That Day...

I remember it like it was yesterday... It was hot--very hot--outside, there was a game on the tube, the grill was going, and gin was in the cup. I felt alone in the world, until I met you.

I was grilling flank steak, trying to use a new recipe since I couldn't find the spices I needed for my old recipe... It was my usual weekend attire at the time--navy blue knee-length cloth shorts, and a white t-shirt, most likely with a hat on, backwards.

Little did you know that I had seen you before, but only a glance. I thought you were beautiful then, and you're just the same today...

You made the gutzy move of yelling down to me first, my tongs in hand turning the beef, my Shakespeare's cup sweating from the humidity... If heaven existed and had a voice, it would be yours... I heard it and my heart melted, backflipping and jumping for joy, all while my brain was telling me to focus, and stay calm--"you have one chance, don't mess it up..."

We chatted, small chit-chat, introductions, informal... I'll never forget it. Then, you saw my roommate, and he stole you from me--but only temporarily. At the time, he was a small, four-legged being, with pink-padded feet and a black batman mask to go with his formal attire... He was a kitten at the time and lured you over for a more proper introduction.

Little did I know, that he would end up being the one knowing more about our relationship leading up to our wedding, than anyone else in existence. He saw the beginning, and he's seen the progression. He's never seen an argument, but he has seen deep discussions and long kisses. He was the mute roommate that could only listen, but never give advice--which looking back, was probably the best thing to have at the time. He's a lot like his roommate, he loved you unconditionally since he first saw you.

It was very hot that day, our conversation was brief, but it was to be continued. We shared very few similarities, but looking back, it was for the better. Nobody in their right mind wants someone who is just like them, or what they're used to--it's pointless, there's no fun in re-learning what you already know.

You came into my life like a flash, like a sweet-sounding, soon to be Cardinals fan. Someone who rarely ate breakfast, someone who didn't know that a proper steak was. Little did we know at the time, we were meant for each other. You gave me the time I needed to figure it out, though I drove you nearly mental during the process.

Three years later, we're 8 months out from the purchase of our house, and 8 months away from our wedding... You will be beautiful on the day, deserving of the spotlight... My mind has trouble imagining it, I honestly try not to think about it--I want it all to be a surprise.

I can't wait to marry you...

~G