We asked folks to tell their love stories. We went looking for the top Valentine’s Day tale and received more than 30 stories.

A panel of “love experts” read the entries and determined that the couple to win a $50 gift certificate to Montero’s Restaurant and a $25 gift certficate to Jeffrey’s Greenworld and Florist is Kim and Ernie Trott, of Camden County. Here is their story and the 36 other entries.

It was Mustang love at first sight

Our love story started April 1988, nearly 25 years ago, cruising “the strip,” better known as Ehringhaus Street. A mysterious guy (home on leave from the U.S. Army) driving a gorgeous white Mustang made his appearance.

It seemed impossible to get close enough to introduce myself. That is, until he noticed me sitting on my gold Mustang at Southgate Mall talking with friends.

Mr. Mysterious finally decided to introduce himself. Only after a few minutes of getting to know each other, he asked if I wanted to ride up the strip once or twice. I honestly thought he’d never ask! As they say, the rest was history!

We started “going steady” on May 8, 1988 and have been going steady as a hoofbeat ever since! Even after being married and becoming Mr. and Mrs. Trott in 1991, we still find it hilarious how our Mustangs started it all ! — Kim and Ernie Trott

Finding love on aisle 10

A young lady showed up for work at Kmart after wrecking her bike — scraped up, broken hand, split chin — and the manager appeared throughout the evening to inquire and make sure she was OK. He would continue to keep tabs on her healing leading to a friendship and first date.

Fast forward two years and this man is standing, still keeping an eye on her... as she walks down the aisle to become his wife.

It is hard to believe that I was that young lady 30 years ago and my husband Don the manager who followed me around making sure I was OK. He has continued to follow and care for me over the years  — many times under appreciated ­— seeing me through losses, struggles, challenges, and also with me for some special moments and happy times. I look forward to his love and care through the years to come.  — Tammy Campbell

They spoke the language of love

When I met my valentine I was an exchange student in Costa Rica and he was my “older brother” in the home where I stayed during my semester of school there. Communication was difficult because he didn’t speak English and I didn’t speak Spanish.

Midway through my stay we overcame that barrier and started dating. I returned to the states to go back to school. He came and met my family during Christmas that year and in June I returned to Costa Rica.

Five months later we were married. After 36 years of marriage we have been blessed with three children and three grandchildren. We are anticipating many more years of love and happiness ahead. — Lisa Sanchez

Just an old fashion love story

This is an old love story but true. I met my husband on a second blind date, I stood him up on the first. This was 1956, I was a High School Junior and loved life to the fullest.

The morning after I stood him up I went into the grocery store where he worked and apologized. He graciously accepted my apology and asked me to spend Wednesday p.m. with him after school. He picked me up from school, I took him home to meet my parents and my little brother, they all hit if off immediately.

Since he worked and had recently joined the Navy Reserve our time together was few and far between. In order to spend more time with him I would ride with him to his N.R. meetings, do homework then go to the local hangout for a hamburger.

After four months he decided to joined the regular Navy so he left for 8 months. When he came home he gave me a diamond and 14 months after we met we decided to get married. I was 17, a senior, and he was 18.

This all happened 56 years ago this past Dec. 8. We have four wonderful children, 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. No one thought it would last but here we are. — Pat Pace

They let go but came back together

I’ve been married to my wonderful wife for only six years but our story goes all the way to 1988, 25 years ago.

I had known my wife through friends for several years as teenagers. She had been broken up with her then boyfriend so I asked her out. We dated for several months, fell in love, and I asked her to marry me.

We broke up not to long after as some young adults will, then got back together. I again popped the question. We were engaged for several months and again broke up due to interference from ex’s. We went our separate ways in life but always remained good friends, we both married had children and did the normal “married” thing.

Fast forward to 2005 we are both separated/divorced, she calls me due to some business matters. We began talking on a casual level, and took the step for trying to date again, this time it seemed to really be working out for us. YESSSS!

We began to make a home together and eventually I tried one more time and asked her to marry me, she said yes. We were engaged for about three years all the time living together and learning what it really takes to pull off a good marriage. We had never really set a date or did much planning for a wedding but on Nov. 4, 2007, she tells me that “we are getting married this Friday, you need to find a preacher!”

