He was ready to test out the dating app scene in St. Louis after moving from New Mexico. She was entertaining friends and coworkers with a slew of bad first date stories in her own weird season of The Bachelorette. They connected on a mutual hatred of The Office, love for their shared hometown of Chicago and Christmas, and the fact that he chose a “good” volume # for the TV to be on. He asked “what are you doing this weekend?” She said “going out with you.” He researched Christmas pop-up bars and made a reservation. He sported a mountain man type beard you’ve never seen since – she left the boot she needed for the decorating-related ankle injury at home for the occasion. He sipped water – the only keto-friendly menu item – while she sipped something warm and Christmasy and listened to this bearded engineer talk about curling, chess, and homeschooling – so much in common! He was a gentleman and unknowingly her human crutch while walking her to her car. After Christmas came date # 2. Patrick held his own at the neighborhood wine bar, and they left the saddest excuse for a comedy show halfway through. Patrick fell in love – with Charlie – while Erica and pinot grigio babbled on, apologizing for not having the house “guest ready.” On date # 3 Erica created a 7-course wine and whiskey tasting. Little did Patrick know this was all to butter him up for the next day when she said, “Okay let’s get to the point and see if this will work. How do you feel about [insert every controversial topic ever over the course of an hour].” For date # 4 Patrick “accidentally” let an “I love you” slip when Erica greeted him with a cold glass of whiskey…and now you’re invited to the wedding.