It was the Saturday after Thanksgiving 2021 and Marygrace (MOH) and her husband, Will were throwing a house party to celebrate her and her husband buying a new home and leaving their current home. It had been at that home where many memories were made and new friendships gained. Little did Rachael know This house party would change her life forever... After indulging in many Thanksgiving treats, Rachael debated if she wanted to wear real pants or sweat pants. After pulling herself together, she begrudgingly opted for real pants. It was a quick 20 minute ride to Marygraces' house and after arriving slightly late (typical) she sat on the couch and began catching up with her friends. It was early in the night when the door bell rang and she looked over her right shoulder to see down the hallway, Harley, an energetic malinois, run, slip and slam straight into the front door. The dog began barking excitedly as new guests had just arrived. The door swung open and almost as if in slow motion, Rachael saw Brandon in a black and white checkered flannel, blue jeans and cowboy boots. Her eyes were immediately caught by his smile and laughter from a joke made prior to opening the door. He stood with 2 other friends, Daniel and Rachel. Rachael quickly became nervous to see such a good looking guy and thought to herself "he's gotta be taken". She nudged Marygrace and asked if she knew who the boy was, but MG didn't know any hot deets. To get the party started, the friends began with a few drinking games. Marygrace began plotting a way to devise if the cute boy was single or not. Conveniently one of the first card games played had a "drink if you're single". Brandon and Rachael were the only 2 out of crowd who took a sip of their drinks. The night went on and a few more drinks + jello shots were had, leading to many laughs and small flirtations. At the end of the night (when everyone was safe to drive home), the trio who entered the party together were leaving at the same time as Rachael. After saying her goodbyes, Rachael was a few paces ahead of the trio and had reached her car when Brandon approached her. She wore a small grin on her facing seeing Brandon walk over and knew what he was going to ask...Of course Brandon fumbled a few words but eventually asked her for her number and if they could go out some time. She said yes and gave him her number. The next day Brandon texted Rachael and asked if she had any plans. She didn't and relayed as such, but Brandon DIDN'T MAKE A MOVE. He stated his own plans for the day and they continued chatting, leaving Rachael slightly disappointed. She was eager to see him again and being the shy girl she can be, obviously didn't want to make the first move. A day went by and finally Brandon asked her to 'set a date'. They choose the following Thursday evening and opted to go to Mellow Mushroom and close out the night at Billsburg Brewery, romantically located next to the James River with fairytale lights and cozy firepit stations. From that point on, Rachael and Brandon choose to spend as much time as they could getting to know each other. At times making up small 'excuses' such as needing to finish a puzzle they started on one of their earlier dates. They bonded over their competitive natures, love for fitness, dogs, travel, food and filled each other with simple joy of just being together. Together their love has grown into their favorite love story.....