It started how all great stories start: with a glass of wine and a slice of cheese. Or was it, a slice of cheese and a glass of wine. Regardless, it was the night Max finally used his opening line. It was so good neither of us remember, but it did lead to a first date. And then a second… The relationship blossomed as medical school came to a close. Max was already locked into returning to the mothership, Florida, while Brooke was slated for big things in Texas. Our first year in residency was filled with weekend getaways and Facetime goodnights (great preparation for COVID times). After a year of long-distance, Brooke moved to the sunshine state. It was a big year – she bunked with the brothers, embraced Browns Sunday at Max’s Uncle Rich and Aunt Hallie’s house (even though she is diehard Bengals fan), and survived the Rotatori Thanksgiving. Max wore stripes at the Martinez Family Bengals Tailgate, made tamales for the Christmas tradition, and indulged in homemade buñuelos and tortillas. The proposal was crafted to incorporate all of Brooke’s favorite things – the beach, a perfect sunset, her half-birthday (better time to throw pool parties in Cincinnati than December), and Max. The hidden photographer caught the moment that brings us to this day.