The story of Astasha and Steven is definitely one for the books. It could probably be an HBO series written by Issa Rae. Astasha and I met on one random day while I was working. I was a fresh Deputy out of the academy and Astasha was a Correctional Officer working in the jail. On the unforgettable day, I happened to be walking into a one of the housing units and that was when I saw her working. She had red hair that was in a high ponytail paired with big stylish eye glasses. As corny as it sounds, I knew I was going to love her the first time I saw her.

After seeing Astasha, I did some enquiring of who she was and that was when one of my home boys worked some magic so we could become better acquainted. After the ice was broken, we corresponded through emails, text messages and late-night phone calls. We started working out together, one thing led to another and we were having our first date at Screaming Tuna. We had a window seat right on the river as the sun was setting. After that first date, it was confirmed that Astasha was someone special that I had to get to know more about.

We started dating on and off, with some bumps in the road but those bumps prompted growth and maturity that made us even better for each other. It was apparent that even when we were apart, God had plans that clearly showed us that there was a reason we were in each other’s lives. Over the years of us off and on dating, and a few confirmations, I knew that Astasha was someone that was meant to be in my life. I popped the question on December 2, 2022 and we celebrated at NOBU, which happened to be one of our favorite restaurants.

Over the years we have had great moments that have brought us closer and magnified our love. Not only did I fall in love with Astasha, but I fell in love with two amazing girls that I love as daughters. Astasha and I also shared one of the greatest moments of my life when our daughter Alora was born. That day made the fact that I am a girl dad official. The love that Astasha and I have for each other is a love that is deep, everlasting, and continuously growing. Being with her has come with its moments but they have been moments that I wouldn’t want to share with anyone else. She is my soulmate.