It was the summer of 2015 when we were both home from college. After meeting online and chatting for a while, we decided to meet in person for the first time one summer evening at the Nichols Arboretum (also known as the Arb). We sat on a blanket and talked for hours, well into the night—losing track of time and learning we had more in common than we ever expected. Over that summer, we spent more time together before eventually heading back to college for the fall semester. At the time, we decided not to attempt long distance, but we stayed in touch as friends. Over the next few years, our paths kept crossing—usually during the summer, when we were both home from college. Each time we reconnected, it felt effortless, as if no time had passed at all and we simply picked up right where we left off. After finishing college, Eric realized some stories aren’t meant to end the first time and wanted to rekindle an old flame. Meanwhile, Christine was preparing to move to Ohio to begin graduate school. We had both dated other people along the way, but no one ever quite measured up. Somehow, even while living in different places, our paths crossed again—and this time, we were ready to take another chance. Long distance wasn’t easy. It meant long drives, late nights, and sometimes weeks without seeing each other, but we made it work (with the help of patience, commitment, and a lot of FaceTime). Through all the years, distance, and unexpected twists, we ultimately found our way back to each other and realized this was always meant to be. It only took five months… and ten years.