Dallin, Erin, and Dirk: A Love Triangle

The first time I visited Highland Village to meet Dallin's parents was in the Fall of 2006. Dallin and I had gotten pretty serious by that point, so I was serious about making a good impression. How serious? I dried and straightened my hair every day we were there. Not even the Texas humidity would foil my good impression.

Dallin's dad had gotten us tickets for a Dallas Mavericks pre-season game. I had never been to a professional basketball game and didn't know much about the sport. I did know that Dallin was a big fan of the Mavs, and I knew that to some degree he wanted to convert me, too. Once we got to the American Airlines Center, Dallin insisted that I buy a t-shirt from the gift shop. The gift shop was busy, and the only shirt I found that looked like a good size for me was a kids shirt with a 41 on it.

Me: "Who is #41? Is he good?"
Dallin: "Oh yeah, that's Dirk Nowitzki's number. He's the team's all-star. You'll like him."
Me: "Ok. Well I guess I'll get this one then." (as I shrug my shoulders and head to the register)

As soon as the teams came on to the court to warm up, I looked for my guy. I felt an obligatory sense of loyalty to the player whose number I was wearing. By the end of the game, obligation had nothing to do with it. I was in love with Dirk Nowitzki. I wondered if Dallin suspected anything.

The Mavs won the game, and we all left in a celebratory mood. I think the fact that I had obviously enjoyed the game scored points with Dallin and his family. That and my impressive Star Wars pumpkin-carving skills.

Fast forward 4+ years and many Mavs games later, Dallin and I are married and living in the DC area. I suggest to Dal one day, "Maybe you could ask Jake if he'd be able to get us tickets when the Mavericks come to town to play the Wizards..." Our friend, Jake, works for the Washington Wizards. Dallin is jealous of his job.

Jake did get us tickets. Amazing tickets! (Thanks again, Jake!) We were seated about 5 rows up from the court. If Dallin hadn't suspected anything during the previous 4 years, his suspicions were certainly roused at this game..."Erin Jo, you're only taking pictures of Dirk.."

Any lingering doubt was erased when, after a fantastic performance by Dirk and a Mavericks win, I turned to Dallin and announced "Honey, if I ever leave you, it will be for Dirk Nowitzki."

At this point, Dallin knew that he needed some security. What would keep me from catching a flight to Dallas and flinging myself at Dirk's feet? He decided that the only foolproof solution was to get me pregnant. So he did. And he was right.

Now we can enjoy watching this amazing Finals series together with the assurance that I'm not leaving him for a 7-foot German All-Star and that our baby is being instilled with a love for the Mavs while in the womb.

Dallin tells me that if the baby is a boy we can name him Dirk.