How does one write about the ephemeral, intangible moments that coalesce into a storybook love story?

I suppose we should start at the beginning. Adam and I (Britany) first met on Friday, May 13th in 2022. It was a classic scene—I was visiting Wartburg campus in preparation for the coming fall, and Adam was almost finished with his first year in the Master of Divinity program. He was playing guitar for a camp-themed chapel service, and I was the rambunctious newcomer who really enjoys repeat after me songs. It was joy at first sight! Adam later joined my mother and I for lunch that day, and he has since confessed that he found me quite cute. (And he left an impression on my Mom; she remembered him months later when I told her we were dating!)

We met again during Prolog Week in the fall of 2022. I (Adam) remember Britany being a shining and joyous presence wherever she was. I invited Britany to come with me to Beer and Theology. During the car ride, we couldn't stop reminiscing and laughing at the different cartoons and tv shows we grew up watching. It was at this point I confirmed that I had a crush. Throughout the first half of the semester, Britany and I would spend more and more time together in Spiritual Practice class and with other friends. Then, in the middle of October, she wound up contracting COVID.

It was a miserable week. I (Britany) had been stuck in my room for days on end, only seeing and talking to the floating heads on my computer screen during classes. Otherwise, I was coughing and curled up in bed. My classmates were kind and did their best to include me in things...which eventually led Adam to dropping off a brownie at my door. And it was in that moment, watching him walk down the hallway and laughing at the drive-by joke he made, that I realized I missed talking to him. Out of everyone in the castle, I most missed talking with Adam. So, the next day, I invited him out on a date!

Prior to the date (I, Adam, had no idea it was a date), I had asked Britany to join in my Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Part of the date was editing her character after going to a Chinese Buffet, and then building a Halloween gingerbread house together for our next gathering. It was noted by my roommates how much we were flirting while making the house. I noted how close she was sitting next to me on the couch while editing her character. All the while, I was wondering whether this meant she also felt something for me...

...he wasn't wrong. I felt more than a little giddy whenever I was around Adam, now that I'd recognized my crush. So, I made it a point to seek him out. We sat together at lunch; I invited him to join me for a birthday celebration and spent quality time talking with him after DnD sessions. But Adam is a cautious guy, so he played down our interactions. About a week and a half after our first date, I decided it was time to really make my position clear. After a bad day at school, I sought Adam out and asked to borrow his shoulder. I think he finally got it, then. That same week, we both sat together at the Oktoberfest party, and we weren't exactly...subtle...about our attraction. Apparently, we put on quite the show for our friends who were Zooming in to watch the festivities. Oops?

Finaly having a pretty good idea that she was interested in me, I asked Britany to come over on Saturday, November 5th and watch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. She rested her head on my shoulder with my arm around her the whole movie. Afterwords, we decided to go out to eat for supper. I walked up with her to her dorm to pick up her purse, and once we made it up the hill, she asked me to be her boyfriend. I happily said yes!

I'll admit I was embarrassed, but not really nervous, to ask Adam out. I knew he'd say yes. I just didn't want to wait! So we went out, had a lovely meal, and since that night, we've made history. We've built a strong foundation of trust and communication. I know I can rely on Adam when I'm weak, and Adam knows he can do the same. My favorite thing about him is his cuddly nature! He goes out of his way to give hugs and little embraces of affection. Honestly? I'm so grateful God led us to each other. Adam really is my perfect complement, and we are both extraordinarily blessed.

I could not have put it more eloquently! I have been so blessed to meet and fall in love with Britany. Ever since she pulled me in with her beautiful smile and welcoming presence, I have been the luckiest man on Earth. One thing I love about Britany is her playful and curious nature. Her desire to see new places and try new things is infectious. I can't wait to see where all we will wind up in our journey together.