Tyler and I had known each other for some time. We have a giant group of mutual friends in Lutz, where we now live. One summer weekend back in 2018, a group of our friends went out on Lake Padgett for the day. I had no idea Tyler was going to be there, and I absolutely panicked when I saw him walking up. You see, all of my girlfriends knew how much of a "thing" I had always had for Big Big (Tyler's well-known nickname, for those who don't know). Everyone had such a fun time that day, but unfortunately I didn't have nearly the gall to actually talk to Ty. Fast forward to the following weekend. We all got together for a football game over at Crawford and Clint's new house. Again, I nearly fell over as everyone told me Big Big was on the way over. And again, it was a "hey" and head-nod. I was so ridiculously nervous. But to my surprise on the drive home, my phone lit up. It was a text from Tyler, asking if I would like to go out sometime. I'm sure y'all can just imagine my reaction. We went on our first date that following Friday after I got off work. I met him at the Lowry Park boat ramp, and we took a ride down the Hillsborough River to get some dinner at Rick's. We had the absolute best time together. Here we are, four years later, and every time I look at him, I get that same feeling - simply elated and so in love with my favorite person in the world.