THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 9, 1997 TAG: 9702070193
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: CLOSE-UP
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: 85 lines
``Good morrow! Tis St. Valentine's Day
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your valentine!''
Unlike the scene in William Shakespeare's ``Hamlet,'' Melinda Robinson won't need to roll out of bed before daybreak to pine away beneath her window for a man to happen by, then whisk her off to the altar.
On St. Valentine's day, she and Thomas Horton will exchange their vows and make their home in Western Branch.
``Valentine's Day is lover's day. I thought it would be special,'' said Horton, who chose the date and admits to being sentimental.
The two met just more than a year ago at a favorite night spot. Afterward, their conversations were frequent and easy as they shared work experiences.
They took turns cooking. He'd grill a steak. Sometimes she prepared Mexican dishes.
What Robinson has enjoyed most about their relationship is that they are ``best friends.''
``That makes it different from anyone I've met before,'' she said. ``We get along so well.''
He says they seldom argue.
``When we do, we make sure to make up really quickly,'' said Horton who most appreciates his fiance for her beauty, her caring nature and the special cards she chooses for him.
She's pleased when, for no reason, her future husband brings her flowers, prepares a special dinner or takes her out to eat.
``He's very unpredictable in exciting ways and I like that,'' she said.
Both enjoy outdoor activities and dancing. And since their courtship began, she has learned how to fish and a lot about football.
The relationship grew from a friendship to close friends. Then, love just happened, said Horton, who has a daughter, Lindsay.
MELINDA A. ROBINSON
Her hometown: ``I grew up in Churchland and graduated from Churchland High School in 1986.''
Her most fond childhood memory: ``Going with my family to the beach to spend the day.''
Her occupation: ``I'm the area manager for Profitt's Stores.''
Her hobbies: ``I like decorating, cooking and reading.''
The last book she read: ``The Body Farm,'' by Patricia Cornwell
Her favorite game: Air hockey
What irritates her the most? Rude people
Her favorite type of music: ``I like a variety.''
Her favorite movie: ``On Golden Pond''
She can't resist: Chocolate
If could change one thing about herself, what would it be? ``To curb my shopping sprees.''
Her favorite TV program: ``Mad About You''
What she would choose for a last meal?
Pasta with seafood
THOMAS B. HORTON
Hometown: ``Portsmouth. I graduated from Churchland High School in 1990.''
His most fond childhood memory: ``Playing recreation football was really fun and fishing with my dad in the surf at Nag's Head.''
His occupation: ``I'm training to be a produce manager for Doughtie's Foods. I've worked there about five years, full-time since college. But when I was 16, I started working there summers.''
His hobbies: ``Fishing and watching football. There's not a Notre Dame game I'll miss.''
Last book he read: ``Tiger Woods: The Making of a Champion'' by Tim Rosaforte
His favorite game? Football
What irritates him the most? ``Two things. I like to have a clean house, if it's not clean, that irritates me. The other thing is people who boast about themselves.''
His favorite type of music: Country
His favorite movie: ``Rudy''
He can't resist: ``Watching a football game''
If he could change one thing about himself, what would it be? ``To be more attentive''
His favorite TV program: ``Seinfeld'' and ``Unsolved Mysteries''
What he would choose for a last meal? Shrimp ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JIM WALKER