Waffle House restaurants claim nothing says “I love you” better than white tablecloths, candlelight and waffles.

Calera Waffle House offered candlelight dinner to its customers Feb. 14. I dropped in to see if their claim is true.

The scent of eggs, waffles, hashbrowns and love permeated the restaurant. Heart decals decorated the windows, and booths were charmingly dressed in valentines tablecloths. The glow of the candles set the mood for an unforgettable night.

Like the romantic scene from Lady and the Tramp slurping the same strand of spaghetti, couples shared steak dinners, BLT sandwiches and other delicious meals from the menu.

Lynn and Denise Moon were one of those and graciously shared their experience of love and marriage.

Q: How did you meet?

Lynn: On a blind date set up by mutual friends. We double dated our first real date at the Rebel Drive-Inn.

Denise: I went to Jemison and Lynn to Calera. We had the same friends, but didn’t meet in high school. We even lived in Chicago at the same time. It was destiny for us to meet.

Lynn: It was love at first site-forgive the pun.

Q: What was your worst date?

Denise: There wasn’t one.

Q: The best?

Lynn: (Eyes dancing as he considered the question.) Isn’t this a family publication?

Q: How long have you been married?

Lynn: Thirty years this December.

Q: How many children do you have?

Denise: We have three daughters—Lynsey, Lauren and Lesley.

Lynn: And two grandbabies. Now there’s a good story.

Q: How do you stay in love?

Denise: I’ve learned to give and take. Everything can’t be my way.

Lynn: Denise has stood by me through my mistakes, and there’s been plenty. Of course, lucky for her I’m still young, sexy and good lookin’.

Q: What advice would you give young couples?

Denise: Commitment isn’t easy. You have to work hard to made a relationship work.

Q: What have you learned as parents?

Denise: You must have a relationship beyond your children. You were first.

Lynn: We’ve always done everything with our kids, but our relationship is not built on them.

Denise: Even though they’re adults now, they still vacation with us. Last November Lauren and a friend went to Gatlinburg with us.

Q: Would you change anything?

Lynn: Denise is my best friend. I wouldn’t want anyone else. (Turned to Denise.) I love you!

Mollie Brown is the new community columnist for Calera. She can be reached at dmjhb1@bellsouth.net.