Sam and I met in the Fall of 2016. My opening line was, "I know a place that makes better mac n' cheese than you". Three trips back to his food cart, one bowl of mac n' cheese later, he final wrote his number down on a recycled check order, per my request. It was the first but certainly not the last time he was challenged, falling in love. On our first official date we were to meet for dinner at a Southern bistro. Crystal calls me midday to ask if she could invite two friends to join us. From day one I learned that Crystal is always asking for forgiveness rarely permission. I met her, and them, for dinner leaving with a nice peek on the lips and knowing the juice was worth the squeeze. Within a month of dating, Crystal, was head over heels falling into Sam's world which happen to mostly revolve around food, football, and dogs. The stars aligned with a Michelin star opportunity in Chicago at Next. Next was hosting a dinner in honor of Thomas Kellers' 20th anniversary at the French Laundry where Sam previously staged. Reservations acquired, flights booked, and the Chicago Cubs curse lifted, Sam knew the next morning that Crystal was the one. Crystal has always lived a fast-paced lifestyle, Sam, not so much. Trust that is easily given by Crystal is hard to earn by Sam, hence his five-year rule. It was the first but certainly not the last time she was challenged, falling in love.