The prologue, from her perspective:

There were some invisible strings in our story, like it was just meant to be. When in Key West with her mom, visiting their good friend Heidi Robson, Catherine heard about Ben for the first time. He was a firefighter turned ER nurse that was supposedly very cute and Catherine jokingly asked “why didn't you set me up with him?” The response was “OMG you two would be perfect together, but I’m not sure if he’s available”. Just one month later one of Catherine’s best friends Madison sent her a text that said “I met the perfect guy for you…His name is Ben Countryman”.

From his perspective:

It was a warm evening sometime in early August of 2021. I was hanging around on the patio of one of my favorite bars, Steiner’s Speakeasy, with a friend of mine. We were both enjoying a few drinks and good conversation. I was saying hello to all of the regulars walking by that I've come to know the last several years. Until one person named Madison stops by to talk to my friend. I recognized Madi because as far as I knew she's been coming here just as long as I have. It was odd that between everyone we both mutually knew, Madi and I had never met. Little did I know that meeting a stranger at our local watering hole would then lead me to be introduced to my future wife. It wasn't long after the conversation started that she said "You would be perfect for my friend Catherine" and of course I had to say "So, tell me about Catherine"

I was sold on trying to meet this "Catherine". However, first thing that Madison had to do before any kind of numbers were exchanged was to get an impromptu "background" check done. So after she spoke with the bartender, some other regulars, and with Catherine's approval, we arranged a group trivia night the next day at Steiner's. She looked great that day and I could tell she was nervous, but so was I. We were able to talk and get to know each other and it was an immediate attraction. The evening was fun and full of laughs.

So after a background check, pre approval, and a group interview, I was finally able to set up a first date. And what better date than the next day, Friday the 13th.

We decided on going to the Pour House at Machinery Hall that evening. Of course, me not thinking ahead meant I didn't feel the need to make a reservation. We got the best seat in the house, the very end of the bar.

She looked even better than the day before. She made me laugh and smile. I felt excitement and happiness all at once. I don't think we ever ran out of things to talk about. Following dinner we of course went to Steiner’s and another mutual friend said “Wait, you two would be perfect together”. Now this was the third person to say this. We looked at each other and realized this must be worth a shot.

Since then she's traveled across the country to see me, I've traveled across the country to see her, and we've both been able to travel across the United States together on a trip of a lifetime. I cannot wait to travel the rest of this lifetime together with her.