We met in college. I was the sorority girl, Dan was the workaholic. After a few dating disasters, a friend suggested Dan for my sorority Valentine’s dance. My roommate yelled, “She’s had a crush on him for two years!” So we schemed a secret double-ask, pretending I didn't know he was my date. He said yes. Shortly before the dance, he tragically lost a close friend. I confessed, told him he didn’t have to come. He showed up anyway. We danced all night and never stopped for going on 21 years.

Sure, Dan once hijacked a surprise party I planned for him, turned out I was the one getting proposed to. We’ve had big moments: wedding, two kids, building a boutique real estate company after a decade in social work. But our favorites? House is quiet, kids are asleep, us on the porch with wine or a cocktail, talking under our porch's white lights. It’s our reset button. Life’s messy, business is wild, but our porch reminds us we still really like each other and that’s kind of the secret sauce.

First purchase? A golf cart. Yes, seriously. We’ve dreamed of cruising the neighborhood, taking the kids to dinner, and naming her "Melissa Joan Cart." Then? A long overdue trip to Italy. We’ve built a life together but never crossed the Atlantic. No matter what, we’re throwing a block party: a funk band like we had at our wedding, champagne, dancing, family, friends, and local nonprofits popping up to spread the word on their mission. We love a good party! Emilie and Jeff, see you there!