First, let's go back to June 2014. Nicole stopped by the Waterford High School baseball field to see her brother's Legion game. She walked over to talk to Matt Johnson and Luke Beaney who were spectating the game with Dan Santos. As they were chatting, Nicole like's to claim that "Danny" was extra friendly...almost flirty. Matt and Luke like to joke that it was the liquid confidence, others say it was fate.

Fast forward to August 2014, when Danny was out in Glen Allen, VA, coaching in the Babe Ruth World Series. Nicole recieved a text from "Danny":

"Hey, it's Danny Santos! I slept with your brother last night."

Long story short, Nicole's brother Kyle, had joined the Waterford Baseball trip to Virginia and ended up sharing a hotel bed with Danny. Dan thought it would be a great idea to text his sister the next morning!

When Dan returned from Virginia, his first priority was a date with Nicole before they returned to their college campuses at the end of the month. In true PE teacher fashion their first dates included kayaking, hiking, and 9 holes of golf.

Nicole returned to CCSU and Dan returned to Springfield College. Dan visited Nicole within the first week of the semester and asked her to be his girlfriend. Nicole remembers it happening FAST, so fast, it was hard to keep Maura updated via text.

Almost 9 years, a house, 2 dogs, and a ring later; The rest is history.

Photos