I don't get it in New Chapters

The last time I saw mil she was telling me about when she met my late fil. She'd written him a poem that night. He'd told her of his hopes and dreams.

He wanted to get married. Have a family. Take care of his family and not have his wife work. 
She wanted a career. She wanted to stay single. She wasn't ready for children.
One marriage, two kids and they each had a career later.

I kept thinking what it was he must have seen in her. Sure she was probably a different person then, younger, maybe less her, I don't know. She's not ugly. Not beautiful. Just average but again, not ugly. She was from a big city. He was from a small town.

What did he see in her??? I know who she is now and I just don't get it.

Maybe it was her strength? She is a strong person now. Maybe she was then too. 

I just don't get it. 

Maybe she was fun. Smart. She was never a very good cook I'm told. Good enough that between her and fil they kept their family fed and healthy. 

I don't guess it matters now. He's gone. She's still here. Still though, what was it?