In the swirl and chaos of my first night as a hostess at Beverly's, the moment of calm talking to Austin stood out against the rush. When I learned one of my duties was to clean the menus and the cleaner was at the sommelier stand, I was delighted to have an excuse to stand next to the handsome young man in the suit. I remember his kindness and the story he told me about his last name. Of course, I didn't know then that it would be my last name one day.

Our friendship began when Austin would come to the host stand to ask me how to pronounce french words. He already knew how to say them all (He is a level 2 somm after all), but he wanted a reason to talk to me and I was happy to oblige.

He didn't ask me out right away. Instead he asked me where he could find a good church. I invited him to join me at Canvas. He sat on the other side of the room. I thought perhaps I was wrong about his intents and he truly had no interest in me, only my church. Luckily, he asked if he could sit next to me next time and I agreed. After the second service, he met my parents and my mom invited him to lunch. Thanks mom!

After that day we have hardly spent a day apart. Our first week of dating we...

- picked up a crank shaft at a Spokane Dealership

- chose a new suit for his job at Beverly's

- Went out to lunch at Thai Bamboo

- Met his mom and dad for tea

- Went off-roading

- Helped Tiffany and Kyle move

- Had a surprise sunset picnic where Austin told me he loved me!

I was overwhelmed by his confession of love, but could see his sincerity written plainly on his face. Even though I wasn't ready to say it in that moment, I'm glad he said I love you "too soon."

Ice Skating in McEuen Park

Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises