Andrea Gunning

Even though I don't eat meat,

We ate alligator.

It was pretty good.

Back home in New York, they weren't living together, but they were in each other's lives in real tangible ways.

About two years into dating, Sick came to her with a proposition.

Brooke had been careful about boundaries from the very beginning, especially when it came to her kids.

Her kids really took to sick and enjoyed having him around.

After that, he wanted Brooke to meet his family.

Sick was at work, so it was just Brooke and his mom.

And there was clearly a wink and a nod to the conversation because Sick hadn't been completely honest with his mom.

The meeting went so well, Brooke and Sick's mom started sending letters and care packages back and forth, which made Sick a little nervous.

Brooke didn't see the big deal.

But for Sick, his family expectations mattered, especially when it came to marriage.

Their agreement worked for almost four years.

But when Sick's residency ended, their relationship hit a crossroads.

He started applying to fellowship programs across the country.

The program he really wanted to go to was in D.C., a six-hour drive from upstate New York.

Brooke made it clear that relocating wasn't an option for her family.

It was bittersweet, but Brooke supported Sick.

If he wanted to start his career in America, this really was for the best.