Our skin had a fading glow from the tan we worked to capture throughout summer. The chill bit hard that late September evening. Those first nights temperatures hit the upper forties feel like snow could fall any moment. Goosebumps raised on our arms as the hairs stood at attention. The chill down my back made me shiver and roll my shoulders. We played it off as if this physical reaction was entirely from the brisk winds of autumn flowing in, but nerves were present too.
Jackie showed up exactly how I know her today - late, underdressed, and in a completely disheveled car. The fresh dent on the front passenger side bumper still had a few hairs left from the fawn she sent cartwheeling off the road the night before. Blood was visible on the impact site, too, but I convinced her mud was the culprit and that little Bambi was frolicking in the rolling forests and fields of her northern Massachusetts town. I figured that would help me get a second date. It was entirely more likely the deer had a broken limb, at least, and was destined to be a dinner bell for the coyotes.
Having been precisely on time, I grabbed a cocktail before meeting my date for the first time formally. A Mexican Mule. Tequila and ginger beer on ice in a copper mug garnished with a lime wedge was the perfect combination of strong and smooth, balanced with sting and crisp. Exactly what this former bachelor needed to take off the edge.
Manners and first impressions are important. Yet, despite arriving fifteen minutes behind schedule, Jackie was able to win me over that evening. It was due to equal parts of her charming, light hearted, quirky demeanor and how unbelievable she looked in those jeans. The crop top was an interesting choice. Very cute, especially coupled with the constant tooth chatter of her shiver as we engaged in conversation over drinks. We connected immediately over being former collegiate athletes, studying the same major, and sharing the value of 'family first.’ I kissed her good night. Struggling to not let the crooked grin break into a full smile across my face, I walked back to my car and we made our respective rides home. 
Although certainly hopeful, maybe wishful even, I do not think either of us allowed ourselves to think, “Could that have been my last first date?” Two and a half years later, I have the honor of calling Jackie my fiancee. On October 12th of this year, I will proudly make her my wife.