As businesses slowly began reopening after COVID, Michael and I met for the first time on the beautiful grounds of Belmar Beach, NJ. Michael had just moved to Belmar earlier that year, while I had spent many of my summer weekends enjoying the Jersey Shore. We had planned to meet at DJ’s Bar and Grill. I don’t usually drink—especially not on a first date—but I thought it would be a fun and lively place to meet up. The bar was packed and incredibly loud that day. Then Mike called and asked if I’d rather meet outside instead—just to walk and talk along the beach. At that moment, he stole my heart. Little did he know, long walks on the beach or along the boardwalk are one of my favorite things to do in the summer. We talked for hours, completely losing track of time. Before I knew it, it was nearly 10 p.m. on a Sunday night, and I still had a long drive home. We had such a great time together and discovered we had so much in common. As if that wasn’t enough of a coincidence, we found out that my dad and Mike were working for the same company at the time. We didn’t spend a dime on each other that day—proof that love doesn’t have to cost a thing. In that moment, something deep inside told me, “He is the one.” From that day forward, we both knew our lives were about to change forever.