Our love story is one of a kind. Many people wouldn’t believe we met the way we did, the crossed paths we’ve shared for many years. We both tell our love story a little different. I tell the whole truth, and nothing but the truth not…not even leaving out a detail, even though I was curved as I gave him all the tea for my current dilemma. Melvin on the other hand tells a polished version. Looking back on our journey of love, I’m so glad God was orchestrating our happily ever after story. Melvin had to do what was best for him; and I had to learn to become the woman I am today, so that I could embrace God’s divine plan. I was exactly twenty weeks pregnant (with Manny). I stumbled across Melvin’s profile on Plenty of Fish; online dating (POF). I swiped left, but Melvin chose right. My profile caught his attention and he took a chance and jumped in my DM’S. Everything was cool I thought. Pregnancy hormones had me super vulnerable and expressing my true feelings after 3 days of back and forth texting. I was single, pregnant, heartbroken and scared. Encouraged by my friends to find someone nice to have friendly conversations with, as I learned to accept my current situation. I decided to reply to Melvin before deleting my account. Everything was great! Until day 3 of us texting. I told Melvin I was pregnant and single. Never to return to my child’s father again. Melvin applauded my bravery and then never texted me again. I wasn’t mad at all. I totally expected it, I was only looking for a friend anyway. Melvin’s number was never saved. Time flew and I delivered Manny July 3rd, 2018. Three weeks after the birth of Emmanuel “Manny” I received a Facebook message from Melvin who wasn’t my friend congratulating me on the birth of my son. I was so shocked I couldn’t believe this was POF Melvin.

I thanked him and we talked for a short time before going on our first date/outing 3 weeks later. August 19th, 2018 we went on our first date at Mama Sheila’s Soul Food restaurant. It was the grand opening week and the resturant was overcapacity. What we had planned to be a causal dinner turned into a 2 hour wait and a 3-4 hour date. Melvin was such a gentleman. I was so nervous, but our evening was so relaxing and unbelievably amazing. We had so much in common and couldn’t believe all the people we knew in common and the same places we could’ve been introduced to one another. Him being a member of his home church Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, and me being a past member of Jovonta Patton & DFY youth singing choir we’ve had a lot of coincidences of being in the same place at the same time. We took things nice and slow. We really got to know one another and establishing a friendship, foundation and bond for nearly 4 months. Going on over 15 dates (LBS) before Melvin asking me to be his girlfriend on October 20th, 2018. Although we count our anniversary as our first date. October 20th was extremely special after attending his church Youth conference with Jonathan McReynolds meeting his parents and friends and my mom and family being there as well.

Our story is unique and God divined. