1 yard, the closest distance between Jen & Michael before they met. Michael's daughter's 16^th birthday party, the local 5:30 am spin class, Oak Valley Middle School Graduation, Del Norte High School Graduation. All places Jen & Michael were both at the same time, but never met.

Encouragement from a friend and a big sale at eHarmony enticed Jen to finally officially join and view profiles. Michael had joined some time before and never cancelled. Neither were expecting much. She clicked on a suggested match, he clicked on hers too. They lasted the long and laborious question and answer process. He excelled on her excel spreadsheet, she excelled his expectations.

They met at Crepes & Corks in Del Mar.
He paid in cash with a $100 bill, but got so caught up he forgot to get his change and left a $40 tip.
She wondered if it was a pick-up scheme.

It was a weekday work and school night.
He took her to his favorite casual place, Chipotle.
She splurged and ordered guacamole. The bar was set.

He suggested dinner at the Rancho Sante Fe Inn, where he knew one of the head chefs. She said sure. When checking in, he saw his chef friend who asked his plans for the evening. He said he was going to propose.

He sprinkled rose petals on the walkway, set up champagne and truffles, laid out a handmade scroll with the Beauty and the Beast prologue for her to find. Yes, HANDMADE. The bar was raised. She found the scroll, he got down on one knee and proposed, For who could ever learn to love a Beast? Could you, Would you?
He always said she was the beauty and he was the beast. She knew the truth of his kind heart.

She said yes. He was her fairy tale. She was the one that changed the equation.
One or the other or both may have shed a tear or two.

Thank you to all their friends and family in helping this fairy tale be created and to all those that are helping them celebrate on this day.