So five years ago today, Zac and I went on our first date. Can you believe how much has happened in five years? It's crazy!!! But awesome, none the less. So in honor of that wonderful day, I'd like to share the details with those of you who don't already know the story.
Downtown Bloomfield, at the Memorial Day Parade. Sarah sat near the lawn of the Kennedy Funeral Home with her family (puppy included) keeping a lookout for her cousins and secretly hoping to see that stud known as Zac Steele. Sure enough, up came the Boy Scouts marching past Pickle Park and he was right at the front, full uniform and all. Her heart skipped a beat, wondering if she should call out to him, or just wave flirtatiously. She opted for the wave, not wanting to seem too eager. If only he would look her way...then, EYE CONTACT! Her heart pounded as his beautiful blue eyes met hers and she casually waved her fingers and gave him a smile. She enjoyed the rest of the parade, but made sure to keep an eye on him as he neared the end of the parade route at Elton Park. As soon as the BCS marching band passed, Sarah couldn't help but make her way to the food stands as fast as possible, shouting to her parents over her shoulder, "I'll catch up with you guys later!"
She searched, almost frantically, for just a glimpse of that handsome guy. But he was no where to be found. Sarah spotted her cousin and started walking toward her. Her heart started to sink. But then a warm, gentle hand rested on her shoulder. She turned and found herself lost in those beautiful blues almost immediately. "Hi," she said. "You looked great in the parade." He smiled that adorable smile and gave a bashful, "Thanks. You look great, too." EEE!!!! They made small talk for a few minutes, introduced their puppies, Mikko and Jessie, to each other, and then Sarah bit the bullet. She had to cancel their plans for the initial first date a week before hand, but wasn't going to let this one get away. "So did you want to catch that movie today? That is, if you're not too busy..." "No, no, I'd love to. I'll call you with plans later," he said. Sarah couldn't wait!!!
Fast-forward. They decided to catch the 5:00 showing of Bruce Almighty. Sarah gave Zac directions to her house and waited by the door. But when 4:45 hit, she didn't know what to think. "Where is he?" Just then, Zac's brother im-ed her. Apparently, Zac was lost. Naturally, Sarah told him to turn left which took him down Stetson RD, not a right which would have taken him down Wesley. Stupid, stupid, STUPID! So Sarah got Zac's mom's cell number (which Zac had), got him straightened out, and jumped into his van the second he pulled into the driveway. He looked so handsome! Khaki pants, nice white button-down shirt, gelled, spiky hair...Mmmm.
They talked the entire way to the theater. When they realized how late Sarah had made them, they decided to head to Target and get snacks while they waited for the 7:00 show. It was no problem because those two could talk to each other for hours and never run out of things to say. So eventually, the theater opened seating for the next showing. They got front row balcony seats, a favorite for both of them. Just as they settled in and began snacking on their gummy bears, Zac started to look sick. "What's wrong?" Sarah asked and Zac nodded toward the door. About a thousand people came in and said "Hey Zac!" and proceeded up the stairs to the row right behind the two. "You guys HAVE to move," Zac said under his breath. Then Sarah realized who they were. Zac's dad, Joel, was easily recognizable. Followed by his brother Matt, his cousin William, and a ton of other relatives Sarah couldn't name even if she wanted to. Brothers, sisters, uncles, cousins, and Zac's mom, who Sarah politely made conversation with (trying to impress her). Eventually, his mom made everyone move down to the floor seats. However, not soon enough. Zac was irritated and made it known. Mainly by showering his family with gummy bears, but he got the message across.
The theater finally dimmed the lights and the movie started. Sarah could tell Zac was debating on whether or not to try and hold her hand. After 20 minutes of excruciating decision-making (or lack thereof), Sarah made it for him. She grabbed his hand and held tight for the rest of the movie. She held his hand most of the ride home, too. While they were on their way out of the parking lot, Zac (trying to extend the date as much as possible) said, "Hey, do you want to come back to my house and play with out new puppy for a while?" And Sarah, not wanting the date to end either, said "I'd love to!"
Zac's house was a little overwhelming for Sarah at first. Being an only child, she wasn't used to having a ton of kids around...especially Zac's eight siblings and five cousins who were up visiting for the weekend. CRAZY!
After the insanity of the Steele home, Zac drove Sarah back to her house. It was a school night, after all. They sat in her driveway and talked for a while and then Sarah decided she'd better call it a night. With her hand on the door, she started to climb out of the van. Just then, in a bold move that was totally out of character, Zac said, "So do I get a kiss or something?" Sarah had to give him credit...that wasn't something she'd EVER expect Zac Steele to say. "Um, sure." She leaned in, her heart fluttering. Zac's was pounding, too. Then, she pecked him on the cheek, hopped out of the van, said "Thanks! I had a good time!" and went inside. Even though it was only a "courtesy kiss," neither one of the two had ever felt more alive. They both knew this relationship was headed somewhere good. And it was!
