RuthAnne’s Perspective We crossed paths time and again for two whole years before our first actual date. The very first meeting was in a coworker’s backyard, back when I was an EMT cadet with South Orange Rescue Squad and Chase was finishing his paramedic training at Durham Tech. Fast forward to a night shift in Efland. Chase casually mentioned he had a motorcycle (still claims it wasn’t flirting), and I stored that information away. When we happened to match on Bumble later, I used it as the perfect conversation starter. Despite somehow being at the same DU parties and even the same UNC football bowl game in Maryland without realizing it, we officially met through Orange County EMS. After a motorcycle ride to the Wooden Nickel in Hillsborough, the rest is history! Chase’s Perspective RuthAnne and I had been orbiting each other for years, through EMS shifts, Chapel Hill hangouts, and mutual friends, but our first time working together was at Medic 4 in Efland. It wasn’t technically a date, but I still joke that it should count: we had dinner at Ixtapa, spent the whole night together… just with radios attached and calls mixed in. Not long after that shift, we matched on Bumble. I will admit, swiping right on a coworker was nerve-wracking, but it was absolutely worth it. Staying true to her adventurous streak, she said yes to a motorcycle ride to the Wooden Nickel. We ended up staying much longer than planned, and the ride home was freezing, but unforgettable. Since that very first non-date date, life has been a whirlwind of good times and adventure - scuba diving, collecting passport stamps, skiing and snowboarding, more motorcycle rides, and time on the water. Somewhere among all those miles, mountains, and memories, we found that this is how we wanted our life to be. Cheers to a lifetime with someone who always says yes to every crazy idea and new adventure. Also, say hi to our cat, Chili!