scribble I've totally got a tear in my eye reading your golden ticket story! Just lush.
anotheremma I'd be delighted to share 
but it's long I warn you! I must include every detail!
So, having been single for ages, and really determined tha there was no chance for me of love, a very good friend of mine claimed she had met 'my future husband'. I was mortified - she wasn't the type to meddle, but she said it had just come to her in a bolt out of the blue as she was chatting to this man.
Any way, once a week, I'd go to watch a horror film at this same friends. Different folk would come to join us, and my friend asked would I mind if she invited this man, as he was a horror fan. Well, when he arrived, I was pretty bowled over. He had the kindest brown eyes I've ever seen. He has such a handsome face, And he is super buff. I found out He is an ex Thai boxer, but works as a therapist in psychiatric rehab, so he's big and strong, but emotionally sensitive {sigh.....}
Well, I decided there and then my friend was right, however, I'd been stung in the past badly by 'pursuing' guys, and then having it go horribly wrong. I swore to myself there was to be no 'chasing' from me. So, I just behaved like my normal self. This man became a regular film night attendee. At that point, I had no car, and would walk home - no big deal where we live. His house was in the opposite direction, but he started to offer me a lift home. This went on for a year. During that year I used to have coffee with a group of mums from school. Every Thursday morning, (after film night) they'd grill me for 'details' of what happened. The 'details' were ridiculous! For example, one night we sat next to each other, and our knees brushed 
.... Another 'detail' was when I had some shopping to put in the boot of his car, and as he took it from me our fingers brushed ....
Simultaneously, it just so happened that every morning as I walked my twins to school, he drove past at exactly the time I crossed a particular road! So we'd wave at each other. I'm laughing as I type this - he swears it was coincidence. I used to make sure I didn't look like shit on the school run .
So, a year later, and nothing's happened other than this very cute little 'friendship' had chuntered on, this man asked if we'd all like to go out to the local pub for a few drinks. We all went back to the friends house, and later when I was leaving, he asked to share a cab home. Then, as we got into the cab, he asked me if I wanted to get into the front or the back....... Meaning, I felt, he didn't want to sit next to me.... I felt so gutted. The next day I confessed to my friend I felt he didn't see me in any way as a romantic interest, and it was pointless, and that 'hope' was a terrible thing. I think she felt awful.
A few days later, another mutual friend of this man (who knew nothing) asked me if I'd go out with him and some buddies for his birthday to a gig. I had no idea that this man would be there, but he was! And you know when someone's face just lights up when they see you? Well, his did..... And he literally never left my side all evening.
I asked the birthday friend if he'd like to come back to mine after the gig (totally platonic friendship) for a few drinks. He said yes, and asked if he could bring his friend (the man). All nonchalant I said of course.
Well, the friend crashed out in the spare room pretty soon on arrival. Leaving us alone 
.... So we ended up watching horror movies till the morning light. At one point we went out onto my balcony to watch the sunrise, and he came up behind me and put his arms round me. I nearly died of..... desire or something. After that I was alone in the kitchen, making us tea I think.... And I started to giggle like schoolgirl.
Anyway, ahem.... things progressed (the other friend had left quietly) and it was properly mind blowing. I honestly still go weak at the knees and breathless when I think about him.
Then he had to leave for work, and I was on cloud nine. As soon as he finished work, he text me asking if he could come back round, and asked if we could be a couple. No mucking about, just cards on the table. I will always remember how amazing it all felt. About eight weeks later I knew that I loved him as he sat on my front step gutting a fish he'd caught. I told him I loved him, and he was delighted, and felt the same.
We just adore each other, and he is now the most incredible step daddy too. He can light a fire in the rain, is a camping and out door genius. He has taught my boys martial arts (at their request) and they go running together. He's also taught them how to play board games, and runs d and d for them and their school friends.
He is committed to being the best person he can be, and we have grown together over the years. He tells me everyday he loves me, and does anything he can to contribute to the household. I sometimes feel a bit scared about how much I love him.