Meghan dated other people. And so did Steve.
But very gradually - as in years - Meghan realized that her parents' fondness for Steve was not a good enough reason not to date him.
"I grew to appreciate his persistence," she said. "No one else could show dedication like that, and I wasn't happy not being with him and just being rebellious."
In July 2003, the summer before Steve and Meghan's senior year at Ridley High, Meghan had a party at her house while her parents were out of town.
Steve was one of the first people to arrive - he and his friend Ryan had come straight from playing sports. Meghan was extremely nervous. Now that she realized what a good thing she'd been missing, she hoped Steve was still interested.
A little later, Meghan overheard a conversation Steve had with one of her friends. "He was telling her how much he loved me, and how great I am," she said. She had to do something about this!
Steve walked over to her and began to tease. "You gave Ryan a big hug when we came in, and you're acting like I'm not even here," he said.
She hauled him off and kissed him.
"I did NOT expect that to happen," Steve said. "I was so happy, and so shocked."
"It's all history now," said Meghan. "We've been together ever since."
In late January 2008, Steve and Meghan were living at Steve's brother's house in Ridley. Steve was already a Comcast technician and in the Coast Guard reserve - jobs he still has. Meghan, who now works in dining services at Villanova University, then managed a bar in University City. Normally, she took the train to work, but she was running late, and asked Steve if she could borrow his jeep.
It had been raining, and as Meghan exited I-95 to go over the Platt Bridge, the jeep hydroplaned. She lost control. The jeep flipped over six times, left the exit ramp, crossed a grassy median, and landed on the Island Avenue entrance to the bridge.
