Love Across America: The Unexpected Way I Found My Valentine.
I thought I knew what love looked like—romantic dates, surprise flowers, and grand gestures. So, I set off on a cross-country journey, convinced I’d find my perfect Valentine somewhere along the way.
From bustling city cafés to quiet beach towns, I met incredible people, but none who truly stole my heart. That is, until I found myself at a small animal shelter in Texas.
There, behind a chain-link fence, was Olive—a shy, golden-eyed rescue cat who had spent months waiting for a home.
She wasn’t the type to demand attention. Instead, she watched the world quietly, as if hoping someone would choose her.
The moment I reached out, she pressed her tiny paw against my hand, and suddenly, my search for love was over.
I adopted Olive that same day, and together, we continued my journey—exploring scenic byways, staying in cozy Airbnb cabins, and watching the world go by from the passenger seat (she loved car rides more than I expected!).
Unlike any date I’d ever had, Olive was endlessly loyal, asked for nothing but love, and had a way of making every moment special.
This Valentine’s Day, I won’t be looking for the perfect date—I already found my soulmate. And she just happens to have whiskers and a purr that melts my heart.