So it was now game time for me, she was in the drivers seat this time! On Nov. 9, 2007, I married my long time love, best friend, and rock that I cling to in the roughest times (and there have been plenty). We have endured financial hardships as most have, all the legal problems that come with split families, helping to raise each other’s children, but in the end when its all said and done we hold each others hands smile and know that what started 25 years ago brought us to this point and has done nothing but made us strong as steel.

Not many of us get the chance to go back in time for a do over, but I did. We bring new life to the saying “ if you love something let it go, if it comes back it was meant to be.” — Tim Stallings

For the love of frogs

In our living room there is a large frog sitting on the hearth, there are frogs on the bookshelf, there are frogs holding flowers on the tables, there are frogs in the curio cabinet, and on the floor. In the bedrooms there are stuffed frogs everywhere and some even make crooking sounds.

The kitchen has frogs too. I think every room of our house in inhabited by frogs. And if that is not bad enough visit me at work, frogs in the lobby, frogs in my office, and even a frog mirror in the break room.

I work at the Election Board in Currituck and precinct officials even bring me frogs. By now you are asking what do love and frogs have in common? Well, my first date with my husband of 43 years was a blind date to none other than “Frog Island,” yeah, I love frogs! — Mary “Kitty” Etheridge

An angel in the grocery aisle

They both attended a very large church in the area and served in various capacities. The first visual contact was in this setting and a casual hello as the passed in the crowds, no sparks, just a “hello”. And then one Sunday afternoon Ken went to Costco to pick up some large bags of Kettle Potato Chips for a planned weekend at a buddy’s ranch, and Cher went to the same Costco at the same time to pick up some nice “Strawberries.”

As each headed for the check out station, they turned a corner in the store and came face to face. “Don’t I know you,” Ken, said, as he held the large bags of potato chips close to his chest.

“Yes, I think so” said Cher.

As they chatted briefly, a strange woman walked up to them, neither of them knew, and started talking, and complimenting Cher on her beauty and dress and then complimenting Ken on his deep blue eyes, and then she briskly disappeared in the crowd.

“Who was that,” they both said, and neither knew.

Today we both believe that she was an Angel, and as of that time the sparks of interest in one another took hold and we began a lasting relationship. We were married in May 2012 and have Costco strawberries and potato chips. — Ken Lucas

They call it 'puppy love’

My Valentine’s story beings with meeting the love of my life at a very young age. His name is Christopher and my name is Kelsey.

It was elementary school and we were both just in the first grade. I had this “puppy love” for him.

He had given me a (copy) of his second grade picture that we all exchanged after picture day and I kept it ever since. However, after the third grade, I never saw him again.

About  mid-November in 2011, I decided to look him up on Facebook. Sure enough, I had found him. Ever since Dec. 20, 2011, we have stuck together. What makes our Valentine’s Day special is that it isn’t just a day for love, but also his birthday. I couldn’t have found a more perfect person for me. — Kelsey Finley    

'It was magic’    

I met the love of my life Dina Mullins in Kentucky when she was a junior in high school. I was her school counselor and we spoke in passing, but she never came into my office.

After 31 years I found her on a friendship Internet site. We started talking and I planned to meet her in West Virginia. Before I could meet her she transferred to Salt Lake City. I’m a school counselor in here in Camden County. I finally swallowed my pride and called her in Salt Lake City.

She invited me to visit her. We clicked the moment we saw each other. It was magic. We visited the Mormon Temple and shared our first kiss. I hated to leave, because I knew she was “the one!”

I thought the distance would make it impossible for us, but she transferred to Suffolk, Virginia. We made the distance work because we love each other. I asked her to marry me on June 22, 2012 at Montero’s. She is the love of my life. — Michael W. Griffith

It was 'Love at first text’

You never know who your gonna meet when your emailing someone online. Pictures can be faked and voices can be changed. But in December of 2010 I never one time thought about that when I was emailing my future husband.

We met on Facebook. I received a friend request from someone I didn’t know and I usually ignore them. But something about him I couldn’t ignore.

He was in Pennsylvania and I was in North Carolina. We commented on each others status’s and pictures, and after a month of Internet chatting we took it to the next level. I gave him my phone number.

