Back in the summer of 2017, Mel reached out to me (Maggie) on Facebook Messenger after coming across my account. Hoping to perhaps spark something, she reached out under the guise of asking about my job and if there were any openings. For context, I worked as a gate attendant at the beach during my summer break from college. We talked for a little while, and I learned she had recently gotten her EMT certificate (congrats!). It was around this time that I felt the conversation had lulled to a natural end, and perhaps I would see her on the job. That would not be our next meeting. ONE WHOLE YEAR LATER... I am again working at the beach, writing parking tags for paying beachgoers when a small, roller-skate of a car comes whipping around the corner and up the driveway towards me. Every window is open, hip-hop/R&B music is pumping; it's the typical car at the beach, really. I was not prepared for the car to be filled (I think there may have been too many of them in the car to be legal) with 18–19-year-olds, just coming from a high school graduation party. I approached the vehicle, and these very pretty brown eyes greeted me. I share the unfortunate news that was the price to park for the day (30 bucks, can you believe that?!) I wrote the parking pass and wished the driver good luck with her gaggle of rambunctious friends. And that was that Or was it? Hours later, after I had returned home from my internship (unpaid, done in addition to a full-time job... criminal), I noticed a Facebook Messenger notification on my phone. I opened the messenger, seeing a familiar face. I scroll back... and it was the same woman. The one asking for the job... A YEAR BEFORE! This time, she had a little more game; I am just oblivious. Mel and I messaged back and forth for a few days before planning a breakfast for us to get to know each other better (it was at this point that my friends, having read the messages, told me that she was flirting with me; her game might have improved, my ability to catch social cues? Non-existent). That breakfast lasted 3 hours, Mel went to the bathroom 4 times (can you say "nervous?"), and we have been together since. Our wedding will be 3 days before our 8th anniversary, so thank you for coming to celebrate with us. We love you all and can't wait to have such a great time celebrating with you all! And yes, if you ask for Mel's side of the story, it'll sound familiar, but she tells it much better. I'll never live down leaving her on read.