We first met at the Utah Public Health Laboratory. With the soft humming of the biosafety cabinets, centrifuges whirling and the COVID pandemic on the rise, love was in the air. Nico said, "Let's walk the dogs" and then we went on a hike. That weekend we became more than colleagues. Stevie said, "Are we sure this is a good idea?" Nico said, "Who cares, I'm French!" Stevie got a job offer the following Monday so problem solved! Only two more awkward weeks working together and then romance abound.

Stevie and Nicolas were enjoying a Saturday brunch, eating oysters (a Stevie and Nico favorite and new tradition!). For the first time ever, Nico did not finish his meal. His heart was racing, his face was red and Stevie was worried that he was sick. Finally, our waiter, Gabriel, appeared and asked if Nico is French. Nico saw this as a sign. They chatted back and forth in French slang to be sure Stevie did not understand. Next thing, the waiter was preparing to take (yet again) more photos and Nico was on his knee!