Cheryl and Rick met while working together at the Sheriff's office, where Cheryl would show up to process Rick's crime scenes. Cheryl was known for a  strict policy of never dating anyone at the office. Rick knew that if he was ever going to get a shot at her, he would need the help of another woman. He asked Cheryl's girlfriend to help out. Cheryl's girlfriend finally bugged Cheryl enough to let Rick take Cheryl for lunch one day.  Cheryl made it known up front that this was just a lunch and nothing further. They had a great lunch and Rick expected nothing further. To Rick's surprise Cheryl called him back asking when could they go out again. Persistence pays off.

They dated for for approximately six months. Rick proposed to Cheryl Christmas Eve 2003 and she said yes. Rick then received a call from Uncle Sam. Rick was called to active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard. Cheryl and Rick were married in a small ceremony at her sister's house just before Rick shipped out. Rick was stationed in Savannah, Georgia during his active duty. Rick's job was as a  Sea Marshal, searching foreign ships in the Atlantic Ocean, prior to their arriving in the U.S. Upon Rick's discharge from active duty, he came home to a wonderful "Welcome Home" party organized by Cheryl. They finally enjoyed a honeymoon in the North Carolina mountains and recently celebrated their third anniversary.