A college friend made the introduction and Céad invited Marina to watch the Cardinals play the Giants for something he called "the pennant." Even though the Cardinals struck out, they hit it off. A few weeks later, they were drinking beers on top of a train near the Mississippi River wondering if this was the start of something good.

After a bout of food sickness, Céad still wanted to go on a twelve mile hike along the Tomales Bay in California. Marina was somewhat suspicious. Five miles into the hike, a rain storm hit and Cead decided it was time to pop the question. They passed on the celebratory oysters and champagne (for health reasons) and celebrated with a delicious dinner and stay at a bed and breakfast in Sonoma.