Anthony and Mercedes first met through mutual friends in 2011. Mercedes was hanging out at Janet's house and cooking desserts for Thanksgiving. Anthony came over with Terry. After Janet and Terry stepped away to talk, Mercedes and Anthony also began to talk. What else should two adults do when they are left alone? Mercedes and Anthony talked for a little while and eventually lost touch. They both went and experienced life's journeys separately while occasionally checking on each other. July 2020, Anthony reached out to Mercedes and they kept in touch. After hanging out during the summer, Anthony asked Mercedes to be his girlfriend September 2020. They have been doing life together ever since.

Anthony wanted to make sure that Mercedes had a birthday to remember. In November 2021, Mercedes had friends and family gather for a weekend birthday celebration. While not knowing what Anthony and her friends had planned, Mercedes was ready to party with everyone. During dinner, a saxophonist appeared and played some music. Mercedes thought it was just background music for the dinner. Family and friends started gathering around the couch. Anthony and Mercedes became the center of attention. Mercedes was given gifts one at a time from different people. She received a "letter A" pendant to add to her charm bracelet, a "ring" charm for her bracelet, and a t-shirt with the name "Pool" across the back. Finally, Anthony professed that the last year had been an amazing journey because of their union. He knew he wanted this love forever. Anthony dropped to his knee in front of their friends and family and asked for Mercedes to be his wife. With a smile from ear to ear, Mercedes said yes!