We met some time in June 2004.  Anthony had just come back from an Indianapolis business trip (although he got to see the Indianapolis Grand Prix? Business?).  It was a Sunday evening, I was having a bit of a girly night dancing in Flares and spotted Anthony keeping eyes on us while chatting to his mate Kev.  My friend Tracey went to the ladies and left me, holding two drinks. Getting surrounded by a hen party I quickly weaved my way to them and said “ I thought I better come over here and pretend to know you two friendly faces or else get swallowed up by that hen party!”

We chatted and I left with Tracey... later we bumped into each other in the last pub of the night and Anthony and I got chatting.  It turned out Kev was married, hard luck Tracey, I got my man! (how cheesy!)  One week later we met up alone in town, a few drinks and a good chat later we agreed to meet up again, and again and again… I really liked Anthony but wanted to make sure he liked me before introducing the kids. Sometime in August 2004 Anthony and I and his mate Kev and his wife Claire went to Edinburgh for a weekend, it was lovely and that weekend I decided that the kids should meet this man. Between August and Christmas 2004 Anthony got to know the kids, we spent most weekends and evenings together. After a bit of a shaky start with Joe they are all solid friends now and get on so well Joe is known as Captain Cool and Adam as monkey! Anthony's nicknames for them. In July 2006, after Anthony had been living with us for a year, we bought our house together and had a bit left over to treat us all to a holiday in Florida.  It was there where Anthony proposed, the first night, over a glass of wine, in the fabulous villa we had for the week.  He had bought a ring and packed it ready to go (I wondered why he was keen to pack all our clothes!)  Of course I said yes! One fab holiday later we returned to an Engagement party from Anthony’s mum and dad, sister and Kev and Claire and then we started arranging the wedding.