When Fred met Rose: A love story

Dear Annie: You recently asked readers to write in to respond to the question “What do you love most about your partner and why?” I am a pretty lucky lady! Sometimes, I feel like pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. I’ll call us “Fred” and “Rose” to tell our story.

Fred and I met later in life, after many years of single-parenting and hard work. We were co-workers who became friends long before we dated.

I was content to stay single for the rest of my life, but somehow all that changed after we started dating. Five years later, we had a big outdoor spring wedding. Family and friends alike commented that it was about time! We met in 2009, started dating in 2014 and were married in 2019.

What do I love most about Fred? He is very genuine, sweet, kind and caring. He lets me be me and never tries to change me or control me. Our relationship is a partnership with shared responsibilities.

He is a great father of four boys. Two of his boys are adopted from the foster care system. When I learned this about him, I fell even more in love with him.

He loves my two daughters. He’s so very proud of them, and it really shows. My heart melts when he introduces them as our daughters. He loves my grandsons and son-in-law, too.

He loves to dance! He loves to wrap his arm around me, and I get so swept away.

We hold hands everywhere we go. I love how much he loves to do that. Every meal is a reason to celebrate. We clink silverware or glasses for each wonderful meal. I love him dearly, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of our lives! — Rose Loves Fred

Dear Rose Loves Fred: Your romance sounds like something out of a movie. The gratitude you have for each other and the all-out celebration of life and your relationship is something to cherish.