We talked/texted every second of every day. In the next month I had decided to take the chance and fly to Pennsylvania to finally meet this person who occupied every second of my life and I remember standing in the airport thinking that he could be any crazy person out here and then here comes this guy, as gorgeous as can be and mid-sentence he walked up and kissed me!

Love at first text!!

Two months later he took the leap and moved here, and that was two years ago. We’re engaged with a baby and two dogs together. God bless Facebook, without it I would never have met my soulmate. — Dienna Porter

Fish story turns to love story

I was standing at a bar when he walked in. He immediately asked me to dance. I gave him a quick once over and didn’t see any major physical flaws.

It was only the first set. I said yes. That was, why I was there.

He stepped on my feet a few times during the slow songs. (Still does.) The conversation made up for the sore feet.

During the second set, he told me he had bet $20 he’d be on the dance floor first. During the third set I asked him to a white perch family cook out for the next day. He said that is when I won his heart.

He’s from Jamesville where they have herring festivals every year. My fish story started five years ago. — Sheryl B. PierceHe was her late night suitor

In 1972, I took a job as a cashier in the major appliance department of a big box discount store. One evening as I was leaving my shift, the assistant manager yelled for me and wanted to know where I lived. I refused to give him that information even though I secretly adored this man.

That evening he showed up knocking on my back door at 2 a.m. My Labrador was going crazy barking, and I was anxious as to what the pounding was all about.

As I pulled back the curtains to look out, there he was with a dozen roses in his arms and grinning ear to ear. Forty-one years later this coming July (we married in 1973), we are still together, and as close as ever. We’ve been through broken bones, strokes, cancer, the death of a daughter and are still inseparable. — Diane Aldridge

She ate up his 'smooth’ pick up line

My now husband and his buddy were “cruising” the strip in 1986 as were my sister and myself. I was the driver of my car and my husband was the passenger of his.

We both get stopped at a light and his buddy leans over to yell out the window this pick up line “Hey, my name’s Mikey and I eat anything!” My sister and I laugh.

Then I ask the passenger his name. He tells me. Then I ask him what he likes to eat. “’Bout the same!” he answers. From that smooth pick up line, we proceeded to Waterfront Park to talk. We dated, then fell in love, married in 1989, had one daughter in 1996 and the other in 1998. Life is good! — Belinda Winslow Jackson

Love and the county fair Scrambler

My love story began on Sept. 27, 1984 when Marjorie and I were planning to go to the Chowan Fair on Wednesday night. Because of circumstances (fate) we couldn’t go, so we switched to Thursday.

My world was never the same after that.

Ernest, who hadn’t been to the fair in Edenton for 10 years, and his friend decided on a whim to attend the fair that night. As Marjorie and I walked around the fair grounds, I looked up and my eyes met Ernest’s eyes.

“What a hunk,” I thought. We immediately started talking and soon he asked if I wanted to take a spin on one of the rides.

Not willing to tell him I was scared and never took the rides, I said, “sure” and off we went. I picked “The Scrambler” because it was one of the quieter attractions.

As we spun around Ernest said, “Your hair is so pretty blowing in the wind.” Before I knew it we had to leave, but not before Ernest got my phone number. In a short time we were going steady and now we’ve been married for 28 years with one beautiful daughter.

Now, we always go back to the fair to ride the “Scrambler” on our anniversary.

Thank goodness Marjorie and I picked Thursday instead of Wednesday. — Sandra Davenport

527 love letters later ...

In Aug. 15, 1960, I met my future wife on a pair of roller skates. She was 17 at that time.

For me it was not love at first sight. I did not know anything about this girl. So when I took her home and asked for a date the next Sunday night, she said I’d have to go to church.

After about four Sunday night dates she told me that her plans were to go to nursing school after high school. My reply was, “I’ll do nothing to keep you from going.”

Then came Christmas. My first present for her at the family Christmas Eve party was a very big cabbage. I’ll never forget what her grandma said that night, “It better not be a diamond ring. If it is, I’ll take it away form her and give it back to you. She has to finish high school and then nursing school.”

She did three years of nursing school. When she was on her last nine months of nursing school, I got drafted in the Army. After 527 letters (she wrote 424, I did 102) and five years and two months, we got married, Oct. 2, 1965. In those letters she wrote over 1,000 times, “I love you and miss you very much.”

