In July of 2016, Marine Phil, as everyone knew him, was able to come home for two weeks before his six-month deployment to Sicily, Italy. The first night Phillip was home, he met up with Jake, one of his best childhood friends, and Jake’s now-fiancée, Michelle, at Hightops. Luckily, Melissa was there too. After a few cold ones, they all got to talking, and Phillip mentioned that he hadn't yet gone to the beach that summer because he was in California preparing for deployment. Ironically, Melissa and Michelle were leaving for Ocean City the next day, so without hesitation, they invited Phillip to Melissa’s family condo (thanks, Steiner clan). Of course, he gladly accepted. The day after, Phillip borrowed his sister’s car (thanks, Ver) and headed to the beach. Twenty miles outside of Ocean City though, Veronica’s car broke down. Phillip called his Dad & Mom, and fortunately, his Dad, Greg, was able to pick up and bring him a new car battery. After waiting for several hours, Greg reached Phillip. Together, they changed the battery, checked a few other things, but the car still Did. Not. Work. So, they arranged for the car to be towed home (thanks, Mr. Greg & Ms. Deanna). Phillip & his Dad contemplated driving home, but Melissa and Michelle insisted they stay after their long, crazy day, so they did. The next morning, Phillip and his Dad were getting ready to leave. As he was saying goodbye though, Phillip mentioned that he wished he could stay a little longer. Melissa said, “You can if you want!” Phillip looked at his Dad, and needless to say, Greg encouraged Phillip to stay and have a little fun before his deployment. So, Phillip stayed for the rest of the week with Melissa and Michelle. After many days at the beach, followed by fun nights at Fagers, Macky’s, and Seacrets, it was so obvious, Melissa started to catch feelings.

At the end of the week, Jake picked up Michelle, they headed to Bethany Beach, and Melissa and Phillip headed home. Melissa dropped Phillip off in Reisterstown and went to her parents in Parkton. Immediately, she called Michelle and told her how upset she was leaving Phillip. Naturally, Michelle convinced Melissa to text him, so she did. From that day on, they talked every day (thanks, Michy). After spending the weekend at home, Melissa headed back to the beach (thanks again, Nanny). She stayed for another week, but instead of returning home for a family event, she called her parents out of the blue, and said, “I am going to North Carolina.” Of course, her parents asked a million questions, but after explaining her feelings, they finally said, “Okay! Be careful, have fun, and keep in touch!” They must have trusted a Marine (thanks, Mom & Dad). Melissa headed to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. There, Phillip showed Melissa around base, introduced her to the infamous 'Group Chat' (Phillip's best Marine buddies), and took her to two of his favorite places, Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. They didn't have a plan, were completely spontaneous, and enjoyed every minute together. In a blink though, eight days went by, and sadly, Phillip left for Italy. Lots of FaceTime’s, letters, and care packages later, they made it through six, long months of deployment. When Phillip returned to Camp Lejeune, he drove home every weekend for the rest of his time in the Marine Corps, and the rest is history! It is safe to say, Phillip and Melissa are thankful for the unexpected events of Summer 2016. Sweet serendipity…that unexpected meeting that changes your whole life.