Something in the Water

The word small is relative. A small town in California is the size of a county for some southern states. Porterville is small for those of us who give up the starry nights, chasing big dreams in bright city lights. However, if you asked a blue collar man in the south if a city of 60,000 people felt small, he’d laugh in your face. 

So what makes a place feel small?

The community. The way you can’t do a Target run without running into an ex, your 3rd grade teacher, and the girl who teased you about how you dressed during your awkward middle school years. 

A town where you went to the same high school as your parents. You bleed blue & gold, and Friday nights are best spent at the local stadium. Where every school year you are referenced as “so and so’s” younger brother or sister. 

You can run, but you can’t hide. Not in a small town. 

And when it comes to love, the romances that brew in a small town, never leave you. The ones who come from the same homegrown roots as you know you better than any person in the big city will ever know. 

Friendships are forever, and some crushes are a slow burn. 

For my best friend, “Kate,” and my brother “Lev,” they were no exception.

*****

The Story

My bottom sits on the last purple suitcase. All my life, well clothes and shoes mainly, packed into 8 pieces of luggage ready to move across the country and start fresh.

“I can’t believe you’re moving away, again,” Kate, my best friend, says as she sips on a gin and tonic, “I just got you back and now you’re leaving. Who am I supposed to have drinks with after work in this small town?”

COVID brought her back home from Los Angeles. Working remotely in our small town until her office opens up again and she can return to her luxurious, party girl life in the big city. She’s too chic for this little town. Her Aritzia style from head to toe, love for oat milk lattes, and guilty pleasure in espresso martinis after work on a Wednesday night doesn’t fit in a town with one lane back roads. 

“I have to. Nashville is calling my name and this will be good for me to rediscover myself. Be on my own again. Find my independence.”

Honestly, after my broken engagement, I decided I needed  to go and create a life of my own. Where people don’t know my story. Where I can drink new water, meet new people, and have space. If I stay here, I’ll get stuck. The relationship tore me apart and I could feel the walls closing in. I needed to move on. 

“Millie, you home?” My brother's voice not only overpowers the HGTV channel my mom is watching in the other room, but also makes Kate’s back straighten up against the walls of my childhood bedroom.

“You didn’t tell me Lev was coming over,” Kate whispers and shoots me a look while restituating herself on the bed and smoothing out her hair.

My insides laugh. Good thing they’ve moved on from the past, right?

My door swings open without a knock, per usual, and Lev fills the doorway. He clearly just came from the gym. Sweat covering his overworn, cut off, gray baseball shirt from high school 10 years ago. How that shirt is still in one piece is one of life’s greatest mysteries. 

“Knock?” I shoot him a look, but he doesn’t look at me. His eyes are fixed on Kate, he broadens his shoulders, and tries his hardest not to smile.

Oh brother.

“Just wanted to say bye before you leave tonight,” he finally turns back to me, “Anything I can do before you go?”

Ahhh, look who is Mr. Helpful now that his pretty crush sits on the bed. I look over at Kate who has her lips gripped tightly together with her teeth scrolling her phone. She, too, can’t hide her smile. You’d think after three years they’d be past those feelings.

“No, I’m good. Maybe just help Dad play tetras fitting all the suitcases into the car.”

“Cool,” he pauses for a moment and then finally turns to Kate, “Hey Kate.”

“Hey Lev,” her cheeks blush and I try my best not to gag while they just stare at one another for a moment, as if words they’ve wanted to say for the past three years communicate through their eyes. 

“You two are so weird,” I break the silence and fill the room with even more awkwardness, “I’m going to shower and get ready.”

Lev lifts his arm leaning on the doorway and I duck under to head to the bathroom. Lev doesn’t leave though; he stays standing at my door. 

Ten minutes later I return, and Lev is now sitting on my bed with Kate.

“Lev, ew, get your sweaty self off my bed!” 

“Chill Millie, you leave tonight, you’re not even going to sleep in it anymore,” he says as he gets up.

How did Kate find him cute at one point in time? He’s sitting on the bed, dripping in sweat, probably hasn’t showered in two days, and could use a new pair of sneakers. Lev and I don’t see eye to eye on hygiene, or fashion. 

