"I'm not coming," she wrote in an email. "I've thought it through, and I'm not looking for a long-distance relationship. I'm sorry." I was hooked, of course, and this was a brick wall I thought I could manage. I sent her a dozen roses and a card that read: "Although it saddens me greatly, I respect your decision and wish you nothing but the best. Randy." Well, that worked. She got on the plane. I admit: I'm either an incurable romantic or a bit Machiavellian. But I just wanted her in my life. I had fallen in love, even if she was still finding her way. We saw each other most every weekend through the winter. Through Jai wasn't thrilled with my bluntness and my know-it-all attitude, she said I was the most positive, upbeat person she'd even met. And she was bringing out good things in me. I found myself caring about her welfare and happiness more than anything else.