Luke and I have known each other almost our whole lives because both our families are parishioners of Wein church (St. Mary’s of the Angels). It’s where it all started and definitely part of our story.

We always noticed each other and flirted from a distance but during high school we were never single at the same time. I will never forget this time Luke was being Luke - a turd! We (Salisbury High) were playing against Marceline at Marceline (Luke’s school). At half time, when we were walking off the field the guys were going to the locker rooms and I, as one of the football managers, was filling up water and many other things. Luke was walking in front of us with his mangers in front of him with a full tank of water asking the guys if they needed water. Luke though, to be a little butt, turns around to ask if he can have some water from me even though we both know he didn’t need it, nor would I give the rival any water. He had that huge ornery smile on his face. Later, little did I know, my boyfriend at the time saw or heard about it and was not too happy about Luke flirting with me! haha.

A couple of years passed, we both were in college and for the first time we were both single!! It was the Wein picnic and everyone was out, having a good time. Luke mentioned that they were going to Vicki’s house to keeping partying and I said “umm yes, I want to go!” So I went and had so much fun. Towards the end of the night, it was just Luke and I so I got the courage to try to make a move for our first kiss and it did NOT happen!!! Luke was a chicken and too scared to kiss me lol. I left wondering “hmm… ok, maybe he doesn’t really like me or isn’t interested in me like that but we were flirting all night....” Poor me I was sooo confused lol.

From then on we really didn’t see each other much unless we were both at church, which was once in a blue moon . We were in college at different schools and didn’t have friends in common. A couple of years passed and I had just graduated from CMU and was in Columbia. Luke messaged me on Facebook and we started talking again. We both decided to finally go on a date. For our first date we went out for Mexican food and then to the movies. It was by far the best first date I have ever had!!! My cheeks hurt from laughing so much and having the best conversations. He was a perfect gentleman and just so fun. We both didn’t want the date to end so we sat in his truck talking into the very early morning. It was finally getting to be time for me to go inside but we were both stalling to see who would make the first move. Finally I just asked him if he was going to kiss me! I think I caught him off guard but he did and it was like in the movies - sparks flew and I had butterflies. It was perfect!!!! Then I got scared . :( We were both on cloud nine but reality set in for me and all I can say is I ran like a deer in headlights. This time it was all on me and it sucked for the both of us!!! I called it off and told him I had too much going on and I just wasn’t ready to date. I knew I messed up and felt terrible but I was struggling with my own stuff and was just lost ... I know it sounds dumb but that’s what it felt like. After I called us off, I hated seeing him at church because not only did I have that guilty crappy feeling inside, I also had my mom - who absolutely LOVED Luke and thought he was perfect ( and still does.. 🙄) - reminding me every time she saw him at church. She’s say “he is just such a good guy and he loves kids and blah blah blah.” I remember being so annoyed with my mom because I’m not kidding you it was every Sunday or at least felt like it, that she’d say “Tegan guess who I saw a church today?” This continued and then it was time for the Wein Picnic again. My family was in line for the meal. I instantly saw Luke as soon as he came through the door. There was a super long line and I was around the corner so he couldn’t see me but I could see him. My nephew was in line with me so I kept asking him if I looked ok or if I had anything on my face. My nephew definitely thought I was crazy but I wanted to make sure I looked good. It had been 2 years since we talked last. Luke finally came around the corner. He saw me so I said , “hey, how are you?” He replied with a simple “good” and that was it. We really could talk but this was so awkward! In my head I was thinking… yep, he hates me and I’ve messed up big time! My hope just dwindled there and it was what it was. Wein picnic passed and I tried to forget about it and just go on. I knew it was my fault so I had to lay in the bed I made by walking away.

The same year, on my birthday, things weren’t going as planned. I was a bit disappointed but I looked down at my phone and I had a message on Facebook. It said “Happy Birthday Beautiful”. I was shocked it was from Luke. I have never been so happy and felt so special. It was perfect timing. I swear I had God in my ear saying, “Tegan this is your chance!” Literally from the moment I read that message I never looked back and it was like we never missed a beat! I knew Luke was my person and my true love. We went on our second first date the following weekend later and the rest is history. Like I said, I already knew in my heart he was the love of my life and I was not about to ever let that go again. :)