We Decided On Forever

We both were in attendance for a night of shenanigan's for Megan's birthday. My close friend being Megan, and her boyfriend at the time being Dan's roommate. The group made it to the rooftop bar, drinks in hand, chatting amongst each other when Dan and I made eye contact. If you ask him what I was wearing or if I know the song that was playing the moment we were on each others radar, we both still remember. We later disappeared from the group and spent the night talking and dancing before we'd realized how long we'd been gone. Needless to say in between him being in the police academy, and myself in nursing school, both of us working, we spent all our free time together. For me it was the kind of romance I'd only read about... the kid that puts a smile on your face for no reason or the kind that strangers can see you're in love. Like most love stories, it came to an end after nearly 2 years. Heartbroken, we both moved on and had life to contend with. We kept in touch over the years on social media, and every couple years would catch up and talk about life and our families over the phone or messenger. Fast forward to 2019... Me in Colorado, Dan in in Florida, after years of growing up, a few more heart breaks, and a lifetime of experiences we found ourselves both catching up on the phone after years of not hearing from one another. Dan, recently out of a long term relationship, and myself with my dating misfortunes, we just resumed as friends and listened to each others stories over then last decade. After months we finally decided the next time I visited Florida we were going to see each other. I was as nervous as our first date (even though we were "just friends"). I told my mom and Dana that this would either end our long friendship or I'd marry this man one day (and here we are). We didn't immediately fall back in love but the friendship, trust, and just general attraction that made us want to be around one another, was there. We started with video chats and messaging every day, then we'd visit each other every couple months and realized despite all the time apart we loved each other. Dan told me he loved me after his first visit out to Colorado to see me. I was reluctant to say it back but I knew part of me had never stopped loving Dan from all the years before. Long distance relationships aren't for everyone, but we'd already been apart 10 years so what was another couple years. Dan having career changes in Florida, and my love for the mountains and the solace I found in Colorado kept us apart until I could decide it was time to go back home to Florida. Dan's never tried to clip my wings and has supported my every decision in where I live, when I travel, and how long I'm gone, which made me love him even more. I'm ready to come home to be with my future husband and we're ready to have a life together.... After nearly 13 years it's definitely time.