Short version: We were set up, in a “friendlationship” for 3 years, then gave it a real shot and have been together ever since! Michael’s (also short) version: I received a call from a parent from the basketball team I was coaching at the time. She informed me she had just met someone and had us exchange numbers. We met at Fiori’s the next day and the rest is history. Long version (told by Mari)… Back in July 2018, I was finishing up my stint working as a live-in nanny in Slana, AK and was in Anchorage for a weekend to pick-up the new nanny from the airport. The night before, I went to an outdoor concert and the time came to find the porta potty. While waiting in line, a conversation struck up between me and the lady in front of me. Within five minutes, she was saying, “I just love you! I know a great guy for you! He coaches my son in basketball. I’m calling him!” (Cue Michael answering the phone in the car with two of his bros). She then shoves the phone to my ear and encourages me to talk to him and give him my number. I said, “I like your friend, so I’ll give you my real number.” He thought that was funny and was also being encouraged by his friends to get “a girl’s number”. I thought it was just a funny story if nothing came out of it, turns out the rest of my life came from it! The next day, we met for drinks and talked for hours. 23-year-old me wasn’t quite ready to date, just about to move to Anchorage and begin my career as a teacher. But there was something about this guy that I just couldn't shake. He’d probably say it’s his extremely good looks. To me, it’s his trustworthiness, loyalty, hidden goofiness, cooking skills, and ability to accept all of me…even after 3 years of waiting for a real commitment. Flashforward to 2020. It’s COVID, I was planning on moving back to Florida since my temporary Alaska teaching certificate was going to expire, Michael and I were in love, but not together officially. I moved out of my place to be in a bubble with him and his parents for a few months in Soldotna before moving back. The most heartbreaking goodbye in late June 2020 still didn’t stop us from keeping in touch. Another flashforward. New Years Day 2021, one of my closest gal pals asks me if I ever thought about moving back to Alaska. We decided to move back together and what a chance it was for Michael and me to try this thing for real! He flew down to Florida in June 2021 and the next day (June 7) asked me to be his girlfriend. After spending a few days packing my subie, we began our cross-country road trip up to Washington. Nothing like testing the strength of a relationship like starting it with a two-week road trip! From June 2021-July 2024, we grew our relationship in Alaska. We moved in together after a year and a half, loved fishing with his family, cooking at home, playing pool or going to Dave and Busters, hanging with friends, getting dressed up for the Broadway plays that came to town, and walking the Campbell Creek Trail. From August 2024-present, we had a big move to Xi’an, China! Teaching abroad here has been a great opportunity to adventure and save money. Nearly 7 years later, it’s about time to get hitched. We want to start a family and continue growing up with each other. Who knew that a brave, fun stranger and answering a phone call would change our lives forever?