I come with two beautiful, adult children and a beagle. Dale had never been married, but instead dedicated herself to her accounting career. I never would have imagined that I would meet my future spouse on Tinder (a dating site) but Dale checked all the boxes and everything added up! I was really appreciating her assets.

We are both the same age. We were born in 1969, which is probably the best year for a person to be born!

Dale, the youngest of seven siblings was raised by her parents, Eileen and Wynn Gaylor along with five older brothers and a sister, Charleenie! I was brought up by Alan and Sam Cagan, with my younger sister, Shari.

Beer brought us together. They say that beer and dogs are proof that God loves us! They are right. I left Oliver home on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 to meet my future wife (for the first time) at a local brewery.

DUBCO (Destination Unknown Brewing Company) We had only communicated through the Tinder app, some texting and a couple of phone calls.

I arrived first and waited for Dale to pull up in her little, black Nissan. DUBCO is off the beaten path, on a dark-industrial street in Bayshore, Long Island. Their parking lot can be intimidating and somewhat frightening for a young woman with a knee brace. I walked over to greet Dale and help her with her crutches. Dale had been in a skiing accident and was recovering from surgery.

She was beautiful. I loved her size, spunk, quirkiness, style and entire demeanor. She glowed. I wasn't sure how she felt about me but I was warm and fuzzy inside, and boyishly nervous. This night was going to be fire.

We went inside, met my friends and ordered a flight. After we got to know each other a little, we took separate cars to The Villager in Babylon. Dale said they served tater tots there. I'm in!

After that night, I couldn't wait to see her again. I had several girlfriends in the rotation at the time so I kept busy, and Dale was burning the midnight oil at her former payroll company. She says to this day that she wasn't all that interested in a relationship with me but decided to give me the benefit of the doubt. I would have another chance at bat and I could impress her on our next date.

I told her that I had a coupon for the OHK Bar and Restaurant at The Oheka Castle Estate. What princess doesn't love a castle? What shopaholic doesn't appreciate a coupon? We connected more and more. Next, I would take her to The Melting Pot. A fun restaurant where they melt cheese and chocolate at your table. Then we went on a date to a speakeasy! I really liked this fun, little Irish beauty and I sensed she was liking me too. We both had busy schedules and I knew that I couldn't rush into relationship, especially with a woman that had been so incredibly independent.

After a few weeks, St. Patrick's Day approached on the calendar. This is a National holiday for Dale and us Irish people! Dale had invited me but later regretted it and didn't want me to come. I would meet her entire family and circle of friends. The beautiful, Barbara Sena convinced her not to cancel me, and I showed up in my Lucky Charms tee shirt, ready to party.

It was on that day that I met Aunt Marie and Mikey Gee. Wynn Gaylor and Eileen. My heart knew that I was in the right place. These people are legendary and I was more and more thankful for Dale in my life.

Dale and I connected more and more. The chemistry and happyness we shared was unlike anything we had felt before. By the middle of May, Dale and I took the convertible out to Jamesport brewery. We passed a moonshine stand on Sound Ave and looked at each other and said, "ooooh, moonshine"! We always seem to be on the same page with each other.

After a couple moonshines, we get to Jamesport Brewery. Dale asks me to come clean about my serial dating habit. The next day, I broke up with everybody and made my commitment to the one that I love. Dale and I have been going steady ever since.

A couple of years go by and I decided to buy Dale a beautiful, diamond "promise" ring. I think she was a little shocked when she got the ring. She opened the box on Christmas, when we were alone with her parents. I hadn't asked her dad for permission to marry Dale, but I believe they thought it was an engagement ring! The following year, Wynn Gaylor said that I had his permission to ask Dale to marry me.

When I proposed to Dale, it was the most amazing way that I could think of to share my love with her for all eternity. I took a knee on 5/30/2021 and Dale said YES! My son and daughter, my parents, my sister, niece and nephew were there to witness my proposal at Baldoria in Long Beach, NY. The waitstaff gave us fee champagne!

When I think of my beautiful bride to be and her family, I feel like I've always belonged right here. Dale and I have maintained separate houses until a couple of months ago. Now, I don't think I can ever be apart from her again. Dale is my home. Oliver loves his mommy too!

Q + A coming soon!