The Dating Chapter

We met in 2019, before covid times. Although we are not a covid couple, the changes that came with covid might have set up the perfect stage for a love story.

Our first date was in Santa Monica, a date that I almost didn't make. Matt is convinced that he won me over by saluting me as he said goodbye that evening; little does he know it was that big smile of his.

2020 and 2021 had some very difficult moments and also introduced us to opportunities we never thought we would ever get the chance to do, like live in Hawaii!

It was February of 2023, when Matt convinced me that we needed to take a trip back to the Hawaiian islands because we missed Maui pineapples, the beaches, Kona beer and mahalo life but also to celebrate Valentine's day. It was the third day in, on the pillbox hike, as I was looking out admiring the view when Matt said, "Stay there, I'll take a picture." As I turned around to ask if he had gotten an Instagram worthy shot I see him on one knee with a blue box and a shiny object in it. There were tears (from me), there was a slight black-out moment (for both of us) and, of course, there was a YES.

The End.