and completely took us away from everything else around us. We have been best friends ever since. Unfortunately, at the time I had a boyfriend so it was nothing more than just friends. Over the years our timing was never right. If I was single, he was in a relationship. If he was single, I was in a relationship. Or both of us were in other relationships. We always remained friends never really knowing how we truly felt about one another. Little did we know one day we would end up together. After moving back home with my son, Arthur. John stepped up to the plate being one of our biggest supporters. Stood by us as a friend and confidant. Then one day when I was ready to start dating again John finally summoned the courage to tell me how he truly feels. He told me how he fell in love with me the first time he saw me, how he has grown to love Arthur as his own, and that he never wants to lose this chance again. Since then the 3 of us have been the happiest we have ever been. ♥

He took me back to where our story began, at Noodles and Company. Right where he saw me for the first time. I was completely surprised. It was perfect. After saying yes we of course shared a bowl of macaroni and cheese. ♥