Written by Chat GPT:

Stephanie and Thatcher's love story began in the most serendipitous way - at Taryn and Luke's enchanting wedding. Although they barely noticed each other amid the celebration, fate had a grander plan in store for them.

Fast forward to a time when Stephanie found herself living with Taryn and Luke. Little did she know that Taryn's younger brother, Thatcher, would soon become a significant part of her life. Thatcher had moved to Santa Barbara in 2020, seeking refuge from the COVID-forced music halt in Arcata.

Thatcher became a regular visitor, swinging by bi-weekly to assist with training Chia or occasionally declining housework offers from Taryn. A friendship gradually blossomed, built on shared interests and genuine companionship.

The turning point came during a cozy house party hosted by Taryn and Luke. Stephanie and Thatcher found themselves engrossed in a conversation about the universe and books, laying the foundation for something more profound. Stephanie started falling for Thatcher, captivated by his intellect and charm, though he remained oblivious, thinking they were just friends.

Stephanie's excitement for Thatcher's visits grew, and in an attempt to spend more time with him, she covertly organized a Halloween Party. To her delight, Thatcher showed up, dressed as a pirate, adding a dash of adventure to the festivities.

As 2020 drew to a close, Thatcher proposed a New Year's Eve sail to Santa Cruz Island. Determined to be a part of the adventure, Stephanie went to great lengths, changing her Denver flight, undergoing a rapid COVID test, and making the journey to join him. The trip proved to be magical, revealing Thatcher's incredible leadership and sailing skills, and Stephanie began to sense a deeper connection forming.

Thatcher, though still unaware of Stephanie's feelings, admitted, "You know? I'm a Steph fan." Yet, the friends continued their platonic dance. It wasn't until Alia, with impeccable tact, invited Thatcher to a Valentine's Day Fig Mountain Hike, that Stephanie finally had the opportunity to express her true feelings.

After the hike, in a guise to show Thatcher her new apartment, Stephanie found a moment alone with him. With courage, Stephanie confessed her feelings, unveiling the emotions that had been brewing for so long. After a week of non-stop texting Reddit posts to each other, Thatcher reciprocated, realizing that the connection between them ran deeper than friendship.

And so, on that romantic Valentine's Day hike, Stephanie and Thatcher's love story officially began, a modern-day tale of two souls finding each other amidst the twists and turns of life. From the pirate-themed Halloween party to the New Year's Eve sail, their journey was filled with laughter, adventure, and a love that was destined to endure the test of time.