SERA: After my friend urged me for months to meet her hubby’s coworker, I agreed. Then Mike didn’t call! Annoyed, I complained to my adult son, how rude! My son said, maybe he’s not ready yet. Give him a chance. When Mike texted, I hated to admit I was thrilled. MIKE: Excited for her number, I looked her up online and got intimidated. Successful and beautiful—out of my league! Took me 2 months to get the nerve. I proposed coffee so I could dip out early if needed. We talked nonstop for hours!

On vacation, we awoke in Seward, AK, unaware it would become one of our best and most memorable days. We hiked at dawn to a glacier, alone except for bald eagles. As Mike drove north through breathtaking views, Sera closed her biggest literary agenting deal yet. In Talkeetna, we toasted with local whiskey, then reached our inn to a crystal-clear view of Denali. That night, wine in hand by the campfire, we watched a rare two-hour Northern Lights show with the innkeeper and guests. Pure magic!

As empty nesters, we adopted 2 island rescue puppies, Jett and Marty. Our lives changed forever. Jett became lame after six weeks, endured 1.5 years of misdiagnoses; specialists; ER visits; a wheelchair; and constant care before walking again. Then Marty’s PTSD/anxiety led to attacks. After months of therapy/training, they’re now inseparable. Jett struggles walking on the road. We moved to the country and installed a fence so he can exercise. We’d use the money to help with their ongoing care.