Low key: F*** 2020.

Alex recalls meeting Melissa during a "get to know Huntington" scavenger hunt. She was vivacious and wearing a badass jean jacket. Alex was wearing a Patagonia jacket and talked a lot about craft beer, which apparently made him seem like an annoying "bro." Melissa was underwhelmed to say the least. They both had significant others at the time anyway, so this is far from a story of "love at first sight." As med school took off, they fell into their routines: Melissa sitting in the front of the class with every shade of highlighter available, and Alex in the back (when he went to class). Eventually (about a year later), Alex endeared himself to Melissa by offering to fix her broken couch. Melissa was impressed by his carpentry skills, his perfectionism, and his kindness. The two subsequently became study and snack-sharing companions while preparing for boards. By fall of 2016, they were each single and decided to go on a “just friends” road trip to Asheville, NC. It was there where they had their first date: Alex treated Melissa to a Lera Lynn concert and wooed her with late night nachos. It was game over from there--the rest is history.

Melissa was OB post call and delirious. Alex told her that he wanted to take her fly fishing for their anniversary. Melissa tried to get out of this several times, as she has no interest in fly fishing and was very tired. He woke her at dawn to meet “Clint”--alleged fly fishing instructor, and Melissa was very confused as he drove onto the Blue Ridge Parkway (and away from the river). He strangely pulled over on the side of the parkway at a non-descript but really beautiful overlook. It was freezing and Melissa wanted to get back in the car, but Alex convinced her to take pictures of the sunrise on his fancy new iPhone, which effectively distracted her. When she turned around, Alex was on one knee with a gorgeous ring that he designed himself and had driven to Chicago to retrieve without her knowing two months prior! Melissa was completely surprised! The two of them then went to City Bakery for biscuits, and then back to their cabin for a nap--at which point Melissa's shock began to subside and she "Claire Danes" ugly cried, happy tears for about an hour. It truly was the best "fly fishing trip" ever.