It was a warm summer night going into a fall Thursday night. I decided to head to the Marina Bar in Sandestin to watch Thursday night football and enjoy fish tacos with a nice Titos and soda. In toe with me were my two little Yorkies, Sadie and Charlie, not looking for a conversation, I come upon a bald handsome man sitting with a friend at the bar. Asking him if the seat next to him was taken, slight glimmer and smug smile, he replies, "no ma'am", in a low, southern growling voice.

I sit down to watch the game, and this tall, bald, Czechoslovakian man starts asking me questions. "What type of work are you in, do you live here, where is your hometown". Smugly, I reply... giving just small answers to his intriguing questions. I turn to him and ask..."are you an insurance salesman because you sure sound like one". That was the end of the beginning. We closed down the bar and sat outside talking with my "two dogs", and the light of the moon casting down on both of us... my little insurance salesman tries to sneak a kiss. Nope... look away to be presented with his stunning face and lips pressed against mine when I turned back.

Next day....my sweet daughter is in town from SCAD. Shawn asks me to come out to his boat, "let's go for a ride". "Sorry, I can't my daughter is in town". Persistence is the nature of the beast, as Shawn wouldn't give up. I agree to meet him at his boat. Walking out on the dock seeing a tall handsome man walk towards me, arms wide open, as I walk into a strong, sweaty hug, one I will never forget. We go for a little ride, sit on the back of the boat and talk, he works, and talk more. Laugh, smile and everything at that moment felt as if, it was timing. We were at the right moment at the right time.

We head back to the Marina, laughing and just enjoying each other's company. No worries in the world, just two souls needing a true connection. Later that night, as we were walking back to his boat for a last call drink... Shawn misses his step and falls in the water. Shawn's cell phone and apple watch falls to the depths of the bay. Not missing a beat, Shawn grabs me, so I don't miss my step and kisses me under the bright moon light. We enjoy our evening together, and it's time to go home.

I drop Shawn off at his house, alone, partially naked with no phone. As I drive away, I hear... "how do I get a hold of you", my response... "Figure it out". Two days goes by...Shawn is asking if anyone has seen me, as I am in stealth mode, I do not reach out until that one faint night as I am sitting at Rosmary Beach listening to Tyler Hubbard, and I thought to myself..."if I message him, it's over", one message changed our world forever.

"Do you miss me"?

In true Shawn sarcasm..."Nope, not at all, I have just had everyone looking for you. Called Verizon to see if they could track your phone number, since I do not have a phone. But yeah... where the hell are you"?

Since that day...Shawn and I have been attached. Not just physically but emotionally. We push each other to be better, work harder, strive for our goals and believe in true love. As, I know...no matter what...this man will be by my side as I will be by his.

Sometimes, it's all about timing.

Shawn and I will be traveling to Europe for our honeymoon. Would you like to contribute to our travels as our wedding gift, we are beyond blessed. The link is: https://www.honeyfund.com/site/stodola-machado-04-26-2025