___________________________________

My Dad’s contact information? What was this guy up to I questioned.

It turned out that John’s internship in Washington DC including doing research in the Agriculture field. My father is a rancher and John was interested in interviewing him to gain insight on what Canadians had experienced. In hindsight, I secretly think John was also doing research on my family!!

After finishing my third year of post-secondary (first year in Texas), I went back to Canada to work for the summer. John ended up staying in DC for a few more months. This may sound bad now, but I didn’t think if him much – other than to possibly tell the “Marriott Boy” story as amusement to my Canadian friends.

Fast forward to August!

I returned to Texas for my final year of University. The first day of class I ran into John.

“Hmmm…he’s looking quite fine” I thought to myself.

Our paths continued to cross quite a few times as the weeks went by.

The Recreation Center was on route between my classes on campus and my apartment. John mowed lawns around the pool and courts. Out of coincidence, Mr. Texas was mowing many days that I would pass by. Looking all attractive with his toned body – he’d smile and wave on my way by. Even with brown hair at the time, I never clued into just how common this occurrence was until we were married and John fessed up. He had figured out my schedule…interesting!

During University, I was lucky to be chosen as a Little Sister then a Sweetheart to the Agriculture fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho. John wasn’t a brother, however many social events were open to anyone.

I recall one day specifically, we had a cookout going on at the fraternity house. Out of nowhere, John arrived looking “Oh Wow, break me off a piece of that!”

Happily Married and Living With Passion,
Robyn

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

To read the previous chapter OR the whole love story.

___________________________________

My Dad’s contact information? What was this guy up to I questioned.

It turned out that John’s internship in Washington DC including doing research in the Agriculture field. My father is a rancher and John was interested in interviewing him to gain insight on what Canadians had experienced. In hindsight, I secretly think John was also doing research on my family!!

After finishing my third year of post-secondary (first year in Texas), I went back to Canada to work for the summer. John ended up staying in DC for a few more months. This may sound bad now, but I didn’t think if him much – other than to possibly tell the “Marriott Boy” story as amusement to my Canadian friends.

Fast forward to August!

I returned to Texas for my final year of University. The first day of class I ran into John.

“Hmmm…he’s looking quite fine” I thought to myself.

Our paths continued to cross quite a few times as the weeks went by.

The Recreation Center was on route between my classes on campus and my apartment. John mowed lawns around the pool and courts. Out of coincidence, Mr. Texas was mowing many days that I would pass by. Looking all attractive with his toned body – he’d smile and wave on my way by. Even with brown hair at the time, I never clued into just how common this occurrence was until we were married and John fessed up. He had figured out my schedule…interesting!

During University, I was lucky to be chosen as a Little Sister then a Sweetheart to the Agriculture fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho. John wasn’t a brother, however many social events were open to anyone.

I recall one day specifically, we had a cookout going on at the fraternity house. Out of nowhere, John arrived looking “Oh Wow, break me off a piece of that!”

Happily Married and Living With Passion,
Robyn

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

___________________________________

I thanked John for our amazing weekend and we went our own ways. It was a bit awkward.

We returned to University life and no one in our college town knew about our excursion, except for 2 of my girlfriends. My college roommate instantly referred to John as “Marriott Boy”.

Later on that week, I went over to his house for help with my American Government homework. I remember wanting to discuss our weekend but he quickly brushed it off. 

My Livestock Judging team was preparing for our first competition of the year in Phoenix, AZ. As a team, we practiced lots together in the evenings at the “Judging House” which also happened to be where John lived.

I passed the class and took John for lunch at Applebee’s to show my appreciation for his help. For whatever reason, I vividly remember that we both got chicken sandwiches. I realize this is not relevant, however the same outing John announced that he was departing for Washington, DC after Christmas, just a couple weeks later.

“What? You’re leaving? How come I didn’t know this??” I blurted out.

It wasn’t my lack of asking questions. I’m the Queen of rattling 20 of them off, before the person I’m curious to know more about, has had a chance to get one response out!

However, before he answered, I knew the reason. “Because he’s private and doesn’t share much.” (In reality – there is a strong possibility that he didn’t tell his family much before either!)

I went back to Canada for Christmas and returned to Texas after the New Year for my second semester in Texas.

Fast Forward

Out of the blue, John surprisingly emailed me!

These were the days before Facebook and text messaging, I recall the most social media we had was email and an early version of MSN Messenger.

I don’t even know if I had John’s email address. He literally disappeared. I suspect he did some searching to find mine!

The email I received from “Marriott Boy” was requesting my Dad’s contact information?

Happily Married and Living With Passion,

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

To read the previous chapter OR the whole love story.

___________________________________

I thanked John for our amazing weekend and we went our own ways. It was a bit awkward.

We returned to University life and no one in our college town knew about our excursion, except for 2 of my girlfriends. My college roommate instantly referred to John as “Marriott Boy”.

Later on that week, I went over to his house for help with my American Government homework. I remember wanting to discuss our weekend but he quickly brushed it off. 

