Both of us were talked into joining an online dating site, Bumble, by our friends. Thankfully, we found each other quick! In the beginning we texted back and forth and began video chatting. We decided to meet for the first time at Longhorns in Wesley Chapel on August 12, 2017, and began our journey. From that day on, until he was "allowed" to know where I lived (lol), we would meet in Bushnell and go to the fountain in front of City Hall to talk. McDonald's table top play screens also became our late night "bowling alley" and I would take him for tours around Sumter County. Soon, those trips were moved to Villages Regional Hospital as he would sweetly bring me dinner and sit with me and daddy during the most difficult time in my life! Daddy took a liking to Steve like I had never seen before. I think he knew what a good man Steve is! Daddy started our family's catch phrase of "Where's Steve?". We've incorporated it into family photos, hash tags, even in our wedding. He would always ask everyone that came in, "Where's Steve?" He looked forward to Steve coming and had a heart for his soul. The next few months were whirlwinds of funerals, hospitals and doctor appointments of my own with Steve being ever so amazing and caring! We grew together as friends, and partners. We have so much in common and always help each other. I have never experienced such a sweet, equally loving, amazing relationship/friendship that we have. We really, truly care for one another and he cares for my children like no one ever has before. I am so blessed and thank God every day for allowing us to find each other.

We knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. We went together and picked out rings but wanted to do everything right. (And I, being a woman, wanted to have a proposal... but wanted it a surprise! 😉) He was so sweet in planning with the kids and Mom. On that day, it started out terrible. An adventure that he had supported me in suddenly ended and my head was reeling of what I should do next. His words were, "It's ok, honey, we'll figure it out!" He said he wanted to take me to dinner that evening to help take my mind off things. He took me to Longhorn's where we first met and then wanted to ride out to Bushnell to our fountain. It was there that he walked me around the fountain and dropped to one knee while mom and the kids were snapping pictures. He couldn't have picked a more perfect place for the start of our life!