Monica was standing in line at a book event behind a handsome young man holding John Henry Newman's Apologia. She complimented his taste and resolved to talk to him after the event... until she saw him sitting with another girl. The best ones are always taken!

As it turns out, Philip was not taken. He had been sitting with his good friend, Andrea, who later became a good friend of Monica's after they met through work. Andrea introduced the two at Philip's reading group in the summer, and they started dating in the fall.

After going to see a movie together as friends, Philip asked Monica out on their first "proper date." They talked for several hours over dinner at a French bistro, until the waiter finally asked them to leave so they could close. They braved the freezing cold to take a walk together and to look into the window of Second Story Books. After a few more dates, they made it official so that they could talk and browse bookstores together more often.

Several months and one pandemic later, Phil ordered Monica's dream ring and planned a beautiful proposal in her hometown. They got engaged on the grounds at the Basilica of Sts. Cyril and Methodius near Monica's house and, after sharing a special dinner together, they celebrated their engagement with both of their families over cake and ice cream.