Joi Copeland – Real Life Romance – Part 1 of 2

Shannon here: Inspirational fiction author, Joi Copeland shares insight into her real life romance plus a chance to win a Kindle download of her latest e-book, Letters of Love. Comment on any post dated March 11 – 15 to get your name in the drawing. Deadline: March 23rd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Joi:

Head Lock of Love 
            Chris lived an hour away from me. We began our relationship by talking on the phone. One day, he asked me out on a date. We had a great time, and within a few weeks, I knew I wanted to be his girlfriend.
            Chris had scheduled a trip to Indiana to visit his mom, step-dad, and sister. He was going to be gone for ten very long days. Since I lived with four roommates, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on long distance phone calls, and he felt bad for making them while visiting his family. We didn’t talk a lot while he was gone, but I knew I’d have the privilege of picking him up from the airport. I couldn’t wait!
            Finally, November 2 arrived. I arrived at the airport early. Glad, too, because his plane came in ahead of schedule. Once he got off the plane and I spotted him, my heart pounded in my chest. He looked so good! The next thing I knew, I was in his arms.
            Chris gave me a peck on the cheek, and I thought, “I’m never going to wash my cheek again!” I think I practically floated to the car!
            He decided he wanted to get some dinner, so we went to Marie Calendars and split a meal. He proceeded to shower me with gifts he’d gotten for me while in Indiana. He shared with me stories of his family and how he’d told them about me.
            All through our dinner, he kept saying things like, “I wanted them to understand how I felt.” and “I wanted my mom to know all about you.” On the drive to his house, he’d tell me how he went to a Christian book store and looked for Bible studies for couples. Up to this point, we hadn’t defined our relationship. I had no clue what he was thinking.
            We got his luggage inside and all settled. This dear man sat me on his couch,with Enya playing in the background, still talking about “us.”
            I could take it no more. I finally asked, “What are we?”
            Now, my guy’s take on this is I got him in a head-lock and grunted out the words, “What are we? You my boyfriend or what?”
            But truth is, it was a simple question. Much to Chris’ surprise and probably frustration since he is a bit of a romantic and wanted to ask me in his own way to be his girlfriend, he asked, “Do you want to be my girlfriend?”
            Of course, the answer was yes! To this day, he tells our three boys how I got him in that head-lock, but to my way of thinking, it was the best head-lock I ever gave!
About Joi: Joi Copeland is married to a wonderful man, Chris, and has three amazing boys, Garrison, Gage, and Gavin. She is living the dream in beautiful Denver, Colorado. Joi loves being a wife and mom! She enjoys spending time with her sister Steffanne, and loves to sit and have a cup of coffee or tea with friends! She’s been a Christian for over twenty years. Following Jesus has been the best decision she has ever made. Joi’s other books are Hope for Tomorrow, Hope for the Journey, Christmas Rayne, and Sheriff Bride Rob’s Story. Learn more: http://www.booksbyjoicopeland.blogspot.com/, https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/BooksByJoiCopeland, https://twitter.com/JoiCopeland1
About the book – Letters of Love: Two men fighting for their country. Two women dealing with tragedy alone. Two different stories, two different eras, one common thread. 
Sophia Philips, a wife and mom, finds herself missing the two most important people in her life. One ripped from her because of war, the other by death. 
Sophia’s grandmother, Lucia Snell, gives her an early inheritance; letters written to her by her husband while stationed in China during World War II. Lucia believes these letters will help her granddaughter heal from the heart-wrenching tragedy she faces. 
Will Sophia carry the anger, bitterness, and guilt within her or go to the only One who can heal her from the pain? Will she find the strength to carry on and the will to survive through her grandparents’ Letters of Love?
Come back March 13th when Joi shares the story behind Letters of Love!