Ya'll,

I ( Tasha) was winding down my "hot girl summer" (though to be honest, I never really was a "hot girl"); I was wrapping up my dating season as the weather changed. I planned to delete my dating app until spring.

But just before I could, I got a message from Dion on a Monday morning. We exchanged a few messages on POF and quickly moved to texting. By Tuesday, he called me, and I was instantly drawn to his voice. There was a roughness to it that intrigued me. I wasn’t looking for a partner at the time; I was just closing out my dating season.

Dion talked about wanting a love like Kadeem Hardison and Chante' Moore. He wanted someone to connect with on every level: mind, body, and soul. He wanted to feel butterflies. I laughed because I wasn't seriously looking. I had other things to do (dating over 40 is serious business, and I have no time to waste).

I told him I could fit him in on Friday since I'd be in his town for an event, and he could come by. He agreed.

We looked at each other when we met, and I asked, "You got butterflies?" He said, "Yeah." We spent the evening together. During our time, he asked, "When can I see you again?" I opened my calendar and said, "I'm free in 12 days." He opened his calendar (which was empty except for bills) and said, "I'm all yours." We set a date for 12 days later.

At the end of the night, we walked one of my sorority sisters to her car, and he declared he'd always be my plus one, so I'd never have to attend another event alone if I didn't want to. I laughed again.

Within those 12 days, we saw each other four times! We talked on the phone for hours about goals, life, childhood, everything!

During that time, I believe our souls connected, and our lives began to unfold daily. It unfolded in private moments of prayer, laughter, and challenges.

And now, here we are, ready to embark on a lifelong journey of continuing to learn and love each other.