From Wendy's POV ...
As she laughed with him for the 100th time while he sat in her office (as was their regular routine), something in her mind shifted. What had been a question of "why can't I be with a guy like this" had now changed to "why can't I be with this guy?"
As the idea hit her like a shock wave, more questions shot, rapid fire, through her brain. Could he see her that way? Would that ruin their friendship? How could she test the waters without sinking? They were co-workers, how would that even work?
It was important to her that she initiate a relationship by being up front, asking for what she wanted and telling him why she wanted it. And so, out of respect for his intelligence, and her own inexperience of how to do it any better, she wrote him a Ted Talk to share how much she admired and appreciated him. How his presence, for a long time, had been her safe space and how, if he would allow it, she would like to see if they could connect on a deeper level.
While initially cautious, he opened himself to the idea and found her excited to open herself to him in return. Over the course of the next few months, they found themselves in a world of firsts - first kisses that shot like lighting down their bodies, first slow dances, first tub soaks, first lazy mornings waking up together, first talks about the future and along the way, thousands of text messages and memes that each quietly and lovingly said "I'm thinking of you, I'm here, I want to connect."
And although their situations kept them, temporarily, from moving faster than they would have liked, the distance had its benefits. They could build something very special, very slowly and purposefully, brick by brick. Choosing what worked for both of them in a relationship that would be ultimately fulfilling and meaningful like no other before it.
From Chris's POV
Wait What ... 🤯
That was my first response to a suggestion about taking things in a new direction.
I was definitely concerned about what life would be like after that decision. Would this ruin a friendship? We worked together, how would that work. She had kids, and I didn't want to be a "step dad" stereotype.
But I took a chance... a chance at something that was truly special.
And then came the conversations, the texts, the memes, and all the feelings. I was hooked ...❤️
And now I have a wife and a family that I didn't know I was looking for, that gives me a greater purpose.