A few days ago, I told her, “I love  you.” Her reply was, “I love you, too.” — Louis Talmadge Meads

It was love at first sight

I met my wife Letitia Moore in her 10th grade year and my senior year. A mutual friend introduced us.

When I met her, I immediately said to myself, “I’m going to marry her.” I called her that night, and we couldn’t get off the phone.

I never missed a day of school after I met her. One day I was with my friends, and they were saying how cute she was, and I said she’s my girlfriend, while standing near her, and she said surprising, “I am?”

At the time I didn’t have any money so I purposely waited until after Valentine’s, but little did I know that I would have to celebrate 2-14 (Valentine’s), 2-15 (birthday), and 2-16 (anniversary). Together 24 years total, married 16, and I feel the same way as the first day we met. Love, Sam. — Samuel A. Moore Jr.

Her husband was a gift from God

My love story began in 1997. I was a single mom and had just started a new job at a large retirement community.

One of my sisters worked there and called to see if I was interested in filling her old position. I was and got the job.

On the first day, my sister showed me around. Two pastors worked in the same office and I reported to them. One pastor was not in; the other was in his office. When he heard my sister’s voice he came out of his office and handed me a box of Russell Stover chocolate.

Three months later, he asked me if I would like to go to the movies. I was so overtaken, that I could hardly open my mouth and when I did say yes, I sounded like a tiny mouse.

We had dinner at a local diner and then he drove me home. He walked me to the door and thanked me for going with him. It was a nice evening.

Fast forward: We began spending more time together and when he proposed, I said yes. We were married on Valentine’s Day, 1998.

My husband is Pastor Roger Braun. He is a gift to me from God! — Susan N. Braun

He never tires of 'I Love You’

I met my future wife at Woodstock, Woodstock the film that is, playing late one night at the local theater. I had just sat down with some friends when I noticed the prettiest girl sitting in front of me.

She was with a girl I knew from my days in high school and was introduced. I quickly became enthralled by her and talked my old friend into switching seats.

I found out that she attended the College Of The Albemarle, just as I did. I had a date to the COA Halloween party for the next weekend by the end of the show. We will have celebrated 40 more Valentines since our first one together. I never grow tired of telling Paula, “I Love You.” — George Hague

It was a sky high proposal

One December I was transferred to Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City and began attending a local church. I wasn’t attending to try and find a husband and wasn’t really interested in getting married either but God had other plans for me.

An older 98 year old member and I had become friends and insisted, as an attractive woman I should put myself out there. He even offered to help me in my search, how sweet. I thanked him and assured him I was very happy single.

A few weeks later my preacher was preaching a serious from the book of Ruth. It was the strangest thing, like “a voice saying,” turn your head and see that man over there? He’s the one you are going to marry. As I sat listening to the message I argued with God about this matter and thought, what a mistake, me marrying him? How silly, I didn’t even know this man.

About one week later I couldn’t get him out of my mind so I inquired about him to a friend at church. She informed me he was a local farmer and a member of our church.

The next week I found myself smiling his way. Much to my surprise he came over to talk with me after the service.  He introduced himself we talked a little and went our separate ways. Now I really couldn’t stop thinking about this man even though I didn’t want to. After another service or two he came over and asked if I’d like to go out sometime, I agreed. Our first date was a tractor pull then dinner. We were enjoying each other’s company so much that after this date there were several more. He was the perfect gentleman. He would always open the car door for me and walk me to my door. He would even come in and talk with my mother while he was waiting for me.

By July he had made it very clear he was going to marry me. On a clear November afternoon he came to pick me up. He said he had somewhere special he wanted to take me. We drove to Belvidere and boarded a small airplane. The pilot flies us over a large farm where I was told to look down. As we flew over the first two times I was speechless as I gazed at a huge heart perfectly carved out of earth that had my name at the top and the words “I love you will you marry me?” As we approached and flew over the field the third time I turned and said YES I will marry you! The pilot said “thank goodness” in relief as did my man. I guess by now they were both worried I might say NO!

Not long after that we were married and it’s been wonderful ever since. I am a very blessed and happy woman.

Happy Valentine’s Day my love! — Jill Reid

From an annoyance to love

My husband and I met in high school. His seat was in front of me in psychology class and he kept turning around and aggravating me. (He) drew all over my notebook.

