The future MR. & Mrs. sparks

In the festivities of the week before Christmas, the city of Baltimore was draped in twinkling lights and holiday cheer. On a Tuesday evening, Ben found himself at Pub Dog, a cozy pub known for its pizza and house-brewed ales. That night, after a few pints he was ready to call it early. Marissa, in contrast, was just getting started. On this particular evening, she was there to grab a bite after enjoying a some drinks from a neighboring bar. Ben noticed her the moment she walked in. She found a spot at the bar, next to him. He struck up a conversation and offered to buy her a drink. Their conversation bloomed and numbers were exchanged. Fearing that his inhibitions loosened by the social lubricant of beer may make him say or do something to scare Marissa away, Ben slipped out of Pub Dog while she was in the bathroom. The next morning Marissa had an apology text from Ben, he asked her out to make up for the night cut short. They met up that very next night. In a low lit speakeasy Ben and Marissa got to know each other better. Hours passed like minutes, and when the bartender called last call they moved on to the next bar that would be open for a few more hours. Ben left the state the next day to spend Christmas with his family. For the next week, they texted non-stop never running out of things to talk about. By his return on New Year's Eve, they were inseparable, and Ben invited Marissa to join him at his friend's holiday gathering. They kissed at midnight under fireworks, they both felt a sense of belonging, a confirmation of the feelings that had been growing between them while #sparksflew. It was a simple beginning, born from a chance meeting in a bar, but it held the promise of countless years to come.