How We Met

Erica was in Kansas City for a Warrior Dash — a 5K obstacle course — with some nursing friends from the ER. After running the race, the nurses went out to Kansas City's Power and Light district that evening.

Michael was in Kansas City to watch his friend Dane Simoneau play football and catch a Royals game with a group of friends who also decided to go out that night. While walking around, Erica's friend Brianna ran up to a group of guys saying, "Hey, those are all Kevin's friends!" Brianna had gone to Salina South High School with some of the guys in the group and was dating Michael's best friend Kevin. The groups exchanged introductions but went separate ways.

A few hours later, they all met up at the same piano bar — Howl at the Moon. After a few drinks, Erica put a $5 bill on the table and said she could name the next five songs the band played in a row before Michael could guess them. Erica was not usually so bold. Michael took the bet… and promptly lost it. The two agreed to "double or nothin'," and again… Erica won. Michael has, to this day, never paid Erica her winnings.

After a dance, the picture above, a couple bets, and poorly sung renditions of popular songs, the night wound down and the groups were leaving. Michael looked at Erica and said, "I've been trying to think of something cute to say, but I can't come up with anything. And my phone died. So. See ya!" — and immediately hopped into a cab and left.

What Erica did not know was that in the cab and back at the hotel room, Michael told his friends, "I am going to marry that girl."

The next morning, on the drive home, Brianna sent Michael Erica's phone number, to which Michael replied, "Erica who? Just kidding. I'm going to marry her." That week, he called and they went on their first date.