Our story, as most would guess, started on the dance floor. Not before we were both shoved onto it together by our mutual friend who had a feeling we would hit it off after briefly introducing us. If not as a couple, she knew we would at least get along as friends. Needless to say - she was right! As we were dancing the two-step, Clayton asked me how my week has been. I was in no mood to be creative with my response so I just said, "It was fine." And thus began the awkward silence... For a couple seconds before I made it even more awkward by saying, "Nope, that was a lie. I'm not fine. My dog just passed away a few days ago." My words took him by surprise, but it didn't throw him off. He responded, "Welp! If it makes you feel better, I lost my dog too." I was so confused, I remember thinking why would this make me feel better? Then he continued, "My dad ran him over." The way he said this was so matter-of-fact, it caught me off guard and I almost immediately started laughing. I felt so bad, I covered my face with my free hand and apologized. He shrugged and laughed with me. That's when a beautiful friendship began, and through our similar sense of humor, we grew closer. Eventually we couldn't stop seeing each other. Now we're here!

"All of them!" She says after I ask her, "What would you like to do? Christmas lights, make ginger brandy with me, dinner, drinks and a movie...." Bewildered, I replied, "All of them? Ambitious...." And so went the night! She had work that day, and wasn't going to be able to get to my place until 6:30PM. I planned to pick her up at the bottom of the hill from my place, all she had to do was send me a text and I'd head out. Planned, being the keyword. I got a text saying she was here, so I grabbed my coat and headed to my truck. As I'm driving toward the exit, and about to turn onto the hill, there she is... Walking... Why is she walking. She opens the door with a smile on her face, and I think I scare her cause all I say is, "I was supposed to pick you up!" We're talking on the drive as I'm taking her to the restaurant I picked out to take her to; Pepinos. Little did I know, pasta was her favorite. Something else that didn't occur to me was how cold it was going to be that night, and I picked this place specifically for the lakeside view from their patio seating area. Needless to say, we ate inside. After dinner, I pull up the list I had made of places to go to see Christmas lights. This is the time I also learn that Christmas is her favorite Holiday - Didn't know quite the extent of that just yet. But as we're watching the lights, and I see her shivering so much I could here her teeth chatter, I make my move and put an arm around her. #smooth