When I was 19, I worked as a waitress at a local family restaurant to put myself through college. One weekend in May, a handsome man walked through the front door. His image is imprinted permanently on my brain—blue pants, blue and white striped shirt, white shoes (Miami Vice era, friends).
I was attracted the width of his shoulders and the way he carried himself. There was something that set him apart from other guys who visited the restaurant. He carried himself with pride and purpose.
I told a few friends who had come in that I didn’t know the man, but I knew I was going to marry him. They laughed, of course, because who says that?? Plus, I was dating a guy from college.
This man sat in my section and as I waited on him, I couldn’t help but notice how blue his eyes were. His smile held a certain shyness.
He was friends with another server, and soon they chatted away. When he left, I figured I wouldn’t see him again.
He came back the next night.
And the next.
His last evening there I learned his name and that he was a Marine stationed about 6 hours away, but he had come home on emergency leave. When he cashed out, he asked if I’d be interested in having a Marine pen pal (days before the Internet and email). I said sure, but I was quick to let him know I had a boyfriend. He said it didn’t hurt to have another friend.
We wrote back and forth for two months and became good friends. As we got to know each other via letters and silly cards, I could feel myself experiencing new emotions for him. When he came home again on leave, I knew I was head over heels in love with him. He felt the same way.
That Marine and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in October. He’s still the first person I want to share with—good and bad. We’ve had our trials, but we’ve also rejoiced in sweet victories too.
In Lakeside Sweethearts, my newest book that releases in June from Love Inspired, Agnes and Ian have been friends since childhood. They’ve been there for one another, but now Ian isn’t satisfied with staying in the friend zone for the rest of his life. He wants more. He wants Agnes’s heart. The only problem is Agnes feels like a piece of discarded furniture with a heart held together with Scotch tape. She’s afraid to risk loving Ian for more than a friend because if she loses him, then she loses their friendship too.
What about you? Have you fallen in love with a close friend or know of someone who did? When did you realize your feelings were changing for that person?
~*~
Using Random.org one commenter will be selected by Saturday, March 1 at noon EST for a copy of Lakeside Sweethearts when it releases. Please be sure to include your email in your post if you would like to be included in the drawing.
Married 25 years to her real-life hero, award-winning author Lisa Jordan knows a thing or two about romance. She and her husband have two young adult sons who have their own creative streaks. By day, Lisa is an early childhood educator. By night, she writes contemporary Christian romances that promise hope and happily ever after for Love Inspired. She is the Forum Coordinator for My Book Therapy. She is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such. In her spare time (ha!), she loves good books, romantic comedies, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. Visit Lisa at www.lisajordanbooks.com.
Lisa, I loved reading about your story with your husband! I always love hearing how a couple met, and this story is so sweet. I love your “pride and purpose” comment, in particular, and that’s something that always impressed me about a man, too. How wonderful that you got to know each other through cards and letters. Happy 25th anniversary in October! I love the cover of your new book; it’s just so inviting. As a matter of fact, I showed it to my daughter on Facebook, and she said, “Oh, that’s a good one. I’m sure it’s a really good book.” No doubt about it. I look forward to getting it as soon as it hits the shelves in June. As far as falling in love with a friend, I had a lot of guy “friends” in college, and crushed seriously on a man in Dallas, but alas… Obviously, the Lord had someone else in mind (in Dallas, too) for me (and now 26+ years later). :) Blessings, and thanks for sharing.
This looks like a great book. One I would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity.
susanmsj at msn dot com
Awww – what a sweet story! I love friends-falling-in-love stories, they’re the best, in my opinion. I’m biased, though, as I married my best friend from college almost 19 years ago.
That does look like a lovely story and I’m going to snatch up a copy as soon as it’s on sale.
Loved reading how you and your husband met. Happy 25th wedding anniversary. I had a few pen pals who were in the military back in the day. Your book sounds like something that I would really enjoy.
I love your story! Sadly, I cannot remember the first time I “met” my husband, but he remembers the day I walked into the room! He remembered that I was embarrassed for being late and took the first seat I could find. He remembered what I wore! Three months later, when we “met” again, I found a lifetime friend in him, and the love of my life!
Lisa, you have such a sweet story to share! My love story has been written by God, but He hasn’t clued me in yet. I’m still in the waiting phase, but I’m learning to be content with that. At least I hope I’m learning that lesson. Being content no matter the circumstances is something I want to be. If I can be content being single when I really want my love story to begin… well, that’s about the most difficult thing to contentment I can imagine right now. So yeah, I really hope I’m learning this lesson now. It’ll make for great stories and easier contentment later down the road.
Blessings,
Andrea Cox
andrearenee2004@yahoo.com
Love, love, LOVE your story, Lisa!!! I married my best friend, too. We were good friends for three years before we ever started dating, so I can so relate to your story. Your book sounds awesome!!! Thanks again for sharing your wonderful story! :)
I loved this story about you and your husband. And Lakeside Sweethearts sounds like my kind of read.
a.f.washburn@aol.com
Thanks, JoAnn! When I showed Hubby the book cover, he said the cover alone will sell the book. :)
Thanks for stopping by, Susan!
I love them too, Elizabeth! I hope you enjoy Ian and Agnes’s story!
Thanks, Nancy! At that time letters and phone calls were the main ways we kept in contact.
Jo, apparently Carly is the romantic one in your relationship. :) You two are role models for a Godly marriage. I’m so glad you’re my friends. :)
Andrea, in God’s perfect time, He will connect you with the man of your dreams!
Thanks, Cathy! Sounds like you have your own wonderful love story to tell. :)
Thanks, Alyssa! I hope you enjoy reading Ian and Agnes’s story!
The winner of a copy of Lakeside Sweethearts is Alyssa Washburn!