SPOKANE, Wash. – Faye Maestas stood nervously at the baggage claim of the Spokane International Airport on Wednesday morning.
She clutched a bright yellow handmade sign as she waited for a man she had not seen in 26 years to arrive and start their “happily ever after.”
Maestas had dated Elvin Ruiz in high school before moving away from their hometown of San Jose, Calif.
She described going on hikes, to drive in movies, and going to prom together back in the 80s together before life happened and they were separated.
“I’d been looking for him, off and on, over the years,” Maestas said. “When I found him, everything just went back into place like we were never apart.”
The last time they saw each other, Maestas had just had her daughter and was still married 26 years ago. She’s been divorced twice since then, and Ruiz has been divorced as well.
“My dad says that this is the one I should’ve married,” Maestas said. “It’s nice to reconnect and have this be our last loves.”
Ruiz had planned to move to Puerto Rico to be with his father but after reconnecting with Maestas, changed his mind to move to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to be with her.
When Ruiz walked through the gates, he headed straight for Maestas and gave her a hug.
“I’m shaking really bad, but I’m happy he’s here,” Maestas said.
“Me too,” Ruiz added.
