It all started with the modern-day equivalent of fate: The Swipe! Two middle aged, highly educated women – armed with lessons from the school of hard knocks and enough baggage to fill a small storage unit – found themselves chatting in the controlled chaos of an online dating app. After a few pleasantries and some eyebrow-raising questions like, “Do they measure up?” and “Am I wasting my time?” they decided to brave the ultimate test: an awkward Zoom call. The verdict? Mutual curiosity with a side of skepticism.

Fast forward to the first date, set in none other than the Stockyards of Fort Worth, Texas – Because nothing screams romance like the faint smell of leather and livestock. The initial hello was polite, but guarded, with both parties silently scoring each other on style, hygiene, and conversational skill. Over brunch, a game of verbal ping-pong ensued, filled with probing questions, cautious jokes, and a subtle dance of “Are you as intriguing as you seem?.” By dessert, walls were starting to crumble, and the pomegranate margaritas that followed helped smooth out the edges of their cautious beginnings.

By the end of the day, they had managed a few laughs, uncovered a surprising number of shared interests, and left intrigued enough to agree to date number two. Though they each rode off into the sunset alone that evening, something had clicked. The Stockyards might not have been love at first sight, but it was certainly the start of something worth exploring.

By the time date number two rolled around, Lisa had decided to skip the traditional “dinner and a movie” and dive straight into what she called The Grand Test! She invited Shannon to her granddaughter’s first birthday party – a no-holds barred romper room extravaganza, complete with screaming toddlers, sugar highs, and an occasional flying toy across the room.

Shannon had arrived at the party with a wrapped gift that screamed “I am thoughtful, but not trying too hard” (a bag of educational books, of course!). She was greeted by shrieking laughter and the watchful eye of Lisa’s middle daughter. Then came all the kids, Lisa’s three grandchildren and many friends – an unpredictable mix of sticky fingers, energy that defied physics, and the occasional sighting of a little blonde spider man catapulting from the stairs.

Through it all, Shannon remained calm. She endured frosting – laden hugs, held her ground during a game of toddler tug-of -war, and even cracked a joke that made the new crowd giggle. Lisa watched from across the table, impressed. Shannon handled the chaos like a pro – offering charm to the adults, patience to the kids, and even holding her breath when an odd smell wafted through the air. By the end of the party, Shannon had not only survived but earned the approval of Lisa’s daughter, sticky hugs from the grandkids, and a quick smooch from Lisa at the car.

On the drive home, Lisa smiled to herself. If Shannon could handle this madhouse with grace and humor, she might just be a keeper. Shannon, meanwhile, was already planning what to wear for date number three because let’s face it, if she could survive this, she could handle anything.

The next few years were a whirlwind of family gatherings on both sides, cross-country trips, and enough memorable moments to fill a scrapbook. Shannon criss crossed the country with Lisa to meet her five daughters, seven grandchildren, her mom, her cousin, two brothers, and a niece. Lisa, in turn, was introduced to Shannon’s world – complete with a love for visiting Amish country, antiquing, and embracing small-town, country living. Lisa braved Ohio and Tennessee like a champ, meeting Shannon’s sister and lineup of nieces and nephews. Lisa survived it all with a mix of humor and grace, even with Shannon’s enthusiasm for homemade quilts, jams, and butter churns that bordered on excessive.

But Texas – oh, Texas. After years of navigating its conservative landscapes and longing for a fresh start, Shannon decided it was time to leave the Lone Star State for greener and much cooler pastures in Minnesota. Without much hesitation, Lisa agreed to join her, proving once again that love sometimes looks like packing up your life and following your partner into the great unknown.

What followed was an adventure of epic proportions: acquiring a horse named Skye, adopting an energetic new puppy named Raina, moving not once but twice, Lisa finding a new job that felt right, and discovering shared hobbies like hiking, e-bike riding, and exploring Minnesota’s stunning landscapes. They even found a new church and have started to form a circle of friends who feel like family. Through it all, their love deepened, their bond strengthened, and Shannon realized Lisa was her forever.

So, one day, standing in the middle of a river at Gooseberry Falls, Shannon popped the question. It was not flashy or overdone – just a simple, heartfelt moment surrounded by nature, which suited them perfectly. Lisa said yes without hesitation and tears in her eyes.

Now, as they prepare to celebrate their love with family and friends in May, Shannon and Lisa cannot help but look back on their journey with gratitude and humor. The road that brought them here was full of surprises, but one thing has always been clear: their love is strong, their adventures are endless, and their future together is a no-brainer.