In late 2017 Anthony and Carmen were reintroduced by a mutual friend (Na'im Lynn). Carmen was not interested in dating at all, but was open to friendship. As friends, Anthony was hired to train Carmen. They would train in various locations, fitness centers, boxing gym and it began to get boring so they switched it up and began training at the Culver City stairs (an outdoor staircase built into a trail leading up to a beautiful view of LA). By now Anthony had begun respectfully flirting, and Carmen kinda liked him, but was very reluctant to entertain his shy advances and kept her guard up. One evening after getting a late start up the stairs, the two trotted up the stairs. Carmen needed lots of encouragement and assistance and by the time they got to the top of the stairs the sun had set. Both Carmen and Anthony were exhausted and decided to take a moment together at the top of the stairs. They began to admire the atmosphere/view, conversed about living in LA and their hopes and dreams as entertainers. It was at that moment they made their first real mental connection. As their relationship progressed and whenever they would go thru arguments and break ups, they would often go to the Culver City stairs and reminisced on the feelings they had on that special night in February 2018.

Shortly after Carmen began to take a special interest in Anthony's 3 year old daughter, Chrisette. She began helping Anthony with his single dad role by finding activities for them, combing his daughter’s hair and matching up outfits. Carmen even helped him put together a small 4th birthday party for Chrisette. It was at that time Anthony knew that he wanted Carmen to be a permanent part of his life.

Anthony would soon develop a similar bond with Carmen's 18 year old daughter, Cayla. Cayla had recently moved back to LA after suffering an injury and Anthony was one of the key components in her physical rehabilitation, even teaching her to swim. As Carmen’s daughter’s recovery advanced and Anthony met Carmen’s sons, they all grew closer and spent more time in family settings.

As the months turned into years and the families began to blend, Anthony and Carmen's love for one another became more and more apparent. They began to worship together at Bethany Baptist Church of West LA under the leadership of Pastor LA Kesse. On Saturday, September 20th, 2019 Anthony proclaimed his love for Carmen to her father, asking him for her hand in marriage and proposed later that evening as their four children and close family members looked on. Exactly one year later the two will be united in Holy Matrimony.

God is Faithful!