But, he is loyal and protective. I don’t think I could have survived the past few months of living at home after my breakup if it weren’t for him. He took me to church, gave me rides to the gym, and made sure I was included in plans. Lev may have shot me with rubber bands and pushed me one too many times growing up, but at the end of the day he would take a bullet for me. 

“I’ll come out and say bye to you later, I need to get ready,” I usher him out of my room.

“Laterrrrr Kate!”

“Byyyye Lev.”

Shaking my hair out with my shower towel, I turn to Kate. 

“What was that?”

“What was what?”

“You know what,” I give her a look while applying moisturizer to my face.

“We just caught up, that’s all.”

“Mhmmm.”

“What?”

“You two are impossible. It’s been years and I swear there is so much electricity between you two. Don’t try and deny it. He’ll always like you.”

“No, Millie, that is long gone. Not again. We tried twice, we’re just friends now. I’m moving to LA as soon as the office opens back up.”

I roll my eyes back to my mirror and continue my skincare routine, remembering the last time I was “just friends” with someone. 

*****

Coffee shops aren’t just for hits of overpriced caffeine. To me, they’re spaces filled with stories. I can sit and people watch in a shop for hours while the aroma of roasted coffee beans soak into my clothes and follow me home. 

My eyes shift to the right of a young guy sitting at the table next to me. He smells good. Not a cologne kind of good, but a clean, mature good. He’s wearing green joggers, clean white sneakers, and a plain white tee. Simple, but fits him like a charm. 

I shift my back to the left and then to the right so I have an excuse to check him out closer. No ring, so potentially single. Dirty blonde hair, little bit of scruff and I would guess 5’10”. Cute. He sits without a coffee and a jittery left leg. I pull out my phone and text Kate.

Me: CUTEST guy just sat next to me at coffee shop. This place is loaded with attractive men. MOVE HERE NOW!!

I set my phone down and try my best to focus on the work I need to catch up on before Monday. 

*ping ping*

Kate: Talk to him! Shoot your shot, lady!!!

As I begin to text her back, a cute young blonde walks up to him and I overhear her say “so nice to finally meet you.” Great. Not only is he not here alone, but I get to listen in on his first date.

Hopefully it’s entertaining. 

Me: Welp, too late. Girl just showed up. But still, when you come here in January we are going out on the town! No man is safe ;)

Kate: Haha, we will see!

Me: We will see? What? NO! We’re both finally single at the SAME time, this world is our oyster!! How am I supposed to get you to ditch that LA life if I don’t introduce you to a nice southern gentleman.

Kate: I’m just saying we will see!

Me: Kate, have you met a guy? In Porterville? No shot…

Kate: No no, still single ol’ Kate. 

I set my phone back down and eavesdrop on the first date conversation. It’s sweet, but also makes my stomach turn. Now that I’m single I’ll have to go through first dates all over again. The basic questions. Where are you from? Have any siblings? What do you do on the weekends?

Sounds miserable. 

My heart is desperate for a redemption story. In need of a good love story to change my perspective, liven up my spirits. The best kind of love is unexpected, someone who from the start, feels safe. They’re a soft place to land, and feel like home. It’s easy, peaceful and you don’t even notice you’re falling.

*****

My body rolls over and finds its way to my ringing phone on the ground. The five margaritas from the night before have my body screaming for water. Sounding off the alarm, I reach for the water bottle on my nightstand. Nashville has felt like one big, ongoing party since I moved here.

Didn’t take long to make friends and find the fun bars. Although no one compares to Kate; I wish she would move here. 

*Ping ping*

Lev: Hey, can we chat later today?

*bubbles continue to appear*

Lev: Really need to ask you something.

My body wakes up. This isn’t a “hey let’s catch up and hear about your Nashville life.” Lev needs to tell me something. What has he done now?

Me: Sure! You’re up early over there. No meetings today, call whenever.

As soon as I close my phone and roll over to snooze through a few more alarms my phone is ringing. 

“Lev, what’s up? Everything ok?”

