The moment of truth: He set down his camera and asked for my kiss.
As 2023 dawned, a yearning for a fresh start settled over me. The preceding years had been spent in a state of lockdown in Victoria, Canada, a stark contrast to my initial plan to write full-time and travel after quitting my job at the end of 2019. The world, it seemed, had other plans.
During those extended, solitary periods, I found solace and distraction in an online game. It wasn't anything elaborate, just a mobile game centered around surviving a zombie apocalypse. It provided a touch of amusement and, more importantly, a way to connect with people from all corners of the globe. Among them was a gentleman named Craig.
His witty and clever way with words was what initially drew me in. Our conversations began to blossom, and before long, they became the absolute highlight of my day. I sensed a genuine spark, a chemistry between us, yet we maintained a light and friendly dynamic. After all, we were strangers on the internet, separated by vast time zones. The idea of us ever meeting in person seemed utterly improbable.
Then, a revelation: Craig resided in Australia. Suddenly, the possibility of crossing paths, however remote, became a tangible thought. My travel plans already included a trip to Melbourne, Australia, in April for a romance book signing. Gathering my courage, I eventually broached the subject of his location. The answer he provided would irrevocably alter the course of our lives. Craig lived in Melbourne! My hesitant inquiry about a casual coffee meet-up quickly escalated into plans for an entire day dedicated to exploring the city together.
Upon our first meeting, I was still battling the effects of jet lag. We embarked on an adventure through the city center, with a particular focus on indulging in delightful coffee, decadent chocolate, and browsing through charming bookshops. Our day culminated with a scenic train ride to a fascinating shop brimming with replica swords, armor, and other wonderfully geeky treasures.
Despite the incredible day we shared, a lingering uncertainty remained in my mind: was this a date? After more than a decade of being single and two years of pandemic-induced isolation, my social instincts felt incredibly rusty, almost squeaky.
From my perspective, Craig embodied the quintessential real-life romance hero. He possessed all the qualities: tall, handsome, and charming, complemented by a fantastic sense of humor and a geeky side that perfectly mirrored my own. But did he feel the same? I certainly hoped so.
As our day drew to a close, we found ourselves back at my hotel. Following a relaxed dinner, neither of us seemed eager to part ways. Craig, being a photographer, offered to capture some images of the Melbourne gas brigade from my hotel window. I had noticed the spectacular towers of flames the previous night and had longed for photos, but my own attempts had failed to do the breathtaking view justice.
He took those photographs. And then, he put down the camera and asked permission to kiss me. It was a moment so perfectly orchestrated, it felt like a scene plucked directly from a romance novel, except this time, it was my reality. I readily agreed. As our lips met, I knew with absolute certainty that Craig was someone I wanted to hold onto in my life.
Following that pivotal moment, we maximized every opportunity to spend time together. Craig even stepped up to be my assistant during a book signing event. He was incredibly sweet and supportive, navigating the delightful chaos as nearly a thousand readers descended upon the convention center.
The day before my departure, we had a conversation about our future. It was brief, as our desires were perfectly aligned. We were deeply in love and resolute in our determination not to let this precious chance at happiness slip away.
A few months later, Craig made the journey to visit me in Canada. Our connection had only deepened, nurtured by daily video calls and shared gaming “date nights.”
I introduced him to my world, just as he had opened his to me. We experienced the thrill of whale watching, enjoyed peaceful nature walks, and I had the joy of introducing him to my parents and friends. By the time he returned to Australia, our commitment to each other had solidified even further.
In 2024, I embarked on another visit to Australia. During this trip, I took the leap and asked Craig to marry me. This time, it was his turn to say yes.
Our journey to a happily ever after was not instantaneous. It involved thousands of hours of online conversations, countless video calls, personal hurdles, and the inevitable loneliness that accompanies a long-distance relationship. Yet, we found our way. In March 2025, I pledged my vows to the love of my life.
I have now relocated to Melbourne, joining the ranks of many new immigrants embracing this beautiful country. Together, we are building our life, one day at a time – filled with laughter, moments of shared geekiness, and a profound belief that our love story is just beginning.
Susan Hayes (author of over *70 books) invites you to share your own pivotal moment. *Tell us: When did you just *know?
But here's where it gets interesting: Is it truly possible to find profound love in the digital age, or are we just projecting our desires onto pixels? And this is the part most people miss: Could the isolation of the pandemic have inadvertently created the perfect conditions for unique connections to flourish? What are your thoughts on finding love through online platforms? Do you believe long-distance relationships can truly succeed, or are they destined for heartbreak? Let us know in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspectives!
