The Best Things Take 9 months...

Once upon a time, my roommates and I went to Break the Fast. With a new semester beginning we had the opportunity to meet all sorts of new people, but lets face it we really just wanted to meet the guys. We met this one guy who seemed pretty friendly, especially with Natalie. Honestly I only remember two things about that Break the Fast:

1) This nice guy named Edward was trying to eat grapes with a fork
2) As we walked away Natalie said "I think I have a crush on Edward."

Coming from Natalie that was a very big deal. I knew from that moment that she must really like him.

After a disastrously wonderful first date they kind of didn't talk for awhile. For about eight months actually. During those months, from time to time, I'd bring up Edward and ask her if she still had a crush on him. She insisted that although she did, it would never happen and that he probably didn't like her. I hated that answer though, being the crazy optimist that I am, and I insisted that you just "never know what will happen." Although that probably definitely annoyed her I just refused to give up on the hope that Natalie would eventually date the only guy I'd ever heard her say she had a "crush" on.

Eight months later, after we befriended his roommates, Natalie and Edward started spending more time together. Within a month they were dating. Once they started dating Natalie and I decided that the best things must just take nine months.

I guess we were right, because their relationship really is one of the best things.

During the last year I've had a front row seat to watching two of my dearest friends fall in love with each other, and to be honest it was kind of a privilege. I've never seen Natalie more happy than when she is with Edward. As Natalie and I sat together last week-having our last Nsquared sleepover before she got married-I told her that I could not be happier for her. Seeing how happy she is with Ed, how good he is to her, how kind and brave they are together fills me with so much joy. Individually I love both Natalie and Edward, and cherish the relationship I have with them-but that doesn't even compare to how much I love Natalie & Edward together. They bring out the best in each other.

Because of this it felt so right on Saturday, seeing them come out of the temple, finally married. They glowed with happiness as they kept looking at each other, and that happiness was contagious to all of us there.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Houstman,

Thanks for giving each other each another chance after the Skeleton Key/rock hard caramel apple incident. What can I say? I've just been the biggest fan of you two from the beginning. I could not be happier for you, even if it means I lost a roommate. I kind of feel like it was worth it because I got a great new friend/spider killer in the process. You two are too good to me, and I love you guys more than I can adequately express. Now, since I know you hate the attention I will end this public display of affection toward you two.

Love always,
Nicole

P.S. Thanks for my Provo bedroom. I can't think of any other people I'd rather have as occasional "roommates".



Photos from my iphone, Michael, and RyHop.