JoDe and Lisa Layton-Brinker didn't hear anything in Thursday's court hearing to make them less optimistic about their case.
The Jefferson City couple is one of the 10 couples suing the state to get their marriages, performed in other states, recognized in Missouri - even though Missouri voters 10 years ago passed a constitutional amendment saying: "That to be valid and recognized in this state, a marriage shall exist only between a man and a woman."
In a telephone interview from Kansas City, JoDe told the News Tribune: "From our perspective, we're hopeful. We realize that this is just the first step in probably a long process."
After Thursday morning's hearing, she added, all 10 couples in the group remained confident they eventually will win their case.
"I'm not an attorney," JoDe said, "But my perspective was, (the state) really didn't have a good argument.
"They really could not come up with compelling evidence or precedents - or anything, really - to counter what our position is."
And that position, Lisa said, is that when it comes to marriage, same-sex couples really are no different from other married couples.
"I realize there are certain laws that say we can't get married in Missouri," she said. "It doesn't say that I can't fall in love and - just because I found someone that I love and want to share my life with - the law wasn't going to end that relationship or that we wouldn't carry on with it."
JoDe added that the general American society already is making that shift.
"I think that, as time goes on, there's going to be a swing, and it's going to hopefully become a moot point," she said. "As generations change, perspectives change."
The women understand that some people disagree with their relationship - and that some think their relationship is immoral.
But, they said, many Americans felt that same way during the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s, '60s and '70s, when many states had laws banning interracial marriages.
JoDe noted she was raised in a Baptist church and Lisa was raised as a Catholic.
When they first became a couple about six years ago, she said, one church told them "we would not be welcomed," while the "next church was warm and welcoming."
Ultimately, she said, "At some point, it comes back to civil rights.
"At some point, it shouldn't matter, and I hope that the religious groups - the ones that aren't supporting us - realize that we're no different from anybody else."
The women recently celebrated the fourth anniversary of their marriage in Iowa, where same-sex marriage has been ruled legal and constitutional.
They understand that legal battles sometimes can strain relationships, either between couples or with their friends.
Lisa said their involvement in the challenge to Missouri's laws and Constitution hasn't been a wedge.
"I think it maybe brought us closer, and really showed us the friends that support us, and what we're doing in our marriage," she said. "For us, I think it's been more positive - you see all the people who support you and say, "It shouldn't be an issue. I don't know why it is an issue. And we support you.'"
Although Jackson County Circuit Judge James Dale Youngs issued no ruling Thursday, both women are prepared to see his final ruling appealed.
"We expect to move forward through the court system and, eventually, land in the Supreme Court," JoDe said. "This is just the beginning. We're all prepared, and well aware, that it doesn't end here."
But both women hope to be part of the generation "that changes history," JoDe said.
Lisa said: "We want to set a platform or a springboard for (others) who are gay or lesbian or transgender - whatever - we want to make it easier for them.
"We're fighting so they don't have to, and don't have to be scared to come out because they worry about being bullied."