January 2

Nine years ago today Rory and I started dating. (And I didn't have a digital camera then. So this picture is from five years later...)

We both had our eyes on each other before January 2, but this was the night that set the rest of our lives in motion. This was the night that Sara was singing the national anthem at the Minnesota Wild hockey game. Lots of Groves family and friends were invited, and I was there for some childcare and to take in the game with everyone else in the box reserved for us.

I had heard countless stories of this successful younger brother, Rory. Enough to make me very, very curious. He sounded like he took work too seriously. Sounded grounded and moral and quality. I always say that I fell for his family before I fell for him. I knew every member before I met him. And I concluded that if this guy came from this incredible family, he must be incredible too.

So we met up at this Minnesota Wild game. Completely ready to meet the other. Emails had been sent letting us know that either of us were welcome to bring a date. Jokes were made that we should bring each other. And I held my breath. Neither of us brought a date. I was hopeful.

All night I kept my eyes on him. Aware of where he was. Trying to play cool. Eventually we started talking. And kept talking. And talked some more. And once I came up for air I realized we were being watched. Like by everyone.

I drove back with Troy and Sara and was asked what I was doing the next night. Troy gave me a heads up that Rory might be asking me if I was free.

It's a good thing he did. Because as we all met up at the house we carpooled from, everyone to get their own cars, Rory approached me in the driveway. But so did our future tax guy. And the three of us talked there, the future tax guy telling us a story while I waited for Rory to ask me out. I stayed and listened and waited an awkwardly long time until it was just the two of us, standing in a Minnesota driveway in January. And then he told me he was glad I stayed and asked me if he could take me out the next night.

And I said yes.