MELVIN- When I first saw “Mo”, she was this beautiful, sexy, Nubian princess. She had a short hairstyle that set her apart from all other girls, a woman in her own right. Quickly, I learned she was a STRONG WOMAN that was out of my league and didn’t have time for me lol. Our lives changed when she asked me to escort her to prom. I really didn’t think she liked me because I aggravated her, constantly debating with her. I had no clue that I had gained my BEST FRIEND in life! Trust me I don’t have enough words to tell you about our many HEART 2 HEARTS we had over the years. She knows all of me: no skeletons or closed doors. She always loved me and I always loved her. So, I came to Chicago where my HEART was to let her know that I love her and that I wanted to spend ETERNITY with her! I thank God and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I’m blessed with a GOD-FEARING, BEAUTIFUL, STRONG, CARING, LOVING, TRUSTING and LOYAL companion. She is my QUEEN to be! MONIQUE- Back in ’98, our churches merged. I thought Melvin was a mysterious guy. He always had a wrinkled brow as if in deep thought, carrying a briefcase and wearing cornrows. Over time, he became my CHURCH BUDDY, my go-to for debating about the sermon and other church happenings. The first time we hung out outside of church, I thought he was the DOPEST DUDE! We meshed on EVERY LEVEL. We could talk and DREAM BIG until the sun came up. Secretly, I knew I could fall in love with him, but I retreated for fearing such a deep love. He became my BEST FRIEND, always reminding me of who God created me to be and keeping me grounded. In 2017, he came to Chicago and completely blindsided me, “Mo, we never had OUR TIME.” I wasn’t ready but the last four years have made PERFECT sense. He is the man God created for me! He is the BROWN in my Brown Sugar, the LOVE in my Love & Basketball, and the CHI in my Chicago! He has everything I never knew I needed, wanted, and desired!