Little did we know we were destined to be together based on timing and degrees of separation. We both were born in St. Louis, in June, in the same hospital ... and were in the same neighborhood less than a mile apart in the “Lou. Kim was probably in a stroller and Steve riding a bike through the “Ville”. Fast forward to 2010, when Veryle Logan Hudson, who is Kim’s cousin and a cousin to Steve’s best friend from the neighborhood. I know, small world. Did I mention that Steve’s Aunt Rose and my Dad, the late Eugene "Bern" Ballentine were friends and classmates in St. Louis? And how Kim's Uncle Edward and Steve's father, the late George Lane worked together at McDonnell Douglas. Back to how we met. See, what had happened was ... the Minneapolis – St. Paul Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated had a luncheon open to the public and Steve was Veryle’s guest. After the luncheon, Veryle motioned for me to come over to her table and I thought, she wanted to take pictures. Once at her table, Veryle introduced me to Steve. I said, “Hi” and walked backed to Veryle, and asked, “why did you introduce me to this man?” I gave her the raised brow look and asked if he was also a cousin. She emphatically said, “No, just go talk to the man”. Unbeknownst to me, Veryle asked Steve who in the room did he want to meet … and he motioned to me as I was gazing the room for Sorors from my chapter and for Veryle in case we were taking a chapter picture. Steve and I talked the entire night into the next afternoon. It was instant. We were inseparable as we moved from the upstairs ballroom to the side lobby, to the hotel lobby to a corner table overlooking downtown Minneapolis under a cherry moon. My Sorors teased and said we should get a room, as many left the hotel and returned the next morning for ecumenical service and found us still in the hotel lobby enjoying each other’s conversation. Although a Prince lyric says “there ain’t no particular sign I’m more compatible with, I just want your extra time and your kiss” – we’re compatible, inseparable, and yes, he sealed it with a kiss.