I strongly disliked him in school. But after 26 years of marriage I would not trade him for the world. He is my best friend and my soul mate. Scott, I love you with all my heart. Thank you for always supporting me and being by my side. — Thelma Cruickshank

Love and the NYC Dept. of Sanitation

This is the story of how I met my wonderful husband. I lived in New York City at the time and every Saturday I left early morning to babysit my godson about three miles away.

This Saturday I stepped out of my building with a bag that looked like a garbage bag. The sanitation worker said to me “can I have your garbage” (he was going to load it into the dump truck).

I look up and say “this is not garbage” and keep walking. He looked at me and said once more “are you sure I can’t take your garbage?” I told him “No, this is my laundry, not garbage.”

I put my headphones on and kept walking up the city block and had one ear of the headphones off in order to hear any oncoming traffic when crossing the street. All of a sudden I see a NYC Dept. of Sanitation truck parked in the middle of the street. I turned around and there was the same sanitation worker that asked me numerous times for my bag, aka laundry.

He says “Hi, I was wondering could I have your phone number?” I told him I didn’t give my number out to anyone and continued walking. He stopped me again and said “Can I give you mine?” I said OK and took the number thinking nothing would ever come of it.

A few hours later I decided to call the number and left a message with my phone number on it. He called me the next day and we went out on our first date. He was a widow and his wife passed on in the year 1988.

We have had our ups and downs like most marriages and I love this man just as much as when we first fell in love. We have two children Brandon, 15, Christina, 21, and I thank God for sending someone special my way when I wasn’t even looking. He is such a good father and a great husband. — Patricia Rosario

Her first date was her first love

It was Friday, May 28, 1954, and my 8th grade graduation at Central High School. Several boys from Perquimans High School decided to skip school and come over to Central and check out the girls.

For some reason they all brought water guns with them and at recess were having a great time. All of a sudden this older boy offered to loan me his water gun and I accepted it until the bell rung and recess was over.

I tried to hand it back to him and he said no, he would pick it up on Sunday when he came to pick me up for our first date. I said no, I don’t date, I’m too young, actually I was 14 and it was his 16th birthday but he insisted he would be there Sunday to take me out.

Well, after much begging, my parents agreed to let me have my first date and sure enough he was there Sunday afternoon. We were engaged on Valentine’s Day and married on March 2, 1956. After five beautiful children and three handsome grandsons we will celebrate our 57th wedding anniversary next month — And they said it would last! — Katherine Godfrey

Keeping an Open Heart

When you are single Valentines Day can be difficult. That particular year I knew I needed to do something nice for myself. Kay Jewelers has an Open Heart collection of jewelry and their slogan is “if your heart is open, love will always find its way in.” I liked the optimism of that and bought myself one of their necklaces.  

A friend invited me to go out and even though I was reluctant to go because I thought I would be uncomfortable around all couples, I agreed. I wore my new necklace.

Sitting at the bar was a very attractive man I had seen many times. This time he came over introduced himself. From the moment he shook my hand I knew that this man was different.

I married him and this is our 4th Valentine’s Day together.

Was it the necklace? It will always be special to me. — Lisa Jones

He was the one for her

I, Ethel Sutton, met William Wray Chappell on School Bus #13 in 1955. He was the driver and put on brakes to get my attention.

When I went to a birthday party and played “Spin the Bottle” and “Had to Kiss.” William Wray, I knew from that moment he was the one for me.

We went on double dates but never alone until 1958. William knew I was the one for him after he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Jan. 30, 1958. He proposed marriage on Dec. 4, 1959, at 8 p.m., with an engagement ring, on Sutton’s Creek Bridge, New Hope Township, Perquimans County.

The road was closed for construction of the bridge so he detoured to show me the bridge. What a surprise!

I went to college and worked while he served in the Marines. We married April 16, 1961. William still had a year to serve “Uncle Sam” so we went to 29 Palms Marine Corps Base, Calif., for our honeymoon and returned to Perquimans County to live.

We are among the 5 percent who have been married over 50 years. — Ethel Sutton Chappell

School Daze — Wedding Daze

I sat back. He moved over. He just returned to college. I just turned 21.

One by land (Dudley drawl). Two by sea (Roanoke Island brogue).