My Livestock Judging team was preparing for our first competition of the year in Phoenix, AZ. As a team, we practiced lots together in the evenings at the “Judging House” which also happened to be where John lived.

I passed the class and took John for lunch at Applebee’s to show my appreciation for his help. For whatever reason, I vividly remember that we both got chicken sandwiches. I realize this is not relevant, however the same outing John announced that he was departing for Washington, DC after Christmas, just a couple weeks later.

“What? You’re leaving? How come I didn’t know this??” I blurted out.

It wasn’t my lack of asking questions. I’m the Queen of rattling 20 of them off, before the person I’m curious to know more about, has had a chance to get one response out!

However, before he answered, I knew the reason. “Because he’s private and doesn’t share much.” (In reality – there is a strong possibility that he didn’t tell his family much before either!)

I went back to Canada for Christmas and returned to Texas after the New Year for my second semester in Texas.

Fast Forward

Out of the blue, John surprisingly emailed me!

These were the days before Facebook and text messaging, I recall the most social media we had was email and an early version of MSN Messenger.

I don’t even know if I had John’s email address. He literally disappeared. I suspect he did some searching to find mine!

The email I received from “Marriott Boy” was requesting my Dad’s contact information?

Happily Married and Living With Passion,

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

___________________________________

Gentleman – I quickly questioned in my mind. Have I ever met a man like this before? WOW! Our definition of "gentleman" clearly differs. When I think of the word, the following thoughts come to my mind, kind, caring, sweet, charming, manners, open the door, yes ma’am – not the action of sleeping on the couch of a very expensive penthouse.

Without batting an eye, as a very naive young Alberta woman, I blurted out,

"This is a gorgeous room and a huge bed. There is lots of room for two of us to share. Nothing has to happen, but you may as well enjoy this amazing sleep!"

John crawled in…and nothing happened.

I am not just saying that just to keep this PG Rated. I already told you John was very innocent…there was nothing wrong with that!

I woke up in the middle of the night, to a leg thrown over me, and I was being completely spooned in the fetal position. This is when I first discovered that John was a cuddler! I laid really still, trying not to laugh, and pretend not to be awake. A few Pretty Woman scenes ran through my mind and I quickly gave my head a shake. I drifted back asleep.

As the sun peaked through the curtains on Saturday morning, I woke up, convinced I was in a dream or a fairy tale.

I decided to make a dash for the restroom. As I tiptoed there – a piece of paper caught my attention that had been slid under the door.

The receipt!

Mmm…I really wanted to peek – but what if John is awake and catches me. I refrained and went into the bathroom.

On my way back out, the idea of looking at the “total” got me excited again…

Right about then…I heard a snore…YES – Tex was still sound asleep.

I peeked inside and my eyes could have popped out of my head!

$374!

AHHHH – that is REALLY over my $60 budget. I had a minor freak out, Julia Roberts quickly flashed through my mind again – were there expectations last night, that I didn’t meet? Then I calmed myself down, this Texan just showed me a fabulous evening, like nothing I had ever experienced before, just enjoy.

Once John woke up, he suggested we go for a swim. We changed and put on the complimentary white plush robes. I felt like a princess. I’m a dork I realize, however I was a mere 20 years old, living 3000 miles from home!

Then we set out to explore San Antonio. We walked down the Riverwalk and enjoyed lunch at a fabulous The Original Mexican Restaurant with wonderful ambience. It’s the famous one with all the colorful umbrellas that gets featured in travel pictures lots.

As much as I love taking pictures, for whatever reason, I have none from this trip!

On Saturday afternoon we visited the Alamo and took an open air, train car ride to a Mexican flea market. I got to barter for “junk”, for which I just love!  Then we walked through a mall and that is John went into a store – I took the opportunity to call my parents & Laura. 

I squealed the details to Laura and my parents (who I’m lucky to also call friends!) about the weekend adventure!

John and I enjoyed dinner on the Riverwalk and spent one more night in the exquisite Marriott. Nothing happened…just sleeping. We were both exhausted and collapsed after a jam packed day of sightseeing and shopping.

On Sunday morning we headed back to “reality”.

As we arrived back to our college city, John requested that we keep our weekend adventure a secret. I was a bit confused…

Happily Married and Living With Passion,
Robyn

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

To read the previous chapter OR the whole love story.

___________________________________

Gentleman – I quickly questioned in my mind. Have I ever met a man like this before? WOW! Our definition of "gentleman" clearly differs. When I think of the word, the following thoughts come to my mind, kind, caring, sweet, charming, manners, open the door, yes ma’am – not the action of sleeping on the couch of a very expensive penthouse.

Without batting an eye, as a very naive young Alberta woman, I blurted out,

"This is a gorgeous room and a huge bed. There is lots of room for two of us to share. Nothing has to happen, but you may as well enjoy this amazing sleep!"

John crawled in…and nothing happened.

I am not just saying that just to keep this PG Rated. I already told you John was very innocent…there was nothing wrong with that!

I woke up in the middle of the night, to a leg thrown over me, and I was being completely spooned in the fetal position. This is when I first discovered that John was a cuddler! I laid really still, trying not to laugh, and pretend not to be awake. A few Pretty Woman scenes ran through my mind and I quickly gave my head a shake. I drifted back asleep.

