In 2015, Nia traveled to Baton Rouge for Southern University’s Homecoming. After moving to New Orleans for residency, going to Southern’s homecoming became a family tradition for her. She went to the tailgate and football game with a college friend who happened to be living in Baton Rouge, and enrolled at Southern University Law Center. Also during that time, Edward was a student at the Law School. Nia had a great time that weekend and returned back to New Orleans to resume her doctorly duties. Story has it, the Monday after homecoming, Nia’s friend decided to begin her week with a visit to the library. It just so happened that Edward worked as a Research Assistant at the library. He connected with Nia’s friend in the hall, and she told him about how wonderful of a weekend she had with her girlfriend, Nia. Edward said, “Oh, let me see a picture of your home girl, Nia.” She pulls out her phone, and says, “She cute, ain’t she?” Edward snickered, and replied, “She aight, but give her my number anyway.” That day, Nia’s friend contacted her and said that she had somebody for her to talk to. Nia quickly responded, “I’m not interested.” Her friend told her how wonderful this guy was, and that she really should give him a chance. A day or two went by, and Nia’s friend contacted her asking if she had contacted Edward. Nia said, “ No,” and again her friend encouraged her to contact him. A few days later, Nia sent him a text message. Edward replied with a sweet text message that was respectfully the length of a short novel. Anyone that knew Nia during her years of residency knew that she was a fanatic for brief and concise text messages. Edward would probably say in his defense that he was in class, and had a lot to do when he got out. She responded to him that it would just be easier if they talked by phone. The following day, they had a long conversation, and the rest is history...