Lost love letter unites lost lovers

London, Feb 16: In a fairy-tale love story of its own kind, Brit Steve Smith is all set to marry the love of his life Carmen Ruiz-Perez after she finally got a love letter he sent 10 years ago.

The couple, both now 42, met 16 years ago in Steve's home town of Paignton, Devon, where Spaniard Carmen was studying.

Although the duo got engaged, but Carmen returned to her home in Paris after nine months and the romance fizzled out.

But after six years, Steve took a chance to write to Carmen.

However, Carmen could not contact her ex-lover because Steve's note fell down the back of her mum's fireplace in Spain.

And when Carmen's mother finally found it, she gave it to her single daughter, who phoned Steve.

And now the sweethearts are planning to tie the knot in July.

"Finding each other was fate," the Sun quoted Steve as saying.

Boutique owner Carmen said that when she finally read his words: "I knew I had to make the call."

Steve said: "I couldn't believe it."

After just 48 hours, he flew to France.

He said: "When we met at the airport it was like a film. Within 30 seconds of setting eyes on each other we were kissing."

Carmen added: "Now I can marry the man I have always loved."

ANI