We met online during the height of the pandemic—right around the time when toilet paper was a hot commodity and dating came with a side of social distancing. The Air Force had just moved Master Sgt. Arun Sebastian to California, and not long after landing, he deployed the first message:

“So I hear you can handle sarcasm.”

Erin replied: “Absolutely.”

(That’s when he knew he was in trouble.)

We met for coffee. She wore a mask, but her eyes were kind and inviting. He was tall—something she commented on immediately. The conversation was honest, funny, and just… easy. The first date ended in a parking lot—but not in the way you're thinking. We stayed there talking for hours—laughing about everything and nothing. It became a pattern. Parking lot debriefs. Deep dives into life. Long goodbyes.

Our second date was on the eve of Arun’s birthday. We ended up talking well past midnight… and Erin wished him his first "Happy Birthday" that year.

Yup—in a parking lot.

That’s when things started to feel different. After that, we met up every week—no games, no guessing, just something real building between us.

Then came the dogs—Walter and Herbie. Their reputation? Fiercely protective. They weren’t known for warming up to men. But somehow, they followed Arun everywhere from day one. Erin took note.

Then came the kids. And over the months, Arun passed each of their trials. (Barely.)

Arun had a grand plan to propose on the beach—something romantic, sweeping. But being Arun, he panicked and improvised. So he proposed in their backyard. Just them. No grand gesture. Just love, and a little spontaneity.

And that was perfect.

We’ve built a life together out of inside jokes, loud laughter, shared snacks, a little chaos, and a lot of love. We’ve blended two families into one weird, wonderful adventure—and we wouldn’t change a thing.