My 32nd birthday started out as any other birthdays I have had. I woke up, thanked God for another year, got up, and got ready for work. To celebrate my 32nd year of life, I booked a dinner reservation for 1 around 7 that evening, giving me ample time to get there once my shift was over. That morning I decided to get a little more dressed up for work. I put on a cute floral patterned, knee length, flirty and flowy, open shoulder dress with some wedge heels. I went to work and was showered with love from my fellow co-workers. It was a really great day. The last patient of the evening needed a little more time so instead of leaving at 6 when the office closed, I left closer to 6:30. Once outside of the office, I pulled out my cell phone and was pleasantly surprised by all the birthday love I was receiving by way of voicemails, texts, and social media messages. I was smiling from ear to ear as I walked to my car, which was parked across the street from Firehouse No. 37. I walked this walk from my office to my car at least a thousand times before. But this time would be different. As I am smiling and walking, I hear a pleasant baritone say, "Hey, how are you?" I look to my left and see Scott, having just parked his truck, walking towards me. I replied with a smile, "I'm great. How are you?" We had a brief conversation in front of Firehouse and when he found out it was my birthday and that I was headed to dinner, he said he would have invited me in for a drink if I didn't already have plans. He told me he would love to see me and my smile again. Rather than give him my number, I gave him my business card***, and then I headed to dinner. ***Disclaimer: Now, anyone that knows me knows I am not conceited at all. With that being said, I get hit on all the time. But there was something different about Scott. That's why I gave him my business card instead of a no.

I had a really tough day of teaching on August 26th. 2019. I had a run in with a tough student and brought my frustration home with me. I decided to go down to Firehouse No. 37, a local bar and grill in the San Ramon Marketplace, and have a drink to decompress. I pulled into a parking space in front of Firehouse and as I was getting out of my truck, I noticed a gorgeous woman with a big beaming smile walking down the sidewalk towards my general direction. Of course, I said "Hey, how are you?" And when she looked at me, her smile mesmerized me. I knew I had to know more about her. We talked briefly in front of Firehouse where I learned it was her birthday. She mentioned she was on her way to dinner to which I told her that I would have definitely invited her in for a drink if she didn't already have plans. I asked her how I could reach her, she gave me her business card, and we went our separate ways. Not wanting to bother her at work, I had to come up with a creative way to get her attention. So after some cyber stalking (lol), I found her on LinkedIn and created my own account. We began to communicate through LinkedIn. I asked her how her birthday dinner went and found out it was a disappointment. When she agreed to go out on a date with me, I made it my mission to give her the birthday dinner she deserved.

Scott: Since she agreed to a dinner date with me and I wanted to make up for her disappointing birthday dinner. I knew I had to do something extra special for her. Through our conversation on LinkedIn, I found out that she loved Thai food. I also found out she was a vegan so I knew this date had to go well or there was no chance for us (lol). I invited her to Torsap Thai Kitchen in downtown Walnut Creek, CA. I got to the restaurant early and had the manager give me a tour so that I could find the perfect table for an intimate dining experience. I also tipped the hostess, showed her a picture of Stephanie, and instructed her to say "You must be Stephanie! Happy Birthday!" upon her arrival to the restaurant. While anxiously waiting for Stephanie to arrive, I went to their outdoor patio and sat next to the fire pit. To my surprise, Stephanie saw me sitting at the back patio and came walking towards me. She was a vision. Even though my elaborate plan was foiled, I was so happy to see her that I didn't care. We hugged and were sat at our handpicked table inside. Stephanie: We proceeded into the restaurant from the back and it was absolutely beautiful. When we sat down, the hostess came over and apologized to Scott (even though I was the one that went through the wrong entrance lol) and wished me a happy birthday. Our waitress was so sweet and made sure I felt extra special throughout our dining experience. When it was time to order our food, Scott actually ordered vegan just like me! I was thoroughly impressed and intrigued. At the end of dinner, they brought over a specially made birthday dessert for us to share. I opened the envelope he handed me and read my card. I was moved to tears by the thoughtfulness Scott was showing me as I had never experienced such an amazing date before. We took a walk through downtown Walnut Creek after dinner and continued to have great conversation and some great laughs too. Although we had a great time, it wasn't our time... Yet...

