We met in our early thirties at a work Christmas party, but funnily enough, Claire was someone I tried to avoid... at first. Not for any good reason, just one of those irrational gut feelings you get when someone seems like they might get you into a bit of trouble. Turns out, I was right....But in the best possible way.

That night, the drinks were flowing, the music was loud, and somehow we ended up in each other's arms. Claire invited me over after the party and I went along, figuring the night was already unpredictable. When we got to her place, she told me to wait in her room—then came back wearing a festive costume that I’m pretty sure wasn’t company issued.

13 years later and we’ve traded late nights for early mornings, and wild parties for playdates—with our son Ethan, leading the way. It wasn’t your typical love story beginning, but it turns out the best ones never are.