It all began on March 13, 2021, the day of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Dallas. Little did Andrew and Taylor know, this would be one of the luckiest days of their lives.
As the sun was setting on the Dallas skyline, Andrew entered HG Supply Co. with four of his closest confidants.
Andrew and his friends noticed a long table, at one end was filled with a handful of other people. As they swiftly made their way to the other end, Andrew made eye contact with a beautiful woman sitting at the head of this table. Andrew would eventually be seated face to face (albeit far away) with the woman who had caught his eye. Over the course of the evening, they would catch eyes many times only to look away quickly so as to avoid being caught in their escapades.
Eventually an ounce of liquid courage would begin to fall upon Andrew. He thought to himself "Maybe, just maybe, this is my moment". He noticed one of her friends had left the table and one of the seats next to this mystery woman was open. This was his moment.
He walked over to introduce himself. He sat next to the woman (at the time of writing he cannot confirm nor deny if the seat was requested). They began to talk. This girl did not seem quite interested. Nonetheless, Andrew was sure in only a few moments this will turn around.
It didn't. However, as this girl does not seem to have anyone to enjoy her company, he continues asking about her. As the words freely flowed, things began to loosen up. This was all Andrew needed to reach into his pocket, pull out his phone, and go into Contacts.
"I don't want to give you my number, you're just some random bar guy" Taylor said (exact words).
Ouch. This wouldn't be easy for Andrew.
He began to describe his harmless nature and things started turning around. However, Taylor needed confirmation from outside sources.
"Are those your friends down there?", she points to the other end of the table as he looks and catches eyes with the gentlemen looking back at them.
"Yes", Andrew says, hesitantly. She goes to the other end of the table. The journey to the other end only lasted a few moments, but in Andrew's shoes, it felt like a lifetime.
Taylor comes back. "OK, I'll give you my number."
Relief washes over. Success. Determination. Love.
Andrew and Taylor had both waited a lifetime for a moment like this.
Over the next couple years, they began to cross those relationship milestones. Going on their first date, meeting each other's friends and family, trash talking on who is truly America's team, the Cowboys or the Chiefs. They eventually learned no one would ever win those conversations. Visiting each other's colleges and hometowns. Traveling across the country with friends and their annual bae-cation. Working through their foodie bucket list, while seemingly adding three new restaurants for every one crossed off.
Then came the engagement. Andrew's coordination with Taylor's parents and best friend to decorate their apartment while he took Taylor out on a nice dinner date. (Yes, this was one of the restaurants on their list). As they walked into the door after dinner, Taylor was shocked when she saw the flowers and candles lining the ground leading the way to a sign that said "Will you marry me?".
It was the easiest "Yes" of Taylor's life.