It was a cold day in Denver, much to Shane’s moderate discomfort. He had neglected to wear more than a light jacket, and despite holding a much warmer one in his hands refused to don it. It had snowed the winter night before, and though the sky was clear today he had high hopes that it would again.
	His breath fogged the air as he waited outside of the airport, knowing that all too soon the flood of fliers would fill its relatively empty halls. Soon his love would arrive, and soon they would embrace, truly, for the first time. Months, near on years, of internet video chats and longing for the moment had led to this. Through all the trials and tribulations, fears and triumphs, they had persevered. Now the plane just had to land.
	The seconds crept by as hours. He shivered. A nearby valet shifted his grip on his neatly printed sign, hoping to relieve cramped fingers.  Then, screens blinked one by one down the line with an update “Ofallon-Denver: Arrived.” His heart quickened, even though he knew it would be long minutes more before he could hug Katie for the first and the millionth time.
	Shane’s phone buzzed in his pocket as he opened the door and strode toward the baggage claim: three words and an oft-repeated symbol. “I am here. <3” A smile crept across his lips, it was real. It was happening. There was no doubt now, it was only a matter of time. He didn’t know the airport’s layout as well as he would have liked, else he would have tried to ambush her. Instead he tried to make himself as obvious as possible.  The dull hum of voices suddenly seemed charged and anticipatory to his ears as he looked around anxiously, projecting his anticipation onto the sparse crowd.
	The first few people began filtering through the post-flight security checks (thankfully far more lax than international customs), and he scrutinized each, searching for the woman he loved. Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around his chest from behind and Katie whispered in his ear, “Wrong gate dumbass. Amin mela lle.” And he melted into her arms.