This wild description happened first basketball game, second semester “at Ole ACC” Wilson in 1958. Proposed at nearby Cliffs of the Neuse State Park.

We added additional summer school classes worked four jobs in order to marry during Christmas break. We rented a partitioned attic space beside college infirmary and finished exams. Yes! We graduated – his BS in biology; my AB in English and Religion Education.

From Christmas 1958 'til Christmas 2012 – not a bad “sweetheart deal” that began with a borrowed wedding gown and $30 fee returned by our minister/professor.

Recently ACC/Barton celebrated College Sweethearts with a Valentine Card recognizing us as a Bulldog couple. — Bill and Gwen WescottA smile and a hello led to wedding bells

One Sunday night during my first year of college (1968), I missed the bus to go to church with some friends. So I walked to another church not far from campus. As I sat down in the sanctuary, two young fellows smiled and said hi. Later, on my walk back to campus, a car pulled into a parking lot in front of me. One of the fellows who’d said hi earlier got out and introduced himself.

He’d seen me on registration day and wanted to meet me. We talked for a good while and then he drove me back to campus. By then, we had a date for the following Friday night.

When Friday night came, I couldn’t remember his name, so I wrote simply “date” on the sign out log. I almost got in trouble later for my honesty, but for over 44 years he’s been worth it! — Sharon Chappell

He was tall, dark and gorgeous

It was my first seventh grade dance. Would the tall, dark hair, gorgeous guy I saw at school be there?

This was the start of a life of love and happiness. We started going together until we were separated in 8th grade by no fault of ours.

Love once again brought us back together in the ninth grade. We continued to go together all through high school. After graduation we were married on Oct. 17, 1976.

We have two wonderful children and seven grandchildren. I married a man who knows that love is a willing sacrifice of giving of oneself to another without the thought of anything in return.

He is my best friend, the love of my life, the best father and grandfather. He is that special someone and I thank God for bringing him into my life. — Janie Whitlow

Friend set them up and they fell in love

My husband and I met 11 years ago on a blind date. Our first marriages had ended and a dear friend set both of us up on the date.

We went out with our friends to see the movie, “Triple X” and for dinner too. We dated for two years before getting married on September 2004. Between the two of us we have boy and girl from previous marriages and in 2005 we had our first child, MaKenzie. Even though we have his, her and our children we each of them dearly. — Ree Hobbs

He hooked her on a fishing trip

Since the day we met, I knew Jim was the right man for me — Nov. 12, 1994.

It was a cold November day and my sister and her husband had won a fishing trip on the bay. Knowing I loved to fish, they invited me to go along.

Capt. Jim Brinlefield was our captain. He was hard working and had a great sense of humor. After fishing, he asked me out on a date. It was then we realized we wanted the same thing in life: kids raised in a stable environment with lots of love.

For the last 19 years, we have had just that. Together we have raised two great kids with love, respect, and compromise.

I couldn’t ask for a better man! — Jil Howard

He fell in love in middle school

I met my love at Elizabeth City Middle School. I didn’t know her. But for some reason I would say to myself, I like this young, quiet, shy and soft spoken person.

Soon I found what her name was. I would speak and say her name. She would speak and smile. This made my heart do a double beat.

Thinking to myself later in life, I would love to have this young lady for my wife. I pictured her being my bride. Later we began to date. Then I told her I always thought of her being my wife. She gave me that smile, that made my heart do a double beat.

On June 4, 2011, this young lady from the school hall became my wife. I love you from your husband Devon to my wife Shawnqua Johnson Mayfield. — Devon Mayfield

Decades later they picked up where they left off

He was my high school boyfriend and he took me to the prom. Then he joined the Navy and we both married other people.

Twelve years ago my husband died, I never liked living alone but, after having a stroke, my hopes of ever being in love again were dashed.

After my old boyfriend’s wife died he looked me up. Somehow he was able to over look the disabilities caused by the stroke. After 50 years of not having seen him we picked up where we had left off. I have been married to this remarkable man for two years.

God gave me the desire of my heart when I thought it was impossible. I serve a God of second chances. He reigns. — Lynn Morton

A summer love that has lasted

Ours was not a whirlwind romance considering we were only 14 when we met. We met at church camp in the summer of 1976.

I thought he was the cutest dark, curly haired boy I had ever seen. We stayed in contact and would see each other at various church events.

