Rory and I met through work. The first real interaction we had was him buying me a drink. He was so funny. He walks right up and offers to buy my a drink and what I had last. He ordered the shot and I watched the bartender pour it and I took it straight down. I look over at Rory and he is just sipping on it. I asked "what are you doing?" He let me know he can't do shots and when I asked why he ordered it then he just said he wanted to impress me. I laughed a lot and we ended up trading numbers by the end of the work trip. We spent a lot of time talking because I lived in VA and he lived in NC. After a few months of getting to know each other over the phone we decided to meet. We planned a trip to VA Beach together and spilled everything up front. We spent a day getting horribly burnt on the beach with sunscreen that did not work, then spent the night chasing the stars on the beach. It was really clear to me then that even with the distance I wanted to try this out. One of our big discussions involved marriage. We both had 2 divorces down. Marriage was super low on the priority list for us both and I was clear that I was not leaving if there never was going to be a ring. We spent some more months talking and meeting each other. I met his kids (I love them both beyond measure) and he met Lexi (he treats her just like his). I spent time with his parents and introduced him to my crazy but amazing family. My mom who went into meeting him with caution and hesitance, my track record isn't great, immediately adored him. This is one of my favorite stories too. **Small back story mom shattered her femur a few years prior and we tend to be over protective because of it** Mom had climbed onto the dining room table to use the pull cords for the light and fan on the vaulted ceiling. I was fussing over her doing it asking her to get down that someone else can do it. She was arguing it was fine. Rory happened to wander in and I asked him to do something (mistakenly thinking he'd offer a hand and help her down)..... He looked up and down, patted his pockets, shrugged saying "I'm sorry I don't have any 1's" and walked off.... My mom almost fell off the table laughing and she loved it. He was instantly part of us. He got her one of her favorite mugs "Worlds Okay-est stripper" and she loves the joke. Rory stayed with me and supported me through a major stroke, loss of mobility, a long fight to regain it, ups and downs, my anime and gaming obsessions, my love (one may call it "obsession") of birds, moving to chase my passion and so much more. I found myself constantly kept on my toes and always feeling cherished and supported in ways I never had before. I honestly didn't think we'd take this step. I am so excited to but it never was a "must" for me. I cherish the family we have built strong bonds with, Amanda and Sam especially included! I have so much love and joy that we get to move forward and experience more things together and we are so excited for you to join us on this next adventure!

We were on a business trip to Nashville for sales. I'm not a salesman by trade so bossman wanted me just to go. Step 1 to fate! The first night I met Melissa during the cocktail hour along with many other sales persons and owners. The next day after classes the majority of the class decided to go to the bars and clubs downtown. By the second bar we were all hanging out in a group of 10-15. I bought everybody a few rounds and at this point it was small talk between Melissa and I. I watched Melissa go to the dance floor to babysit another sales girl trying to party too hard. I followed down and just kind of awkwardly hung out. Several of them went to the bar and were doing shots. I went up and asked could I buy her a drink. Figured might get me more one on one time. I ordered couple of the same shots they just did. When the bartended put them down she slung it back. ( I mean she doesn't even chase men I'm guessing lol) I pick my glass up and start sipping on this shot glass.. She looks at me kind of funny and says what are you doing. I respond with I cant do shots. M: Why did you order them R: I was trying to impress you I guess which at least gained me a laugh. We started hanging out more through the night and having a great time. I even had to literally fight of a dude in her honor. The next day we we talked more during lunch and exchanged numbers. Over the next few months we talked and texted everyday and got to learn about each other. We discovered things that are important and future related desires. Did we want more kids. No.. care about marriage ..nope we are both 2 down on that side. Honestly I'm already super hooked at this point. We decided its time to meet back up and hang out again. Our first "Official" Meet was in Virginia Beach! We arrived for the long weekend and immediately went out to visit the boardwalk, shops and eat some dinner. Had a wonderful time. Once back at the hotel I explained I need to get my suitcase from the car. She had to do the same. We laughed since we were like well if we need to get out we can just be gone. The weekend went awesome except for being sun burnt lol. We had another meet up weekend in DC to visit and see the sights. This was another amazing weekend and I couldn't keep my eyes off or her. We now have decided after few more weeks of talking to visit the others home. Melissa came to the my home first to meet the family. Within 30 seconds of walking in the door my son says " Wow dad you got a lot of girlfriends". Which in my defense he had met 2 in 2 years. I was horrified and just figured well that's it. She laughed and said kids are crazy. The next trip was to meet her family. I got to meet just about everybody in one go. Apparently calling somebody's mom a stripper on first meet is the way to go. We all got along famously and I could already tell that these were my people. I felt very accepted from day one with them and they were already family. After months of traveling back and forth each weekend, Melissa & Lexi moved to NC with me. We lived doing our little family thing for several years and it never felt off or bad. Just further pushing " She's the one" .We traveled together, knocked off bucket list items and just really enjoyed doing things and being together. We had another big step when Melissa accepted a job in Asheville. I figured it was my time to follow her since she had for me years before. Honestly one of the best decisions ever, I get to watch her living a dream everyday and also help make her dreams come true. It was time... I planned out a day to go hiking and to the devils courthouse. We saw bald and golden Eagles and even different states. I pointed out a eagle nest to her and as she was looking through binoculars while I was waiting on one knee claiming" Hey look at this shiny thing here." She said YES. As to say it was the best decision a pair of falcons whizzed by to congratulate us. So know another journey begins with the true love of my life.