“Ya, just leaving the gym.”

“Of course you are. Your text worried me. What do you need?”

“No, no it’s nothing bad, and hello to you, too. Can’t I just call and see how you’re doing?”

“Ok, fine, what’s up? Has dad put up the Christmas lights yet?”

“Yeah, they’re up. Mom has the house decked out, too. How was your weekend though? Staying out of trouble?”

My weekend? It’s Wednesday. Why is he catching up on my weekend now? It’s 6am back home for him. 

“Fine. How was your’s? Did you stay out of trouble? We both know that’s much harder for you to do than me.”

“Well actually, this weekend Dad and I played in a golf tournament,” he pauses for a moment, “and Kate joined us.”

“She did? I remember her saying she was going to play golf. I didn’t connect it was with you and Dad. How’d you guys do?”

“Didn’t win, but it was a lot of fun.”

His voice is cautious but eager. Reminds me of the time he called me to tell me he was recruited by a school out in Kentucky for baseball. Ready for his next chapter, but prepared to let each of us know he’d be moving far away.

“Lev, what’s going on? You’re acting weird,” finally making my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth and splash some water on my face.

“Well, I mean, I’m sure Kate has already told you.”

“Told me what?” I spread toothpaste on my brush and place the phone on speaker.

“That we’ve been hanging out?” He sounds confused.

Hold the phone. Been hanging out? As in multiple times? I left six weeks ago and while I was living at home their paths only crossed two, maybe three times at least, that I know of.

Why wouldn’t Kate tell me? We tell each other everything. She never withheld information about her and my brother the past two times they tried dating, why now?

“Actually don’t know, but continue,” Setting my brush to the side. My teeth can wait while I get the scoop on whatever the heck is going on between my brother and my best friend. 

“Started after you left. She came over to get something at Mom and Dad’s and I was there. Then I think I may have snapchatted her--”

“Snapchat? Ugh, even my own older brother communicates through Snap?”

“Stop, you know I’m not like that.”

“Ok, sorry, continue.”

“Well, one day I sent her a text and said that I drove by the tennis courts and thought, “you know who would love to get beat at tennis? Kate would.””

Subtle, smooth, actually can’t knock him for it, but it’s still always weird hearing about my brother trying to hit on my best friend, again. 

“So you played tennis and now you’re in love all over again?”

“Not just tennis. We also went for a walk, and then Dad invited her to play with us in the tournament, and we’ve been texting, but Millie, I think it’s different this time.”

My mind goes back to countless conversations I had with both of them on the two separate times they tried to make it work. They were in such different places, not just literally, but also with life and what they wanted. We are finally in a good spot; Kate can join us for family get-togethers and Lev can act normal. Both of them have been off trying to date others; I thought the doors had been closed. 

“Why is it different?”

“Millie, it just is. I feel it. She’s finally back in Porterville, and we just work. I swear we can joke and talk for hours. It’s easy with Kate.”

“But Lev, you two have so much history. Are you sure? You were pretty torn apart after the last try. I love you both, and Kate will be around forever, she’s practically a sister to me. And after this past year, I can’t do anymore drama.”

He pauses. He’s thinking, and I know by the tone of his voice he’s certain of this.

“I have to talk to her about it, Millie.”

Falling back into bed, I think about how this could all go down. One of two ways: Really good, or end up being really bad. We’re older now. Before we could chalk up behavior and reasons to being younger, navigating our early 20s, long-distance, but it’s different now. We’re mature. We’re established. Kate isn’t going anywhere as my best friend, and Lev is my brother. Plus, our family loves Kate. 

“Are you sure, Lev?”

“Millie, if I don’t, I’ll regret it. She’s going to be around and if there is any chance I have at being with her, I have to take it. This is Kate we are talking about. Kate is everything, you know how I feel about her. She is THE girl.”

This is true. Lev talks about Kate with such tenderness. 

“I guess you do have a point. I mean she isn’t going anywhere and if y’all have been flirting again, you need to nip it in the bud. Either close the door for good or give it a try.”

“Exactly. So I’m going to talk to her tonight.”

