Marianna and Tanner grew up just about two miles apart. Close enough to share the same hometown, but just far enough (thanks to a county line) to go to completely different schools. Funny enough, they later realized they had several mutual friends… they just somehow never crossed paths. Marianna started working at Lyttle Fox Therapy in 2019. The clinic is named after its owners, who just so happen to be close family friends of Tanner’s. Over the years, Marianna kept hearing occasional chatters of the same thing: “You need to meet Tanner.” She smiled, nodded… and didn’t think much of it. Now, there was one Tuesday night in 2019 when Marianna is about 87% sure she met Tanner at trivia. However, after bouncing from one Mexican restaurant to another (with several margaritas in between), the details are a little fuzzy. Tanner, on the other hand, has absolutely no recollection. He was far too focused on trivia to notice the new girl at the end of the table who, to be fair, was not contributing much to the game. Fast forward to 2023, when Tanner’s mom, Tina, started working at Lyttle Fox. At yet another Mexican restaurant (a theme, clearly), Tina casually mentioned her son Tanner and suggested Marianna come to Tuesday trivia. For months, Marianna had an excuse ready every week: “My hair isn’t done.” “I’m not cute today.” “I’ll come next week.” Finally, at the annual Christmas party, Marianna was lovingly cornered by a group of very enthusiastic “Tanner fans” and basically signed an oath that she would show up to trivia the following Tuesday. That Tuesday, Marianna showed up to work in her signature look- sweatshirt, leggings, and a messy bun. Tina didn’t even ask about trivia, already expecting the usual excuse. But in a shocking turn of events, Marianna came prepared, makeup bag and straightener in hand, getting ready in the bathroom before heading out. She made it to trivia. Tanner, of course, was sitting at the opposite end of the table, completely unaware he was part of a long running setup. But by the end of the night, he had scooted a little closer. The next day, he called her, and they planned their first date… a couple of weeks later because he was, apparently, “busy.” (And he did call her but she didn’t answer, making him text her because who talks on the phone anymore?) The date happened and the rest is history. Marianna’s family quickly became big fans, especially after Tanner proved himself during a string of 2024 mishaps from the North Carolina broken ankle (not mine) to Thanksgiving green beans that may or may not have caught on fire. Through it all, Tanner stayed calm, helpful, and reliable, earning the official family slogan: “Tanner saves the day.” (Aunt Jenny may or may not be turning this into a children’s book.) Tanner will tell you, “Mother knows best,” and honestly, he’s not wrong. Marianna is, once again, thankful for Lyttle Fox who not only gave her a job, but apparently a husband too. And as for Louis? He’s still not completely convinced and would really prefer not to share the bed.