All good Cincinnati love stories start in the same way, an exchanged gaze over a plate of chili out with friends.

This first blush, assisted by singing brothers, would continue across the globe to Ireland, through numerous family events and time with friends. Over time, God worked wonders and made sure that everyone they knew was too busy or unavailable one night forcing the nervous laughter into what some have come to consider a "date" the first of many.

"How do you know someone loves you?" they wondered from opposite corners. "They tell you!", they quickly learned. More importantly, "How do you know if they want to marry me?" "They tell you!" All of these hard questions quickly answered throughout a saga of laughter, family and love.

Suddenly a regression, the formally smooth and quick communication and easy off the cuff chatter melted away one evening. Nate inexplicably wanting to go to the museum, an unorthodox stop off before dinner. Allie knew something was up. But what she didn't know is that Nate would ask her to spend the rest of her days with him... and had invited every family and friend in the tri-state area to celebrate the occasion with them. The first of many celebrations.

Written by Patrick Jenkins, Allie's dearest cousin

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