Love Story

It was a mutual friend who introduced Linda Farrington and Paul Rosander.

Linda knew that Paul was single. She was, too. She didn’t want to rush into a new relationship, but she did have a huge crush on Paul.

When Linda needed an estimate for construction work at her adult family home, Paul came out. He was surprised at the amount Linda had been quoted and committed to doing the work for less money.

Paul told Linda that he was in the Army National Guard and that he would soon be leaving for drill weekend. While he was gone, Linda decided to send Paul a flirty text message.

“I wanted to see if he would take the bait,” Linda said.

Paul did take the bait and Linda told him she had a crush on him. The couple began dating.

Paul’s father, Ben, was ill at the time and was hospitalized. When Ben was released to his home, Linda became his primary caregiver. Paul was in North Dakota for a month for training. Linda and Ben got to know each other during that time. Ben told Linda that she was perfect for his son and that they would make a great team.

When Paul came back, his dad asked if he had popped the question to Linda yet.

“He walked in the door and had this look on his face,” Linda said. “He said, ‘OK, let’s do it.’ I said, ‘What?’ “

Paul said, “Let’s get married.”

Linda Marie Farrington and Paul Aaron Rosander, both of Marysville, were married Dec. 15, at the chapel in the Navy Support Complex at Smokey Point.

Their parents are Katie and the late John DeVore, and Robin and the late Ben Rosander.

Paul is the owner of Cutting Edge Contractors. Linda owns an adult family home and works with the Marysville Strawberry Festival. She has two children.

Linda’s father, John, also was ill during the time of the budding relationship. Both he and Paul’s father were very excited that their children were marrying.

“It gave them something to live a little longer for,” Linda said. “They both expressed that they wanted to be there.”

Linda and Paul planned everything for the wedding within a month. Linda’s and Paul’s fathers were at the wedding in their wheelchairs. To have them there was priceless and meant a lot, Linda said.

Ben died Feb. 24. John died April 19.

“We miss them,” Linda said. “It was an amazing thing.”

The couple found comfort in each other during the last hours of their father’s lives and helped their mothers in mourning.

Linda fell in love with Paul’s exceptional character. She says he reminds her of Paul Bunyan, because he is rustic and handsome, with beautiful blue eyes.

“I love him so much. He is amazing,” Linda said. “I just love coming home and having him wrap his big arms around me.”

For information on Love Story and Celebrations, call Christina Harper at 425-339-3491 or e-mail harper@heraldnet.com.