Lelaine’s Story
Not What I Planned
If dating had a script, our second evening together would have been nothing more than dinner and polite conversation. I didn’t expect much beyond that. Instead, a simple walk by the water left me smiling for days and realizing how natural it felt to be by his side.
The Early Spark
Our second date was a short but sweet evening in Silverdale. We grabbed some sushi and then strolled along the waterfront. While Andras and I had already spent hours texting and talking on the phone since our first meeting, it wasn’t until that walk, face-to-face, side-by-side, that I realized just how much I enjoyed being around him.
The Stolen Kiss
Our third date was in Poulsbo, where we met for coffee and another walk. This was the day of the “stolen kiss.” Andras had parked a ways from downtown, so I offered to drive him back to his car. When I pulled over and we sat talking, I glanced away for just a moment, and in that instant, he leaned in to kiss my cheek. I turned toward him at the same time, and instead of his lips brushing my cheek, they landed on mine.
We both froze, surprised, then burst out laughing. He insists I stole his first kiss, though I still say it was all his doing. Either way, it was just a quick peck, but it left me with butterflies all the way home, eager for the next time we’d see each other.
Finding Our Rhythm
That next time was in Port Townsend. We walked for hours, watched the birds along the shoreline, and shared another meal together. We discovered we had nearly identical tastes in food, even bonding over a shared love for crème brûlée.
Still, distance weighed on him. For me, the space between us was bearable at first; I was still learning to trust again, balancing work and school, and almost welcomed the slower pace. But when Andras admitted he couldn’t do long-distance dating, I leaned on the strength I’d gained through my healing. Calmly, I told him I understood and that I’d still like to remain friends because I genuinely enjoyed our conversations.
Within days, it became clear neither of us wanted to stop seeing each other. Our calls grew longer, our texts more frequent, and soon I was driving to Sequim on weekends. The trips became a highlight of my week. The workday stress would melt away during the drive, and by the time I arrived, I was refreshed and ready to enjoy our time together. Saying goodbye on Sundays was always the hardest, but we stayed connected through nightly FaceTime calls, often talking for hours as we grew closer.
A Partner in Every Storm
I knew he was truly special that spring, just nine months into our relationship. I had to take my youngest daughter to Wyoming to start a new chapter of her life, and Andras immediately offered to come with me.
The trip was not an easy one. The first night we hit a blizzard, and while I was a nervous wreck in tears, he stayed calm, steady, and reassuring. His strength balanced my anxiousness in a way I hadn’t experienced before. After four grueling days on the road, we finally dropped her off, and once again, he was the one to hold me through my heartbreak at leaving my “baby” behind.
On the way home, with better weather and a little sightseeing, I realized how much I loved traveling with him, and how grateful I was for the comfort he brought me.
Building Our Life Together
Now, three years later, we live together in a small space that holds both his meticulous order and my whirlwind of belongings as I learn to downsize for our move to France. It’s not always easy—his organization meets my ADHD tendencies head-on, and sometimes we drive each other a little crazy. But somehow, it works. Our quirks balance each other, and we’re learning to laugh through the challenges, grateful for the partnership we’ve built.