I always call Rob my unicorn; because I didn't see him coming and honestly, didn't believe men like him existed. By the time we met I was fed up with "love" and was over the entire concept of it outside of God himself. One night in May I received a call from an acquaintance inviting me out. Her boyfriend's friend was in town from California and had asked about any "friends" she had to hang out with. While I am normally NOT the "blind date" meet up type, I agreed to come out because she asked. But I kept my options open for canceling. I was scheduled to attend an 80s/90's hip hop costume party that night. I went as Salt from the group "Salt and Pepper" My plan was to go to the party, leave in time enough to go home to change and then meet my acquaintance and her people at a spot called 4th Ave by 11:00pm. The acquaintance checked in every few hours to see if I was still coming. Each time I revisited the option to cancel or just not go. I won the costume contest and waited around for my cash prize which took another hour. By the time I left it was close to 1:00am which didn't leave time for me to go home to change. I was already late. Instead, I removed the Salt and Pepper custom jacket to just expose the body suit and boots. I walked in and greeted my acquaintance, her boyfriend and finally, Rob, who stood to give me his seat. We tried to chat casually over the loud music but it was nearly impossible. There was not much interaction. I thought he was good looking but again, by this point I was over "love" and dating. We all ended up leaving and going to the waffle house where Rob and I had a little more opportunity to chat. Still, no fireworks. I was actually sleepy and ready to go home. We parted ways cordially without even exchanging numbers. The next day I was invited to a Memorial day cookout at Rob's cousin's house where my acquaintance and her boyfriend would also be. I went with the intentions to eat, smile and leave (LOL) But before I could leave, Rob asked "What is there to do on a Monday night in Mississippi?" We went to a place called Martins and for the first time we talked and started getting to know each other. I still wasn't sold on love and dating but after a few months that all changed. He showed me sides of "love" that I had never seen and eventually won me over. Even though my heart was still hardened from the previous relationship, he was careful with it and recognized my hard exterior as my protection. Each day I grew to love him more and more. I was able to be safe. I was able to be vulnerable and share intimate things about myself. He also shared very intimate things about himself which made me love him even more! We are not a perfect couple. We have our share of disagreements. But what touches my heart most is that even during the hard times he still takes care of my heart. Always gentle and respectful; even when he is mad. LOL... That's a MAN. He also brings out the kid in me which I really need at times. I could go on and on but I digress. You get the point. :) Now, three years later we are planning to #RingInTheRobinsons He is my unicorn. I love him forever! #UnconditionalLove

I was in Mississippi visiting friends and family on a break from work in California. I asked a friend to ask his lady if she had any friends I could kick it with while I was in town. She showed me two pictures. I chose Tiffany's photo. The plan was for her to meet up with us that night at a local place called 4th Ave. I was from California and she was from Mississippi so I definitely wasn't looking for anything serious. But I was open to some drinks and a casual meeting. It didn't help her case that she was two hours late. But I wasn't tripping. We chatted a bit that first night and then went our separate ways. I invited her to my cousin's house the next day for a cookout. She came by and hung out for a few hours but didn't say much. Later that night, we ended up going to a spot called Martin's. As we got to talking, I realized that Tiffany was more interesting than I thought she was. We also had a lot of similarities when it came to relationships. Her conversation was nice. She was transparent, REAL and raw, which can be intimidating to some; but not me. She shared the story about a relationship she had recently ended. As she was talking I was thinking, man, I went through something like that myself. It was intriguing to see her strength but also her be open and transparent about her story and the fact that she wasn't looking for a relationship. She also allowed me a space to be safe and vulnerable and tell my story. We had some heavy conversation that night but we were still able to laugh and enjoy the evening. I didn't want the night to end. Some young lady came up to us and said that we made a beautiful couple. We looked at each other and laughed thinking "we just met" I eventually had to leave to go back to work in California. We talked on the phone everyday on her way to work and half the night when she got off. Each day we grew closer. I guess you could say we initially bonded over similarities in past relationship experiences as we both had similar wounds and hurts. But our relationship became so much more as time when on. We were able to paint a new story with happiness, peace and love. Tiffany made me feel good about where and who I was. I enjoyed our conversations and we could actually play and have fun. Each day allowed me to share more of myself with her and she shared herself with me. Sharing herself with me allowed me to become the protector and a provider for both her and her daughter who I found to be a beautiful and smart young lady. It just became a great combination. Meeting Tiffany made me open a door that I had closed. I found that desire and connection that I was missing in my life. The excitement I had leaving Martin's is a feelings I want forever. Three years later she still gives me butterflies. Through the good times and the bad, I know tomorrow is going be beautiful because I get to share it with her. I'm so happy that I met her. I'm glad she is in my life and I can't wait to make her my wife.