“What? Tonight? Already? Lev, Kate hasn’t even told me about these hangouts of yours.”

“Millie,” Lev is calm; he is sure, “I can’t wait any longer. This is our chance, I have to do it before she starts making moves back to LA, but I wanted to run it by you first. I know it’s your best friend, and if it’s too weird--”

Taking a deep breath and cutting him off, “Take good care of her. Go for it.”

My stomach turns upside down though. I want my brother to be happy. I want my best friend to be happy. I’ve been looped into the past of their feelings and it wasn’t easy. As the sister and best friend, I’m protective and understanding of both sides. I didn’t mention it to Lev, but a small part of me does worry how Kate feels, and I hope she doesn’t break his heart. 

The fact that she hasn’t told me about them texting again and hanging out, makes me worried. Maybe she isn’t on the same page as Lev and I don’t want my brother to be crushed before the holidays. 

*****

My fingers work their way tirelessly across the keyboard itching to wrap up my workday and go finish holiday shopping. I fly back next week and can’t wait to see everyone. Anxious to share stories of my new city and life in Nashville after the big breakup.

I fire off my last email, grab my keys and head to the store, that not only makes me happy, but always has a gift my mom will love, Anthropologie.

*ring ring*

Michael Buble is cut off by the image of Kate on my car radio screen. I wonder if Lev has already talked to her. 

“Heyyyyy!” not sure if I should panic, celebrate, or play dumb to whatever it is Kate is about to tell me.

“Ok, first, I just want to make it clear that I wasn’t trying to hide or keep information from you.” Kate’s voice jumps in immediately.

Leave it to Lev to waste no time when it comes to Kate. Her worried tone makes me laugh. As if I could ever get mad at her. 

“Uhhh-huhhh, whatever you say little sneaky!” teasing her back, “So you talked to my brother?”

“Yes,” she lets out a deep breath that’s been held in far too long. Almost three years too long. 

“And? How do you feel?”

“Well,” she pauses, “I need you to go into best friend mode and out of sister mode.”

“Done. Let’s hear it.”

“I mean it’s Lev. We’ve tried twice before and it didn’t work out, but every time we come together it feels as if nothing has changed. It’s so easy with him.”

“Ok,” I say slowly as I pull into a parking spot, leaving the car on to keep myself warm.

“But I’m supposed to move back to LA in a few months. And distance is hard.”

“It is.”

“And it’s not that I don’t have feelings for Lev, I do. I just fear it not working and becoming a mess, and I love your family so much, and it’s your brother--”

She lets out another loud breath, and we both hold the silence. There is something deeper here  Kate isn’t revealing. Everything she has said is obvious. She and Lev always flirt. The guys in the family tease him all the time about Kate and how she can beat him in golf from time to time, and the women constantly tell him to wife her up because she fits in perfectly with the family.

The timing between these two has never been right, until now. But there is another layer to Kate’s feelings here. Beyond Lev. Beyond me and our friendship. 

“Kate, what is it?”

“It’s stupid.”

“What is?”

“What I’m feeling.”

“Which is?”

“I’m scared, and I don’t know what to do with all of this. Yes, Lev and I have tried in the past, but it wasn’t the right time, right place, and we both knew that. But today, your brother, he put himself out there and you’d think after all this time the guy would let it go, but he wants to make this work. Give it a true shot and do whatever it takes. And I just--”

Pausing again. Not sure if tears are coming or what, but my best friend is deep in her feelings.

“Millie, I’ve never been fought for in this way.”

“In what way?”

“In a way where I feel special. One of a kind. Worth risking it all for. I have a feeling that even if I said no to Lev, he wouldn’t let me go. He would do anything to be with me, and I’ve never had that before. You know that..”

It’s strange, but good to know my brother cares for Kate in this way. We all want a partner who loves us for us, respects us, and will fight to win us over; where we feel like the most precious prize in the world. 

“And you deserve all of that, Kate.”

“But what if I frick it up? What if it doesn't work out?”

“But what if it does?”

“Then it’d be perfect. I mean it’s Lev. Your family. No one makes me laugh like him, and he has a way of making me feel like the only girl in the world. It’s silly, but I just cried after we talked because the emotions are overwhelming.”

