Emily's Version:

Our story began like many days we've spent together - on the soccer field. It was on my first night as a 7U-8U Hive coach at Elkhorn Soccer Club that Shaad was training his high school boys on the next field over. So struck by the effortless way I can corral a group of tiny terrors, Shaad begged his boss, Rob, to hire me on in an office role so he could see me every single day at work. I accepted the position as Marketing Director of ESC in 2018 and took my place at the head of the conference table that our office of 5 shared, right next to Shaad. Shaad kept his cool for about 2 months, until one fateful February night.

After a coaching event, a few of us went out in Benson - a hipster bar/restaurant scene in Omaha. Shaad and I were the first ones there and this is where we had our first real conversation (Shaad tended to prefer not speaking to anyone in the office unless it was absolutely necessary). This conversation did not have any particular sparks but I enjoyed getting to know him outside of the office a little bit. Fast forward to the end of the night after several hours of karaoke and one masterful performance of Santeria by Shaad, I finally felt a spark. However, I continued to emphatically deny any connection for the next 3 months (ask Anne). It wasn't for a lack of effort from Shaad, though. He even went as far as to intentionally leave his wallet at my apartment just so I would have to call him. Finally, after watching him lose in the state final, the "homies" took Shaad out for some consolation beers and I can't explain why, but I was in. He drove me home that night and we stayed up until 5 a.m. just talking. It is still one of my favorite nights of us.

All I can say is thank goodness he chased me so hard! It's been nearly 6 years of pure bliss and I can't wait to spend a hundred more with him :)