romance at JB's

Dating at an LDS school in Rexburg, ID doesn't exactly give you the "opportunity" to create a lot of romantic moments. Not that we were going to do anything crazy, but we really didn't have the freedom to be alone. Many people (my mother in law, for instance) would say this is a great thing because it keeps you chaste, but I disagree. People who want to have sex will find a way... all I wanted was a quiet place to talk! Aaron and I lived four hours apart and when we finally got to see each other, it was frustrating that there were so many people around! My roommates (love them to death) were party animals... and there was never a quiet moment at home, so we had to go elsewhere.

On February 4th, we found a more romantic setting than where we were the night before. One step up from the Clark building on campus was JB's restaurant. We didn't want to go to one of the "happening" spots in Rexburg-- we wanted to be left alone. We made ourselves comfortable in a booth at JB's and our waitress quickly realized that we were going to be there for a while. The night before was a serious conversation, but this was a whole new ball game. This is where we had the mother of all serious discussions.

Our DTR included changing summer plans, wedding dates, birth control, how many kids we wanted, where to go to school, where to live, career paths, financial matters, future goals.... you name it. By the time we left this restaurant, I believe we had covered all the bases (without leaving first base, if you know what I mean.) Sitting inside the restaurant discussing such important issues should have freaked me out, but it didn't. I let my guard down... and I was very comfortable, completely at ease. As anti-marriage as I was (especially at my young, fragile age) Aaron was the right guy and I knew it was going to be okay.

During dinner, Tim MacGraw's "My Best Friend" played three times and it became our song. Neither of us are huge country fans, but it fit and ten years later when I hear that song, I think of our booth at JB's. Who knew JB's could be so romantic? Out in the parking lot, the sparks flew. Before he opened my car door, Aaron kissed me and I felt it all the way in my toes. After the kiss, he put his forehead to mine and I said, "I'm going to marry you." Aaron smiled and said, "Not if I marry you first." I was officially swept off my feet.