“I get that,” pausing as she catches her breath, I’ve never heard Kate talk about a guy this way. Ever. “So where did you two leave off?”

“We have feelings for each other. That hasn’t changed after all these years, but there is a lot to discuss. Lots to figure out. And Millie, he’s willing to do whatever to make it work; he’s insane.”

“No, he’s in love,” laughing, but it’s the truth.  

“Oh shush, not even.”

“Kate, you’re literally his dream girl. I know it. My family knows it. Now it’s time for you to know it.”

“But what about us? What if it doesn’t work out? I can’t lose my best friend.”

“You wouldn’t. Lev loves you too much. Even if it didn’t work out, he wouldn’t let me lose my person, too.”

“You’re right. You’re so right.”

“I know, so what’s happening next? Will you still come over next week when I come home?”

“Yes. We’re going to talk again and just give it some thought. Well, me mostly. I guess I have more to figure out and talk it through with him, so we will see where it goes.”

“But you like him? You want him?”

“Millie, I never stopped liking him.”

*****

Nothing feels more like Christmas than your childhood home. Every year it looks and smells the same as it did when I was a kid. Smells of gingerbread and fresh pine needles welcome me with mom’s warm hug when I walk in the front door. Our hand stitched stockings from Grandma hang above the TV, decorations fill every inch of the mantel.

I’m so excited to be home for the holidays. Everyone together. Moods high and joyful. Watching the excitement and anticipation for Santa be lived out through the nieces and nephews. It’s a magical time.

And the best part, Hallmark Christmas movies! Happy endings and the sweetest time for love stories. Romance is everywhere.

“Join me on the couch; I bought your favorite wine,” my mom yells out from the living room. 

“It’s like I never left,” I say after the first sip. This first Christmas after my breakup is a challenging one, but as I sit and watch the romantic storylines unfold, my hope is slowly restored. Day by day. 

“So, I have a question,” my mom turns to me, “Kate and Lev. What’s going on?”

Oh god, please don’t put me in this spot. Ask your son yourself, Mom. The latest from Kate was that she and Lev were talking things through and wanted to get through the holidays, hoping to not draw attention to their relationship or tell anyone. 

“What do you mean?” deciding to play dumb.

“Fine, Millie, you don’t have to tell me, but I’ve seen them together lately. As much as they try to hide it, something is there.”

“Maybe,” my eyes stay forward on the screen as if paying attention to the movie is crucial to knowing how it’ll end.

But we all know how it’ll end. 

Girl, or boy, returns home for the holiday from the big city. They’ve been off chasing dreams, lost in the hustle and bustle of climbing the corporate ladder, but the old flame in their small town changes their heart. They’re reminded that the people who know them best are the ones they grew up with.

Kate and Lev need a movie of their own.

*****

Having the family together for the holidays means endless game nights. But tonight won’t be just any game night, Kate is joining us. Which isn’t weird. She comes around all the time, she’s my best friend, but tonight, there is a secret lingering in the room.

A secret romance. One that once was and no one talks about. “Water under the bridge” kind of past. One that everyone thinks the door was shut after the second time around. But doors open just as easily as they close, and these two have opened it up all over again.

“When does Kate get here?” my sister asks me as we set up snacks and the room for Fishbowl. 

“She’s on her way.”

“Where is Lev? I’m surprised he isn’t here yet either? He’s off work this whole week, where has he been?” My sister's interrogation continues, but I treat it as rhetorical. I saw Kate’s location on my find my friends earlier today, I know exactly where she was at. Which also explains where Lev has been all day too.

*Knock knock*

“It’s unlocked!” several of us yell out to Kate at the front door. She knows she can walk in, but insists on knocking every time after all these years.

“Kate! Welcome back,” my mom greets her, and I know after that question earlier she isn’t just making conversation. She’s referencing the last time she was here for the golf tournament with Lev.

“How was your day?” I turn to her.

“Good! Just watched Christmas movies.”

Mhmm, I’m sure you did. I give her a look that says it all and she can’t stop smiling. 

