Tim and I met back in 2004. A high school friend of mine talked me into a blind date with a boy she knew from Sunnyvale Elementary. The boy's name was Tim and she knew his family well and swore the two of us would hit it off. Still, I was a bit hesitant because I'd never been on a blind date and very few dates to begin with. Luckily she convinced Tim to bring a friend along so we could go together. I won't go into detail but what proceeds can only be described as something found in a feature article from Insider magazine titled, "Worst Blind Date Stories Ever." I thought our story was over before it even began. However, that pestiferous boy was reluctant & after weeks of respectful pursuit, he finally won me over. Much like most high school romances, things didn't work out & we went our separate ways. Over the years I would see Tim out in public; once at the movies & another at a bar. He claims he saw me once too. Both of us were too nervous to say hello or "pretend to care" & catch up. Until one day, fate grew tired of waiting and took initiative instead. I went to pick up my best friend from work and go out for a much needed girl's night. I knew going inside her restaurant meant I'd be stuck catching up with the local patrons. Since it was already getting late, I called to let her know I'd arrived and to just meet me at the car. She said she had a few things to finish up first and persistently pleaded for me to join her; I reluctantly agreed to go inside & wait. As I walked in the door, I noticed a familiar face. Quickly I ran past what seemed to be the smallest bar in Mesquite, grabbed my friend by the arm, pulled her into the restroom all while shouting, "DO YOU KNOW WHO IS AT THE BAR RIGHT NOW?!!" "Of course!," she exclaimed with sheer pleasure, "It's Tim! Your ex!!! Isn't that CRAZY!" Now I don't know if it's because I love this friend so much or if it was the cross-mix look of innocence and joy on her face, but I just shook my head and began to laugh along. Of course, I was also plotting my escape route and hoping they kept the alarm off on the back door. At that moment, luck was not in my favor because the only way out was walking past that bar again. As quickly as I could I attempted a swift exit. I was halfway there and saw light shining through the exit door, when I heard a familiar group of old regulars at the bar shout, "Kelli, where ya goin so quick?" As I hesitantly turned around, I met eye to eye with the very person I'd avoided all those years. The next few moments I don't recall too well but it's followed by what I claim to be one of the most awkward and unenjoyable side-hugs I've had to endure in my lifetime. Trying to avoid the small-talk, I told Tim I couldn't stay because I had plans to go out with my friend. Can you believe he asked if he could tag along? Of course I said no. Much like that persistent boy I remembered from high school, he proceeded to ask me out on a date. I declined. With a wry smirk he asked, "Do you eat lunch?" Well, obviously folks, we know where this is going... I sarcastically tell him yes. He says, "Perfect! We can meet here tomorrow for lunch." TOMORROW? This guy is crazy, right? At the time I had a new job with long hours and VERY few days off. I don't know if it was fate this time or pure dumb luck, but I didn't have to work and so I agreed to meet him. From that afternoon on, he always asked me out on another date or about my plans (and a way to be a part of them). It was always very strange to me. I figured he would eventually grow tired or bored of the chase, but contrastingly he wanted us to get back together. Time continued on & we made it official. As years went by, we saw a bit of life's ups and downs, traveled to other countries, lived in other cities (and islands), said goodbye to loved ones and welcomed new furry faces. We finally celebrated our 10 years of dating this past April! Then in November, Tim decided to ask me a new question. To which I replied, "FINALLY!"

Well, I asked him once. He told me he knew I was the one all along, since that fateful day at the restaurant, where I had no choice but to see him again. Whether or not I believe him is a different story but if you made it this far, you're a sucker for romance too.