Taran and Erica's initial encounter was as teenagers. The two attended different high schools in the Huntsville area but shared a mutual friend, Cortney Smith. He was one of Taran's best friends and Erica's play cousin. Cortney and Erica worked together in the food court at Madison Square Mall. Taran would visit his friend from time to time at work. The two noticed each other but nothing came of it. The two were both attracted to one another but due to Erica's snobbish attitude and Taran's playboy persona sparks did not fly (and plus he was Cortney's goofy friend lol). The two did not see each other after graduation. Life continued and the two moved into adulthood. Taran entered into a long-term relationship and became a father. Erica left the Huntsville area, got married and became a mother. The two eventually became single again. Years later, Taran discovered Erica on social media. He began to ask friends about her. He was blown away by her beauty and presence on social media. Taran decided it was now or never. He slid into her DM and the magic began (or as he says, "he started mackin' and that's how it happened"). The two communicated for months before deciding to meet face to face again. Erica lived over one hundred miles away from Huntsville at this point. Taran decided to come to McCalla to see her. They picked a date. That morning it began to storm. Erica figured he was not coming. She was really shocked when he arrived due to the weather. He drove in the storm to see her. When she opened the door, his mouth was wide open, he was speechless. Erica was more beautiful than he remembered. As he stood in the rain like a statue, she had to encourage him to come in out of the rain. The two spent the evening playing games and talking for hours. They both knew that day they had found what they needed in one another. They quickly bonded over their religious beliefs, love for family, and devotion to their daughters. The two maintained a long-distance relationship until an opportunity arose and allowed Erica to relocate back to Huntsville. The pair have been inseparable ever since. The couple enjoys concerts, comedy shows, cooking, and game nights with their daughters.