“And how is your mom?” my mom asks her, joining us on the couch.

The old door leading to the garage slams shut. Not intentionally but because this is a home that has been lived in. When you have six kids running in and out of the house for 30+ years and now several grandkids, doors are worn down. 

“She’s great--”

“Lev! Where have you been all day? I called you twice.” My mom says in a way as if he’s still a teenager who should be home more often.

“Been busy,” Lev winks at Kate, facing away from my mom. Kate’s face boils, and Lev wipes his hand across his mouth trying to cover his childish grin.

I give this secret two days max. It’s all over Lev. Kate can hide it better, she’s bubbly to begin with and always brings in high energy and warmth into any room she enters. Lev also brings in a certain spirit. He can make anyone laugh and you’d never know he didn’t like you. His personality gets along with anyone, anywhere. 

But tonight, they’re like two kids giddy the night before Christmas. 

“Alright, now that everyone is here, can we play Fishbowl already?” my sister shouts over the noise of kids, adults, and the tv all going off at once.

“Let’s do it, guys vs girls?” Lev suggests, squeezing a spot on the couch between me and Kate. My mom looks over at me with her eyebrows raised. 

Her face says it all, “I know what you know.”

Christmas morning is a marathon. Well for parents. We aunts and uncles didn’t stay up until 2am wrapping gifts, playing Santa, assembling toys with 100 parts, and guzzling down the remainder of wine from Christmas Eve dinner. I watch my nephews rip off wrapping paper with ferocity and speed. It pains me. These poor parents, why do you do this? You spend five minutes on each gift, just for it to be ripped to shreds after five seconds. 

Sort of like love. 

You can spend your whole life loving someone, striving to be the perfect person for them, preparing your heart, planning your future together, and in a moment’s notice they can be gone. Your heart, your hope, it’s ripped to shreds.

Sitting on the couch next to Lev, I catch him smiling at his phone, while the rest of the adults “ooo” and “ahh” over the fifth lego set we’ve watched get unwrapped. I think about him and Kate. They’ve been down this road before and I saw what happened. Is it worth it? How does Lev know it’s different this time around?

Both of them supported me through the worst heartbreak. Is this worth the risk when I know what a potential outcome could be? 

“Millie, watch it!” Lev disrupts my thoughts, “your coffee!”

Shoot, I didn’t even realize I was spilling it. Thankfully my blanket catches it before hitting the couch. Lev returns with a towel from the kitchen.

“You good, Mills?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, just tired,” I say with irritation and exhaustion. 

“Hey, I know it’s your first Christmas since everything happened, and this may not be what you want to hear, but next year will be different for you. I know it.”

It’s Christmas, but I don’t need this. I know the pain of a difficult breakup and I don’t know if I can bear to see my brother and best friend risk that happening.

“Lev, why Kate? Why my best friend? Why try it again for the third time?” I shoot back at his attempt at cheering me up.

“Hey, quiet down, I don’t want anyone to hear,” Lev shoots a stern whisper back, “we can talk later.”

“No, let’s hear it now. Why Kate? You both have been through enough with each other.”

“Outside. Now.” Lev gets up from the couch and heads out the front door.

Clearly the kids have the attention of everyone in the room, because no one questions us storming outside. 

“Millie, what’s your deal? You told me I could talk to Kate,” throwing his arms out in the middle of our front yard. 

“How do you know it’s different this time around, Lev? Huh? I’m the sister and best friend here, what if--”

“What if what? It doesn’t work out? Yeah, it might not.”

“Exactly, see! So why are you doing this?”

“Because I’ll regret it if I don’t give this an actual shot. It’s Kate. Those other times were so different. We had distance. I was still finding my way, trying to figure out who I was. I wasn’t ready to be the man Kate deserves. We both know that.”

“But there will still be distance, she’s moving back.”

“Millie,” his voice lowers and softens, “She’s staying. She decided the other night. And we’re going to give this a go.”

My arms stay crossed and I take a deep breath in. Two of the greatest people I know, willing to risk it all. Friendships, family ties, lifestyles and careers. All for love. 