We became the best of friends. Eventually his family started attending the church I went to and after several years of getting to know this wonderful, sweet, and kind young man, my heart was set. He was loving to his parents, loyal to his friends, quiet and meek.

At the age of 17 he finally asked me to go on a date with him. Seven years later we were married. He has given me the best 21 years of his life and two beautiful daughters. I’m grateful to be able to spend my life with my very best friend. — Leslie White

Her story is her fairy tale

Nineteen years after my birth, in the very place I was born, I met the love of my life, Tony. I was a student at College of the Albemarle, as was Tony, attending class in what was once the delivery room of Albemarle Hospital then turned into the Biology Lab for COA.

Much like a storybook romance, he was the lab assistant and I was a student taking Biology in the fall of 1968. We spent time studying at the college library, and talking in the “Dolphin’s Den.”

We attended both College of the Albemarle and University of North Carolina at Wilmington together where we then graduated. Wherever we went, we went together.

We were married February 6, 1972 and just recently celebrated 41 blessed years together. From our first date in November 1969 until even now, we have been inseparable. Our story has been my fairytale. — Janice Suchy

She marrired her handsome farm boy

When I was 13 and George was 14 we met because my brother married his sister. This handsome, sun tanned farm boy took my heart the first time I met him! Oh he was something!

We held hands while sitting on the porch swing but never went on a date. We built a friendship over the years and then he went into the military.

He came home from Guam and said, “You know we should get married.” I agreed! We finally went on that first date and I wore a white dress. We were 21 and 22 when we got married. We still have date night at a favorite spot.

Now it has been 45 and a half years of marriage, five children, 13 grandchildren and one great-granchild, and guess what? We are still friends and still love each other!

By the way, he is still my handsome farm boy! — Linda Livesay

She’s getting a second chance at love

On June 29, 2010 I lost my husband from cancer. We were married for 32 years. I fell into a deep depression.

My son came and got me and took me to the hospital. I stayed with him for two months. I returned home to go on with my life.

After two months a friend of mine passed away. I went to the memorial where I met the son of my friend who had passed. When he took my hand a feeling went through me that I’ve never felt before. I knew at that moment that life for me was about to change.

I took a large leap forward and started to date. In 2012 at Thanksgiving he proposed to me. I said yes and now thanks to God and this wonderful man, I have been given a second chance.

Our wedding is set for September 2013. — Charlotte Bradley and Johnny Studds

Her love story continues

An unplanned meeting by mutual friends. Chapters in a book yet not written. Dinner with a warm smile. Two people that met and believed that with faith in God there was and is a chance. Two people, one widowed and one divorced. So the story begins. Sometimes the past can cause trials and tribulations in a relationship. And sometimes the present can do the same. We have experienced both.

Our friendship has remained strong. Our hearts are in the right place. We sometimes need distance in order to grow stronger as a couple. We are getting stronger every day.

When you think, and than know, you have met that special person, your life can change into a wonder of amazement and joy. After time that friendship can turn into Love. Faith in the Lord. Faith in each other. Faith in our families. Faith for our future. We are there.

Love is a magical journey that can appreciate everyday experiences. Our love is special. Our meeting was planned without either one of us knowing it. We are blessed and we are thankful.

Together we can enjoy the pleasant experiences of every day. Together we can handle what the Lord has planned for us. Together we can become one in His name. And Together we are there.

The love”story continues and we are excited for each and every meeting as the chapters in our book gently turn the pages. — Molly Williams

He’s a gentleman and a handyman

I met Keith a couple of days before Valentine’s Day last year. I was coming out of the hospital after getting my heart checked and he was going in to get his heart checked.

He stopped me talking about how beautiful the morning was and how I was such a beautiful ray of sunshine. I thought it was very nice of him to give me such a great compliment and we kept up a 20 minute conversation.

We exchanged numbers and I knew I had found my soulmate. He called me for a date on Valentine’s Day to Golden Corral and I accepted.

We had such a wonderful time talking and laughing, it was like we had known each other for years. Not only was he a gentleman, he turned out to be my handyman and we have been a couple ever since. Being we both have heart problems we can relate to each other better.

He does all the lifting for me and makes my life easier. I pray God’s blessing upon us and a very happy future.  — Juanita Taylor