Our Love Story

My ceiling still faintly read, "Boys Suck" in faded red lipstick, at the time Gabriel came into my life for an extended stay.


He and I had actually met about six months prior, and though he likes to scoff at this part of the story, he wasn't exactly Mr. Perfect... actually he was a lot like Mr. Darcy, pre-Elizabeth crush. And like Darcy's Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice, the memory of our first encounter sustained me long throughout his deliberate attempts to dissuade my belief that he was anything but a gentleman.

Depending on who you hear the story from, the details of our courtship have a propensity to change from time to time.


The way I tell it: I was a young, cute, outgoing 19 year old, dating without commitment.
The way he tells it: I was infatuated with a certain boy, his cowboy boots and horses.

The way I tell it: I was in the only place in the world where you can have a different date every night of the week, Provo, Utah, and I was living in BYU housing.
The way he tells it: See above, about a cowboy.

The way I tell it: He was jealous, and wanted me to himself without having to wear his heart on his sleeve, or bruise his ego.
The way he tells it: See above, about a cowboy.


The way I tell it: Karma; six months earlier he didn't want to stop dating and commit, six months later I didn't want to.
The way he tells it: See above, about a cowboy.

Well, one night, Gabriel and were cozying up at my apartment watching a movie when the "cowboy" walked in unannounced... and then upon seeing Gabriel and I, walked right back out-slamming the door behind him. I made some ridiculous excuse to Gabriel, and then hurriedly followed after the cowboy. Trying to talk my way out of the situation, I suddenly realized-I didn't even like this boy, not at all, and all I could think about was Gabriel.


It was too late to salvage anything that evening, but the next day I somehow convinced Gabriel, with balloons, cookies and tickets to the midnight showing of the 1st Harry Potter movie, to believe me that from thenceforth it was just me and him. I waited outside his apartment, reading a book until he got home, begged for forgiveness and batted my eyelashes.


Ergo, our first official date was November 14, 2001 at 12:01 AM to see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Since then, we have seen every Harry Potter movie at midnight, including Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince this past Wednesday, July 15, 2009 (plus quite a few book release parties as well).

Cheesecake Marble Brownies
Chocolate Cream Ganache Frosting

I shared these brownies with all the new friends we made while waiting in line 10 hours at this years festivities. Really, waiting in line is part of all the fun! Whilst mounting anticipation builds, quizzes regarding Potter trivia ensue, costumes entertain, and these soft brownies almost make you believe you were in the Three Broomsticks.

Whip up your favorite brownies - set aside

8oz. cream cheese
½ cup sugar
½ cup cream
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
Cream together until smooth and fluffy

Pour ½ brownie batter into long rectangular greased pan, drop spoonfuls of cream cheese batter over brownie batter, top with remaining brownie batter, swirl together
Bake at F350°, 22-28 minutes until set
Let cool, then frost

½ cup chocolate
¼ cup evaporated milk
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons sugar
Melt over medium heat in a small saucepan until smooth, let cool
When cool, whip 4oz. of cream cheese into chocolate mixture
Smooth over cooled brownies

What is your love story? I can't wait to hear it!