Seasons of Love

This is a love story. A true story. It took off in 2024, but it truly began nearly fifteen years ago.

~ Come my love, I’ll tell you a tale of a boy and girl, and their love story ~ [Storybook Love by Mark Knopfler]

Once upon a middle school, there was a girl who loved words and a boy who played Legend of Zelda and their families attended the same mass every Sunday. They were on the brink of dating, but their romance faded from attending two different high schools.

~ Live your life with arms wide open, Today is where your book begins ~ [Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield]

Fifteen years later, the same woman, now nearly thirty and newly recovered from a terrible heartbreak, was headed out for a night on the town with some gal pals when she received a Facebook message. The name she hadn’t seen in several years (but thought about from time to time), sent a pleasant jolt through her – as did his request to catch up over coffee sometime. His treat.

~ Can’t believe it’s been so many years ~ [I’m Alright by Jo Dee Messina]

While their brunch catch-up session was lovely, with laughter and stories from their years apart, still she wasn’t sure if she was interested in rekindling their prior romance – or if he was even thinking that way. She admired his denim jacket and the way it defined his broad shoulders. She’d forgotten just how tall he was compared to her. They exchanged numbers and promised to keep in touch, after a lingering and warm goodbye hug.

~ So just remember, folks, we’re not just saving lives, we’re saving souls, we’re having fun ~ [I Still Believe by Frank Turner]

The second time they met to spend time together, she realized just how comfortable and safe she felt in his presence. She began to behave in a flirtatious manner, wondering if he was feeling a desire for romance with her. His response was difficult to read – for her – but there were some signs that gave her hope. For instance, when she said she’d race him to the next location (they came in separate cars) and that whoever arrived first would pay for the meal, he said he’d better aim to get there first.

~ Am I dreamin'? Or stupid? I think I've been hit by Cupid ~ [No One Needs To Know by Shania Twain]

On their first date, a movie night at his apartment, she felt giddy with excitement when he picked her up from work and comfortable on the drive there as they chatted like old friends. Sitting close to him on the couch was a no-brainer and he seemed happy about it. Shortly after the movie and into the TV show, the sitting transformed into cuddling. When he paused and asked, “Would it be okay if I kissed you?” She only hesitated long enough to drink in the enjoyment before she sat up straighter and whispered, “Yes.”

~ He kissed me in a way that I’ve never been kissed before, He kissed me in a way that I want to be kissed forever more ~ [Then He Kissed Me by The Crystals]

Elated and spinning through this sparkling beginning (at least in her mind), they continued to date. Soon they were meeting friends and families, sharing weekends and by the middle of the summer, spending at least two or three days together every week. She attended his family reunion. He helped her move apartments. Game nights and camping and date nights strung together. Although he doesn’t dance in public, once in her room he swept her off her feet to a Frank Sinatra song. She loves the way his arms fit around her.

~ As we waltz home, cheek to cheek we’ll be ~ [Come Dance With Me by Frank Sinatra]

One night she couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Can I tell you something important?” she asked. He nodded. “I love you.” He smiled and agreed, “I love you, too.” She was stunned. She had been waiting for him to go first. “You do?” He explained that he had also been holding in the sentiment until she expressed her own feelings first. A sweet standoff that she was glad to have lost.

~ And I can’t get enough of you, baby. Can you get enough of me? ~ [I Was Made for Lovin’ You by KISS]

That’s not to say that they haven’t had their disagreements along the way. Smaller arguments, like what order to watch the Star Wars films and which Grinch film is the best. There were also times past traumas reared their ugly heads, yet these lovebirds know how to talk through their issues. Communication is key, after all, and our hero and heroine know that is the foundation of a relationship that remains healthy.

~ A smile upon my face to let you know, That I would like to take you home~ [To Take You Home by Frank Turner]

Halloween and Christmas are both holidays beloved by this couple. He even agreed to dress in a couple’s costume for Halloween, marching with her in a local parade and taking photos in character – despite his stage fright. They spent Christmas Eve together, sharing in each other’s traditions by splitting time with families. They began the day together with a Winter Wonderland stroll through the light snowfall before learning to make homemade pasta and playing with young children around a feast.

~ These wonderful things are the things, We remember all through our lives! ~ [Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes]

That darn Corona Virus got in the way of some swinging New Year’s Eve plans for this couple. The party went on as expected, but our heroine had to stay home feeling ill and lonely. Luckily, she has an amazing hero to bring her out of her desolate mental health moods. On New Year’s Day, he brought a small table, camp chairs and a deli lunch to share on her porch – a social distance picnic for two. Isn’t he the sweetest?

~ I’m not gonna let you down, Darlin’, wait and see. And between now and then, ‘til I see you again, I’ll be loving you ~ [Love, Me by Collin Raye]

2025 will bring new adventures for this couple who continue to weave a wonderful life together. 😉