That afternoon, I was on my way to the San Ramon Valley USD office and was hungry. Though I had already passed the Marketplace, the thought of Trader Joe's popped into my head as an option and I immediately flipped a U-turn on Alcosta Blvd . What I didn't know at the time was that change of direction would change my life forever. While perusing the aisles in Trader Joe's, I picked up some sesame sticks for my Mom (her all time favorite snack). In their refrigerated section, I picked up a chicken wrap and then saw a package of fresh spring rolls. It actually took me back to September 10th, when Stephanie and I shared fresh spring rolls together at Torsap Thai Kitchen. I started to head to the register and as I turned around, my eyes locked into the prettiest smile on the planet. Stephanie Morrison was standing right in front of me. I was blown away that this kismet moment was happening and this beautiful woman was standing in front of me in the Marketplace once again. We had a really good conversation and I felt like the spark was not only there, but had even grown in our time apart. We both had to head back to work but talked about connecting in the near future.

I had gotten some disappointing news at the beginning of December that had me down in the dumps. I wasn't my usual chipper self and felt a little defeated. But when I was awakened by my alarm for work on Wednesday, December 11th, God spoke to me. He said "Enough, Stephanie. Stop throwing yourself a pity party, get ready for work, put on something that makes you feel good, and go to work with your head held high." I was obedient, got ready for work, put on a cute outfit that I felt great in, put on a pair of my favorite earrings, and went to work with my head high. It was a pretty usual day at San Ramon Family Optometry. Optician Chronicles and such. That afternoon, I was helping a patient that took a little longer than usual so my lunch break was pushed back a little later as a result. Once my lunch break actually came around, I was quite hungry. I went to the break room and realized that all I had to eat was a frozen burrito that I really didn't feel like eating. Since the new Trader Joe's was about a 1 minute walk from my office, I decided to go get something more appealing to eat. I walked into Trader Joe's, grabbed some fresh fruit and proceeded to the refrigerated section. I turned the corner and to my shock and elation, Scott was standing tall in front of me. Our eyes met and we both smiled. We had a brief conversation at the Trader Joe's register as I had to head back to work. We agreed that we would be in touch with each other but I was too eager to wait. So I sent him a text as soon as I got back to my office. SM: *smiling face emoji* SC: Seeing you today warmed my heart SM: Mine too. I needed to see your smile today. SC: Feeling is mutual for sure Let's set a time up when I can see your beautiful smile Ms. Morrison SM: What are you doing this evening? SC: If ur available, i'm gonna see u I believe in striking while the iron is hot *wink face emoji* SM: I'm off at 6. Where should I meet you?

Scott wanted Stephanie to meet him at Firehouse No. 37 for pre-dinner drinks and conversation. When they sat down, the conversation was amazing and it was apparent that the chemistry and connection between them was there to stay. Scott picked an amazing Thai restaurant for them to go to. They drove separately to Thai House in Danville, CA for it's intimate dining experience as the restaurant was a converted house. They had a beautiful meal and talked for what felt like minutes to them but was actually hours. They were at the restaurant until it closed for the evening. Before they left, they locked hands and looked into each other's eyes. Scott leaned over and gave Stephanie a soft kiss on the cheek. Stephanie instantly felt butterflies. As they stepped outside, hand in hand, there was no denying what was to come. Scott wrapped his arms around the small of Stephanie's back, looked into her wanting eyes, and they shared their first kiss. As if the evening couldn't get any more special, Scott told Stephanie that he had another surprise in store. He invited her to take a drive with him. After opening the door of his truck, he helped her get in (which he still does to this very day), and drove her to one of his favorite holiday spots. He had Stephanie briefly close her eyes as he turned into Woodland Drive in San Ramon. When she opened her eyes, they had arrived in a Winter Wonderland. The neighborhood is known for its elaborate and festive Christmas decorations and unbeknownst to Scott, this was right up Stephanie's alley. They drove through the village enjoying the lights, the music, and each other's company. He drove her back to her car and asked her for her keys. He then went to her car and started the engine so that the car had time to warm up inside on that cold evening. They shared one more warm embrace and they each drove home beaming with love in their hearts. That night... They knew...

On June 23, Scott and Stephanie embarked on an epic road trip adventure that took them through 9 states in 3 weeks of travel. Starting in Las Vegas, NV, they hit California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona. They had some amazing times with some close friends and family along the way. On day 16 of their journey, they had a beautiful drive through Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons (one of Scott's most favorite places on Earth). They arrived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming that afternoon and checked into The Wyoming Inn. Before going to dinner that night, Scott sat Stephanie down and lovingly reminisced about the day they met and everything they had experienced together since then. He then got down on one knee and popped the question. With tears in both of their eyes, Stephanie said "Yes!"