Lonna and Thomas met the way so many modern love stories begin — on Hinge. Three years ago, a simple match turned into a connection that neither of them could have predicted.

Their first date, however, did not start exactly on time. Lonna had gone to brunch with her aunt in downtown Everett and found herself stuck waiting for the check to be processed. Between the delay and a sunny June day when it seemed like everyone in Washington was trying to get to Seattle at the same time, traffic was relentless. By the time she finally arrived, she was an hour — maybe even an hour and a half — late.

He waited anyway. Patient, eager, and completely unfazed, he stayed right where he was, simply excited to see her.

Once together, they headed to the Museum of Pop Culture. She offered to cover the tickets since he had driven up from Olympia. While the museum itself was not quite the highlight they expected, it did not matter. Thomas’s easy humor and constant commentary kept them laughing, and it quickly became clear how natural their connection felt.

Naturally, he could not resist making things interesting. At one point, he loudly explained an elaborate plan to break in and steal the guitars — all while standing in front of the staff. She stood there trying not to panic, quietly hoping no one would take him seriously.

After MoPOP, they walked to Pike Place Market and along the pier. He did most of the talking while she listened shyly. Somewhere along the way, Thomas sneaked a flower from Pike Place and handed it to her — a small but thoughtful gesture that perfectly matched his playful charm.

She fully intended to keep it, at least until she got home. But when he noticed she was still holding it and told her she did not need to, she felt there was no choice but to throw it away. She did exactly that — leaving him completely stunned.

Since she bought the tickets, he insisted on taking her to dinner. They found what they recall being a nearby Hawaiian-Asian fusion restaurant and talked for hours, neither ready for the day to end.

As the evening continued, they walked to the Space Needle, where they talked about life, goals, and the future — and shared their first kiss. What began as a delayed first date had quietly become something meaningful.

The night ended with a movie and Thomas bravely sampling the Asian snacks Lonna grew up loving, fully embracing every part of her world. While that first flower did not survive the day, she still has the second rose he ever gave her, along with a petal from every flower he has given her since.

A reminder that some things are meant to be kept forever.

Three years later, their laughter, patience, and love for one another remain at the heart of their relationship — just as they did from the very beginning.