Although I had always told myself that I wanted a cute story to tell our kids, I think the way things worked out for Kyle and I is just as it should have and is cute in it's own way.

My parents met at a High School football game. My dad was the new kid and all the girls were smitten. My mom was so excited when they met up at the Stag dance after the game, and my dad called her and asked her out on a proper date shortly after. I wanted that. I wanted a story that could be used as the story line in a movie. I wanted a catch-my-breath moment when I made eye contact with the man I would marry. Yes, our story may be different than my parent's, but it's ours and it's beautiful.

I had been using Tinder on and off for about 10 months. I'd go on dates, the guys were jerks, and I'd delete my app. Then a few days would pass and I'd cave and re-download the app, only to begin messaging more guys that would take me on a date only to disappoint me when they weren't what I wanted and I wasn't right for them. It was getting discouraging and I was about ready to be done with Tinder for good, until I matched with a guy named Kyle on September 26th, 2014.

He was really cute and looked like a decent guy, based on his 5 profile pictures. Kyle was the first to message me and he said; "Hey Tess, how are you doing? :)" I responded, and we continued to message each other until I felt comfortable enough to give him my number. That way, we could continue talking without having to use the Tinder app. We texted each other well into the evening and until midnight or so when I let him know it was time to call it a night. He said he would text me the next day and I went to sleep, praying that this guy was genuine.

September 27th, 2014, I woke up fairly early as I had a breakfast date planned with a different guy I matched with on Tinder. I told Kyle about it, and he understood that I couldn't talk for a while. The date was...less than wonderful, and I couldn't wait to get home so I could get back to talking to Kyle. The only problem with that was the fact that I agreed to another date with yet another different guy from Tinder for that late afternoon. I felt so silly having to explain to Kyle that I was really interested in meeting him although I was out with other people. The second date of the day was worse than the first. He was a gentleman, yes, but it was a double date with a couple that seemed very in to each other while my date and I kind of kept our distance, as it was a first date and we could both tell we weren't a good fit. I was gracious as he dropped me off at home and thanked him for taking me out, yet knowing I likely wouldn't see him again.

As soon as I got inside, I texted Kyle. He responded quickly and we picked up where our conversation had left off. This particular Saturday had been very cloudy with rain showers basically all day, so I was listening to the pitter patter of water hitting the ground outside when I decided to see how Kyle would react if I texted him about how the weather was "perfect for cuddling". He texted me back and agreed that it was, and that if I wanted to, we could move up our date plans and get together that night. I liked him a lot, but felt that keeping our original plans for meeting the next day was best. Kyle understood and let me know how excited he was to see me.

September 28th, 2014, I went to church with my parents as usual, texting Kyle when I could. We had planned to watch a Christian Film for our first date (since it was Sunday) and go from there. The plan was to get together around four that afternoon at my parent's house. Kyle didn't have a car, though, so I let him know it was fine that I pick him up as long as he didn't judge my little Honda Civic. He promised he wouldn't and I let him know I was on my way.

When I arrived at his apartment complex, I parked my car and sent him a text letting him know I was there. He responded saying he was on his way outside, so I got out of my car and stood by it, ready to give him a hug when he approached. My heart was racing and butterflies filled my stomach more than ever before when I saw a tall, dark, and handsome man walking toward me, wearing a button up shirt and jeans. He smiled at me as he got closer and said "I'm glad you look like your pictures" and we both laughed. He gave me a hug and opened my door for me before walking around to the passenger side. We made small talk on the short drive back to my parent's home and started the movie as soon as we got inside and settled in the family room.

Now, here comes my favorite part.

Kyle sat on the couch while I made sure the DVD player was ready, then I stood up and walked toward him to sit next to him. As soon as I sat down, Kyle turned to me and said; "Is it okay if I put my arm around you?" to which I replied "Of course" and I snuggled up next to him while the movie began playing. That little gesture, that simple question meant so much to me. He respected me and was gentleman enough to ask permission, even for something so simple.

The movie ended about an hour and a half later and I wasn't sure what Kyle was feeling. We sat there in silence for a minute before I asked him if he had other plans to get to or if he would like to stay and play Scrabble or another board game. He said he was fine to stay longer if I'd like him to, so we broke out the scrabble letters. I spelled out words like "sweetheart" while he glanced over and smiled. In the middle of our game, his phone rang. It was a friend of his and he apologized, but I told him he was fine to answer. I only heard half of the conversation, but I do remember Kyle saying he was "at a friend's house and wouldn't be home until later". Once he was off the phone, I jokingly said "So I'm just your friend, huh?" and he laughed before saying "Well, I'd like you to be more but I don't want to move too fast for you." I quickly told him I was perfectly happy being more than friends and just dating him, if he was up for just dating me. He happily obliged and said he'd like me to be his girlfriend.

That's when my mom called me in to her room.

I told Kyle I would be right back and he said he'd just wait for me. When I got to my parent's room, my mom said "Who is that guy? How long is he going to stay?" At this point, it was bout 9 PM and Kyle had been there for a while. I explained we were just playing games and that I'd be taking him home soon. I didn't want her to think any wrong of him and assured her that he was one of the good ones.

Once back in the family room, I asked Kyle what his plans were for the following evening. He said he didn't have much going on, so I invited him to Family Home Evening with my Single's Ward. He said he'd love to go. Knowing that we'd see each other the next day, we decided to call it a night and I drove him home. Once we were back at his apartment, I got out of the car to say goodbye. He hugged me and thanked me for a great date before kissing me.

Yup. He kissed me on our first date. He kissed me on the first day we had ever seen each other in person. And I couldn't have been happier.

I probably looked like a giddy buffoon while driving home, but I didn't care. I was smiling to myself the whole way and I was so happy. I had found this wonderful man that seemed to truly care for me. Not only that, but he wanted to see me the next day and already laid claim on me after one date. I was so eager for the next day but we ended up texting each other until around midnight again before my eyes couldn't stay open. He said "Goodnight, mi angelita" and I was off to a blissful dreamland where nothing could have been better than that night.

The next day, I picked him up from his apartment again. He hugged me and kissed me before we went to the FHE night. After opening exercises, we decided we'd like to just go to my parent's house and have time for ourselves. Luckily, FHE was next door that night so it wasn't a far commute. We stopped before walking up the steps to my parent's porch and kissed again. Then, I noticed the front hallway lights were on. Those lights were never on unless my parents had people over or were at the front of the house. So I opened the door and there were Mom and Dad, discussing renovating plans for the stairway and a new paint color for the walls.

I was anxious. Kyle was taken by surprise. But there we were, so we made the best of it. "Mom and Dad, Kyle. Kyle, Mom and Dad." I sheepishly said while mom smiled and said hello. They talked for a little bit before Kyle and I went into the family room and mom and dad went back to their room. I apologized for him having to meet them so soon, but Kyle was perfectly fine with it and said not to worry.

We decided to start a movie since it was getting late and there wasn't much to do in town. About 10 minutes in to the movie, I was thinking to myself "Dang, I really like this guy. I might even love him. But I can't tell him that yet...I don't want to scare him away." So I kept my thoughts to myself and continued watching the movie. Not two minutes later, Kyle picked up the remote to pause the movie. I looked at him, a little confused, and he hesitated before saying "Tess... Is it too soon to say I love you?"

I couldn't believe it. Was I hearing things? No.. He really said that. I replied; "No, because I love you too." We both smiled and he gave me a quick kiss before giving me a side hug. We both stared at each other and just smiled for a minute before laughing and starting the movie again.

There you have it. He told me he loved me after only a short time. He told me he loved me on the second day he had ever seen me.

And we couldn't be happier.