We met the modern way—online, through Bumble. Since the app requires women to make the first move, it felt fitting, as Rebecca is nothing if not direct. At the time, Erik was still on active duty in the Army, and Rebecca had just moved to Colorado from the UK for work, beginning a brand-new chapter of her own. Neither of us had a long history of positive dating or marriage experiences, so we came into it cautiously—but open. By pure timing (and a last-minute adjustment to age preferences), Erik—then 39—just made the cut. We decided to meet in person early on and instantly hit it off over margaritas at Fuzzy’s, chosen because it was perfectly equidistant from our homes. We talked so long and so deeply that we didn’t even notice the restaurant closing—until a server began sweeping not-so-subtly around our table. Rebecca knew from day one that Erik would be important to her. From the very first hug, she felt more at peace and at home than she ever had before—like her nervous system finally exhaled. Erik felt like he could finally breathe and be himself. From that night at Fuzzy’s onward, he knew he had found not only a partner, but a deeply rooted love that felt natural—it simply sat down in his heart and made it a home. Today, we are best friends in the truest sense. We cancel plans just to spend time together. There isn’t a skill we wouldn’t try or a trip we wouldn’t take side by side. We make an incredible team—sharing the load, solving problems, and choosing each other every day. After several years together, we made the intentional decision to build a family. We chose marriage thoughtfully and with joy while Rebecca was pregnant with our son, Easton—already the greatest reminder of the life we are so excited to continue building together.