The Making of a Valentine
It was destiny. Slow and sometimes bittersweet. But in the end, destiny was not denied.
Their paths first crossed in a small Oregon town. The local theater was playing Coal Miner’s Daughter. She worked the concession stand. He was hired as a doorman. Upon his hiring, he was told not to flirt with the girls. He thought it was an odd rule. He paid it no mind.
His attention went toward others, but his eye was always on her. She was dating another. He was an honorable man so he kept his distance.
She didn’t.
A relationship developed and before long they were dating each other.
It was short lived.
Her boyfriend saw he was losing her so he proposed. She accepted and abruptly broke off the budding romance. She married and he was devastated.
He left the theater and found full time work as a carpenter. He thought about her from time to time and wondered if she ever thought of him.
One day by chance, they ran into each other. Seems they frequented the same local laundromat. They small talked while her laundry ran through the dry cycle. He helped her fold her sheets. They parted company. He realized deep down inside he still missed her.
Several months passed by.
One evening his phone rang. He answered it. She was on the line. Her marriage had fallen apart and she needed someone to talk to. He was thrilled she had called him.
They talked. There was a lot to be said, so they decided to meet. Soon they started dating again.
He was in love.
They soon moved in together but it was too fast for her. The arrangement was short lived. She moved back to her parents house.
Once again he was devastated.
She wanted to keep seeing him. He was wary, but love is a funny thing and his feelings for her were still strong, so he agreed. This time they moved much slower. In its own time, love blossomed, the stars aligned and they once again lived under one roof.
They married on a Friday afternoon. It was a simple ceremony at the county courthouse. Within the year, they moved to Southern Idaho where they worked together in a potato factory making french fries. They had their first child. They were in love.
After several years she grew homesick, so they moved back to Oregon where they had another child. They were both boys. The kids grew up fast, or so it seemed. They were good kids. Handsome and talented. Both went on to college and became successful in their chosen fields.
They both started lives of their own and soon the nest was empty.
The two had a chance to deepen their relationship. They did some traveling. They reconnected with each other and their bond grew even stronger. They laughed and cried together but most of all they loved each other.
After forty-three years they’re still together and still in love.
Like most relationships, they’ve had their share of ups and downs and weathered many storms. At times the path was less than straight or easy. Wherever it took them, they took it together, always managing to keep their wits about them and their heads above water.
After they retired, they moved to a warmer climate where to this day they remain deeply in love as they live an idyllic life. They are growing old together and living… happily ever after.
© Copyright 2023 by Scott A. Gese All Rights Reserved.
You might like these
short story fiction / Jilted
Jilted / It was a picture perfect wedding, until they reached the “I do’s”.
short story fiction / For the Love of Art
For the Love of Art / A young artist in Paris, the City of Love, must make a crucial choice that will affect her life for years to come.
short story fiction / Playing With Fire
Playing with Fire / She was everything. He was nothing. A couple of stiff drinks was all he needed to find his courage… and ruin his life.
I Could Use Your Help
Are you enjoying my stories and articles? This site does not post ads. It depends on people like you to keep these stories and articles up and running. Here's how you can help.
If you click on the green button below, it will take you to my 'buy me a coffee' page. Here is where you can show your support for this site.
While you're there, feel free to browse around and check out some of the posts I've left for you.
A big thank you in advance for your generosity and your support.
Please Share this Website
Add this site to your social media pages by using the social media buttons below. Your friends will thank you for it.
Our Top Five Most Read Articles/Short Stories for the Month of October
<HERE>
Newest Article
Six Important Topics You Must Consider Before Retiring Abroad
by Scott A. Gese
Vlada Karpovich/PexelsDreaming of retiring to somewhere outside of the country? Living the expat life in places like Europe, Mexico, Central America and beyond sounds exciting.<Read The Full Article Here>
Newest Short Story
A Tale of Treasure
By Scott A. Gese
Dimitrisvetsikas/PixabayTheir father’s tales of buried treasure had been written off long ago by those who heard them. Jack was never quite sure… until now. <Read the full story HERE>
Newest Movie
Shanghai Express
An intoxicating mix of adventure, drama and romance takes place on a three day train ride through war torn china.