Chapter One: The Old-Fashioned Way In a world of endless swipes and fleeting conversations, Sam and Reid met the old-fashioned way—online. What began as a simple exchange soon turned into something neither of them expected. Their first date was set at Bernie’s, a bar across from Wrigley Field with the Cubs playing. Reid, eager and a bit bold, ordered a Chicago Handshake, that made Sam pause and quietly question his judgment. But whatever doubts she had quickly faded. The conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter came easily, and before they knew it, they were cheering from across the street as the Cubs pulled off a thrilling last-minute win. Reid proved himself a gentleman, walking Sam home through the city streets to her apt. There was, however, one small flaw in his otherwise charming performance: his umbrella skills were... questionable. Sam arrived home completely soaked, thanks to Reid’s less-than-expert coverage. Despite the rain, she said yes to a second date. That night, they exchanged numbers—and in Sam’s phone, Reid became something new: Book. A story just beginning. Chapter Two: His & Hers As the pages turned, Sam and Reid began to write their story across the city of Chicago. They explored neighborhoods, discovering new favorite spots and sharing “his and hers” cocktails along the way. From dartboards to dinner tables, they learned each other’s quirks—what made them laugh, what made them competitive, and what made them feel at home. They tried new cuisines and somehow always found their way back to the comfort of watching reality TV together. It became their rhythm, adventure balanced with ease. Reid was constantly amazed by Sam’s deep knowledge of sports, a passion she carried with confidence and ease. Sam, in turn, was endlessly entertained (and impressed) by Reid’s ability to know a little bit about absolutely everything, especially the most random facts. Together, they built something, a partnership filled with curiosity, laughter, and just the right amount of playful competition. Chapter Three: The Families We Choose No love story is complete without the people who help shape it. Sam first met Lindsey at the wonderful age of four. From the very beginning, the two formed a bond that was impossible to miss. They spent time making homemade pizzas and dance parties in the kitchen. Before long, they became inseparable—a dynamic duo known for their laughter, and their impressive ability to team up and win board games against Reid. Sam later met Reid’s family at their annual family soirée. She stepped into the celebration with warmth and ease, fitting in as though she had always been part of it. The ultimate sign of acceptance came when she was invited into the kitchen alongside Reid’s dad, Ron—a role she was told was a true honor. Reid’s introduction to Sam’s family took him to sunny Florida, where he quickly found common ground with Pete. The two bonded over old-school rock videos on YouTube, sharing stories and laughter over a glass (or two) from Pete’s bourbon collection. In every direction, their worlds blended seamlessly—each family becoming part of a bigger, shared story. Chapter Four: The Coldest Day If you haven’t heard this story yet, it’s one for the books. It was one of the coldest days in January, the kind that only Chicago can deliver. The air was sharp, the lakefront quiet, and the sky had just faded into night. There, after sunset, Reid brought Sam to the edge of the lake. With the city behind them and the waves ahead, he got down on one knee. And in that moment—simple, cold, and unforgettable—he asked the question that would change everything. Sam said yes. Reid wasn’t finished. Knowing the true way to Sam’s heart, he had planned one more surprise: an engagement celebration surrounded by her closest friends and family. A room filled with love, laughter, and the people who mattered most. Chapter Five: To Be Continued… And now, we turn the page once more. Please join us for the next chapter.