As the sun peaked through the curtains on Saturday morning, I woke up, convinced I was in a dream or a fairy tale.

I decided to make a dash for the restroom. As I tiptoed there – a piece of paper caught my attention that had been slid under the door.

The receipt!

Mmm…I really wanted to peek – but what if John is awake and catches me. I refrained and went into the bathroom.

On my way back out, the idea of looking at the “total” got me excited again…

Right about then…I heard a snore…YES – Tex was still sound asleep.

I peeked inside and my eyes could have popped out of my head!

$374!

AHHHH – that is REALLY over my $60 budget. I had a minor freak out, Julia Roberts quickly flashed through my mind again – were there expectations last night, that I didn’t meet? Then I calmed myself down, this Texan just showed me a fabulous evening, like nothing I had ever experienced before, just enjoy.

Once John woke up, he suggested we go for a swim. We changed and put on the complimentary white plush robes. I felt like a princess. I’m a dork I realize, however I was a mere 20 years old, living 3000 miles from home!

Then we set out to explore San Antonio. We walked down the Riverwalk and enjoyed lunch at a fabulous The Original Mexican Restaurant with wonderful ambience. It’s the famous one with all the colorful umbrellas that gets featured in travel pictures lots.

As much as I love taking pictures, for whatever reason, I have none from this trip!

On Saturday afternoon we visited the Alamo and took an open air, train car ride to a Mexican flea market. I got to barter for “junk”, for which I just love!  Then we walked through a mall and that is John went into a store – I took the opportunity to call my parents & Laura. 

I squealed the details to Laura and my parents (who I’m lucky to also call friends!) about the weekend adventure!

John and I enjoyed dinner on the Riverwalk and spent one more night in the exquisite Marriott. Nothing happened…just sleeping. We were both exhausted and collapsed after a jam packed day of sightseeing and shopping.

On Sunday morning we headed back to “reality”.

As we arrived back to our college city, John requested that we keep our weekend adventure a secret. I was a bit confused…

Happily Married and Living With Passion,
Robyn

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

After awhile, John questioned, “Are you done with the television?”

“Yes thanks” I responded.

John turned the lights out and a few minutes passed. However…he didn’t come to bed!?

This got my curiosity interested, through the dark I asked, “Are you going to come and sleep in the bed?”

To which this charming, shy Texan replied, “No, I’m going to sleep on the couch.”

“WHY?” I questioned very puzzled. I would have liked to have seen the look on my own face.

“I’m a gentleman.”

Happily Married and Living With Passion,
Robyn

P.S. You’ll have to wait for the next chapter…

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

We devoured the scrumptious snack and then watched some television in our living room. After awhile, I moved to the bed and got settled into the massive king bed our Marriott hotel room boasted. I dove into reading my Cosmopolitan magazine. I’m quite sure I was scouring it for suggestions of what to do, how to act, what to say, when you’re being swept off your feet – I don’t recall if I read any useful tips.

After awhile, John questioned, “Are you done with the television?”

“Yes thanks” I responded.

John turned the lights out and a few minutes passed. However…he didn’t come to bed!?

This got my curiosity interested, through the dark I asked, “Are you going to come and sleep in the bed?”

To which this charming, shy Texan replied, “No, I’m going to sleep on the couch.”

“WHY?” I questioned very puzzled. I would have liked to have seen the look on my own face.

“I’m a gentleman.”

Happily Married and Living With Passion,
Robyn

P.S. You’ll have to wait for the next chapter…

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

After my relaxing experience in the modern bathroom, I put on my pyjamas. When I came out, I was shocked to see a silver platter sitting on the dining room table. After I picked my jaw off the floor again – John informed me that he ordered us room service.

Under the classy silver cover, unveiled a huge ice cream sundae with chocolate syrup, whip cream and two cherries on top. This dessert was accompanied by two glasses of orange juice in long stemmed glasses. (Note – I wasn’t “21″ the magic drinking age in the USA and my date didn’t drink!)

What was this man trying to do? Seduce me?

Happily Married and Living With Passion,
Robyn

P.S. I’ve got one more chapter ready to share this week  – check back for more romance ;)

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story

After a beautiful walk along the Riverwalk we returned to our palace. In effort to avoid the awkwardness of what should happen next, I decided to unwind with a bath.

After my relaxing experience in the modern bathroom, I put on my pyjamas. When I came out, I was shocked to see a silver platter sitting on the dining room table. After I picked my jaw off the floor again – John informed me that he ordered us room service.

Under the classy silver cover, unveiled a huge ice cream sundae with chocolate syrup, whip cream and two cherries on top. This dessert was accompanied by two glasses of orange juice in long stemmed glasses. (Note – I wasn’t “21″ the magic drinking age in the USA and my date didn’t drink!)

What was this man trying to do? Seduce me?

Happily Married and Living With Passion,
Robyn

P.S. I’ve got one more chapter ready to share this week  – check back for more romance ;)

If you’ve missed a chapter of this love story