It all began when I sent the first message to Connor on Bumble, saying, “Hey. Nice smile.” He replied, “Hey! Thanks! Your eyes are to die for!” From that moment on, our connection felt effortless. We texted continuously, each conversation flowing into the next as we got to know one another.

After just three days of talking, we decided to go on our first date at Boards and Brews in Manchester, NH. From the moment we met, everything felt so natural. We were so caught up in conversation that we never even played a single board game—we simply talked and laughed the entire time. When the evening came to an end, we both went home with smiles on our faces, already excited for when we’d see each other again.

That night, Connor texted me to say how much he enjoyed the date and that he’d love to take me out again. I gleefully agreed, my heart already fluttering with anticipation.

During one of our conversations, I had mentioned how much I love cheesecake. So, for our second date, Connor completely surprised me by baking a homemade cherry cheesecake for me to enjoy after our date. I was beyond touched by his thoughtfulness. After that sweet surprise, he drove us to the coast, taking me to Marginal Way in Ogunquit, ME.

As if the evening wasn’t magical enough, we arrived just in time for a Christmas parade to begin as we stepped out of the car. After the parade, we strolled hand in hand along Marginal Way, taking in the crisp ocean air and the soothing sound of the waves. On our way back, the celebration continued with a bonfire and fireworks lighting up the beach. We stayed to watch, wrapped up in the moment—and in each other—before ending the night with a cozy dinner and a peaceful drive home.

From that date on, we’ve shared countless adventures together—exploring new cities, going on spontaneous dates, and creating memories that we’ll cherish forever. From the bright lights of New York City to the vibrant streets of Chicago, we’ve loved every moment spent discovering the world—and each other.

C&O