When they first met, Dee and Perrin were slowly opening themselves up to dating again...

Wanting to test the waters, they both joined an online dating service, and before they knew it, they had found each other. They messaged for a while, finding out more about each other, and eventually decided that they wanted to see if their chemistry was as good in person as it was online. So, Perrin suggested they meet at Toscani’s in Southbank for lunch. They were both a mix of nerves and excitement to meet each other. Upon first glance, Perrin immediately noticed that she had beautiful eyes, and after getting to know her better, he was happy to find that their chemistry in person was exactly as it had been online.

She was easy to talk to and had a great sense of humour. He immediately felt at ease around her. From the get-go, it was clear he had found someone special. Dee was so glad that it wasn’t awkward (as first dates had been in the past) and was very happy to find he knew how to hold up his side of the conversation and make her laugh. Before the date ended, Dee knew she had to see him again, and invited Perrin along to see the Foo Fighters in concert. Since then, Dee and Perrin have found peace with each other.

They took their time, introducing their kids when the time was right, and moving in together when it became clear that there was no one else for them. And when Perrin was supportive and there for her throughout all her surgeries, it became clear to Dee that she had found someone really special too, and that she wanted to be with Perrin forever. Since then, they have gone on many holidays, from cruises, to trips to Ballarat and New Zealand, and have loved exploring new places together. Good thing, too, because they also moved 7 times in their 10 years together, with Perrin now living in Japan, coming back when he can.

While their arrangement may not make sense to everyone, to them, it is perfect. Well, almost perfect :) Perrin had always said after his divorce that he did not want to remarry, but that was always something Dee had hoped for. They were completely committed to each other and had even bought commitment rings to prove it (even rebuying one of them when Perrin lost his!), but after a while, Perrin realised that marriage was something Dee had really wanted. And the more he thought about it, the more he valued the idea as well. Marriage would not only show his commitment to her but would also make her incredibly happy. He loves her; he loves how excited she gets over new things, and how she is the most affectionate person he’s ever known. He also adores how resilient she is, and how she’s always trusted and supported him. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her, and so he knew what he had to do.

So, when he was back in Australia for surgery, he secretly purchased an engagement ring that would match the commitment one she wore. And then, as they were celebrating an early Christmas with Bee and Hana, Perrin dropped to one knee and asked Dee to marry him. The girls were so excited, and of course, Dee said yes! ...Or rather, she said, “about bloody time!”, but you get the picture :) Dee loves that she can count on him for anything, even when he’s not right by her side. She loves that he’s always supportive of her, and never tells her no, even when maybe he should :) She loves that he’s always positive, and can see the good in anybody. She loves how he can make her laugh, but most of all, she loves that no matter what, he will be there for her. Through thick and thin, and across borders, if she needs him, he will be there.