“Ok.”

“Ok?”

“Ok, then actually go for it. Don’t hide it. I’m sick of seeing you two smirking and I saw you pinch her butt the other night in the kitchen. None of that in front of me. And I swear Lev, if you even--”

“I won’t. God brought her back home for a reason. I’m not letting this opportunity go. I won’t hurt her.”

A car door slams behind me. What is Kate doing here? 

“Merry Christmas!” Kate squeezes me, “My mom made a ton of cinnamon rolls and insisted I bring some over here.”

“Merry Christmas,” I finally unfold my arms, “Kate, Lev told me the news.”

“Millie, I’m sorry, I swear I was going to tell you as soon as I saw you next, it was just after spending the past couple nights with your family, I felt it. This is it, Lev is it. I hope it’s not too weird for you, because this is everything I’ve wanted.”

“Don’t be sorry. If this is what you want, then I’m in support. You two are great. Your secret is still safe with me, for now.”

“Thank you,” they say in unison and follow it with a laugh.

“You two are too much. C’mon, let’s go share cinnamon rolls with everyone.”

I lead the three of us back inside. Still wrapped in my coffee stained blanket, Kate holding a plate of cinnamon rolls and Lev holding the other. Who knew God would do this? In the darkest of times, he still found a way to show me light. New beginnings after difficult pasts. An example of two people who lean into love and know a good thing worth fighting for. 

It gives me hope.

My hand pushes down on the door handle and immediately steals the attention of the room.

“Where were you guys?” my mom asks.

“Oh hey, Kate! Merry Christmas,” my dad says sitting next to my mom.

I look back at Kate and Lev walking in together. I see it. My brother was right, next year will be different, and the years after that, because they will have each other. Their love, it’s evident.

“It’s now,” I turn to them as we walk into the living room.

“What’s now?” Kate looks confused and Lev isn’t even paying attention because he’s already shoving a cinnamon roll in his mouth. 

“Kate and Lev are dating.”

Lev keeps chewing, and Kate slaps my back. 

“I knew it!” Mom shouts out, and the rest of the siblings hoot and holler. 

“What?” I turn back to them looking at me like they’re ready to kill me, “You two taught me best, no better time than the now.”

Just like that, my faith in love, second chances and new beginnings is restored. 

I didn’t need to move to a new city for this kind of inspiration, God put it right in front of me. And he did it through the two of the greatest people I know.

*****

The Couple’s Sip: Water

Water. Ever heard of it?

It’s crucial for survival. It hydrates you. Replenishes. Restores. 

Nate and Dev chose water as their drink of choice for these exact reasons. Nate’s exact words were that water is foundational and simple. With he and Dev, it’s easy. They don’t try to reinvent the wheel and truly love each other’s company. When you’re unhealthy and need to recover, they say to start with water. And it’s the same for Nate and Dev. Every morning they choose each other, they choose their relationship, and their relationship is a safe place for them to go when times are tough. 

It’s inspiring and something I think each of us should take away from these two lovebirds. Who replenishes you? Makes you healthy? Hydrates and helps you restore to your best self?

I don’t know about you, but that’s the kind of love I hope to have one day!

Now go drink your water & stay hydrated, friends!

Author’s Note:

These two can chat. What I thought might be a quick fact check 15 minute call turned into an hour. It’s no secret that they are each other’s best friends and genuinely enjoy being with one another. As the best friend and sister, I already knew their story. I’ve watched it blossom, mature and develop over the years. I always knew the door was never fully closed. 

And it’s so special to watch two of my favorite people fall in love. 

They care for each other deeply. Support, respect and challenge one another to be the best version of themselves. The way they complement each other is unreal. Where one falls short, the other leads. Where one has a blind spot or flaw, the other gracefully and patiently helps them grow. 

But it’s not just good communication and mutual respect that makes their relationship so successful.

Nate and Dev can have fun with one another wherever they go. They will have each other cracking up from sun up to sun down, and embrace one another’s interests. I’m confident they will grow old together and be laughing ‘til their very last breath. 

Love you both, thank you for letting me share your story!