How We Met: His Side of the Story
The Movie Version vs. Reality
If this were a romantic movie, I would have walked in, our eyes would have met across the café, and the rest would be history. In reality, I was just hoping the coffee would be decent and that we’d actually have something to talk about. And that’s exactly what happened — the coffee was good, and it turned into the easiest conversation I’d had in years. Well worth the two-hour drive.
Before We Met
Before that coffee, I had been living in Sequim, Washington, for eight years. My marriage had ended, and I was adjusting to single life. Almost immediately, I knew it wasn’t for me — I’ve always felt more alive when I have someone to share my days with. So, cautiously but curiously, I dipped my toes into online dating.
The Coffee That Changed Everything
From the first few minutes, something about Lelaine felt familiar, almost like I was catching up with someone I’d known for years. There was no awkward silence, no forced small talk — just an easy flow that made me forget we were two strangers in a crowded Starbucks. Her smile, her warmth, the way she really listened — it all drew me in. By the time we finished our coffees, I knew this wasn’t just a chance meeting; it was the beginning of something rare.
When Distance Got Hard
From July through late fall, everything was exciting. Most of the time, Lelaine drove out to visit since she was still living with her mom, and every visit felt like an adventure. But as winter approached, the distance started to feel heavier. I grew restless, tired of living in two separate worlds, and one evening I blurted out that I didn’t think a long-distance relationship would work. The truth is, I was speaking more from frustration than conviction. Lelaine, with her usual grace, said, “Okay, if that’s what you want. Let’s stay friends.” But only a couple of days later, I found myself missing her even more. That was the moment I realized I didn’t want less of her in my life — I wanted more.
The Shift
We kept our long-distance rhythm going from 2022 through the middle of 2025. It wasn’t always easy — juggling her school schedule and my work in Sequim meant we lived in two different worlds most of the week. At times the distance felt exhausting, but never the relationship itself. No matter how complicated it got, I knew she was worth it. And then, in July 2025, I finally moved in. It felt like a weight lifted. This was no longer a “long-distance relationship” — this was us, together, every day.
What Our Story Taught Me
If there’s one thing our story proves, it’s that love doesn’t need perfect timing or perfect circumstances. It just needs two people willing to show up for each other again and again. From that first coffee in 2022 to finally moving in together in 2025, we found our way forward one choice at a time. So if you’re out there wondering if it’s possible — don’t give up. The right person is always worth the miles, the waiting, and the patience.