POST FALLS - Bookworms Terry Nash and Debbie Taylor have started a new chapter in their lives.

Nash spelled out "Will you marry me?" in paperback books on the floor to an unsuspecting Taylor at their favorite bookstore, conveniently named Literary Souls, in Post Falls on New Year's Eve.

"We truly are best friends and literary souls," said Nash, who was waiting at the store for Taylor with roses.

Taylor was led to believe that she needed to meet Nash at the bookstore because a book order had arrived.

After Taylor walked in, owner Stephanie Moss directed her to where Nash was waiting next to the question.

Taylor smiled widely when she saw Nash and the proposal. After a long kiss and hug, Nash took a knee and proposed. Taylor warmly agreed and the two embraced.

"I had no clue that this was going to happen," she said.

Nash said he wanted to propose at the bookstore on New Year's Eve because both are avid readers and the symbolism between a new year and a new chapter of their lives.

"This is a place we often go to - we also get a lot of games and puzzles from here - and I thought it would be a novel way to propose," he said.

The store had closed an hour before the proposal - Taylor didn't realize that - and Moss kept the door open for Taylor.

Nash, 51, and Taylor, 45, both of Post Falls, have known each other for more than nine years and have been dating for nearly five. They met when they were former neighbors.

"She's a really good person, quick-witted and a great mom," Nash said of Taylor. "I respect that a lot. I love her smile and laugh. She's a joy to be with. She's made our family very safe and warm."

Taylor said she loves Nash's warm heart.

"He has a generous spirit and he's my best friend," she said.

The two share a lot of interests, including the outdoors, floating on the Coeur d'Alene River, cooking, tennis, bike riding and thrillers by American novelists Tami Hoag and James Patterson.

"We're very family-oriented and enjoy spending time with both of our children," Nash said.

Taylor said the families had a great time together for Christmas.

The two attend Real Life Ministries in Post Falls.

"The last book we read together was 'The Five Love Languages' by Gary Chapman which we both loved and enjoy applying to our relationship and daily lives," Nash said.

They plan to be married at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch near Sandpoint on Feb. 23. It will be the second marriage for each.

"We anticipate a long life together," Taylor said.