romie and roxie

february has held the birthday rights to my smiling husband, on the romantic 14th day, the day of tulips and chocolate,  roses and tiramisu, a valentine baby, he. it was exactly 33 years ago today on the 18th of february that i strolled in to his office seeking employment, so i could move back home from the big city of atlanta. during and after college i had soared across continents and seas, languages and cultures, exploring me. and now i longed for the coast and the familiar smells and sights that bespeak the spell of family and home, that primitive call to many a wanderer. neither of us knew how fortuitous that chilly february day would be. he recalls i wore a denim dress, and jewelry that he liked. he said i smiled. i remember liking his voice, just deep enough to be masculine, but with a hint of laughter with a strong, gentle and southern resonance.  i say i first fell in love with his voice, he fell in love with my smile.