Short answer: in a parking lot Long answer: Every Sunday, that Katie doesn't have a volleyball tournament and Ben isn't camping, we attend 9am mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Odenton. Afterwards we enjoy the warmth of Earl Grey tea (Katie) and black coffee (Ben) at a local coffee shop. On Sunday March 23rd, we kept to our routine and carpooled to the coffee shop. Pushing down nerves, I grabbed the ring box in my door compartment and walked around the car to surprise Katie. By the time she stretched and climbed out of the car, I was already on one knee holding the box open. Katie was speechless. I made it a sentence through a speech I planned before reassuring Katie that "yes, this is actually happening." I asked the important question and without hesitation she said "YES!". The rest of the day was filled with numerous facetimes, calls, texts, and emails spreading the news to our friends and family. Katie would tell you I forgot the most important detail. After responding "yes", I stood up, took the ring out of the box, and grabbed her RIGHT hand. It was at that moment that she came out of her shock and corrected me. Where would I be without her?
Katie will move to my house in Millersville, MD shortly after the honeymoon. I'm kicking my roommate out to make space. Sorry Zach! Katie is "suggesting" a few home improvement projects to be completed before her arrival. One of which is adding a door to the master bedroom's bathroom! Talk about being close to each other.
Katie and I work as computer engineers for Booz Allen Hamilton. She was assigned to a team across the hall from mine in 2022. Having started in 2019, I knew a handful of her coworkers. Those mutual friends would often take coffee/tea breaks and chat during the workday. As time went on, the work group became a full on friend group; grabbing dinner, hosting parties, playing volleyball, and just plain old hanging out. Katie and I took our time getting to know each other as friends. I ran into Katie on her way out of the office in February. She was heading to Ash Wednesday mass. She claims to not remember that encounter. Nevertheless, shortly after that, I texted her to see if she wanted to meet at a church for Sunday mass. She agreed and many months later I built up the courage to ask her on a real date.
Friday June 2, 2023 I picked Katie up from her apartment Friday evening for dinner at The Hideaway. She ordered the pulled pork sandwich with a side of brussels sprouts and I ordered the rueben with mac n' cheese. Despite our full stomachs, we drove over to Bruster's for ice cream. Katie tells me she had a cone with mint chocolate chip ice cream. I could guess what flavor I chose but really have no idea. We sat and talked for a while. The sun was setting and our ice cream was gone signaling, the end of our first date. I drove her back to her apartment and let her leave without a hug or kiss. Saturday June 3, 2023 It was a rare weekend. Katie and I had no activities on our calendar. After exchanging texts, we decided to play putt putt and eat at an Amish market. Katie was ahead on the front nine but I strung together a few miraculous birdies and came out on top. We loitered around the Amish market before ordering a cold cut sub to split. Thus ended our second date without a hug or kiss. Sunday June 4, 2023 Katie and I attended 9am mass. We weren't in a routine of grabbing coffee so parted ways after mass. By the time each of us reached our home, we realized we had no plans separately and decided to make plans together. Katie loves white peaches and wanted to make the trek to a Bethesda farmer's market in search of them. Neither Safeway, nor the farmer's market had white peaches. Turns out white peaches aren't in season until July. Despite the lack of fruit, Katie and I enjoyed a warm afternoon together. Katie would have to wait a while for that hug and kiss. Monday June 5, 2023 We joined our friend group for morning coffee and tea to discuss everyone's weekend. Katie and I lied through our teeth and recounted an uneventful weekend spent apart.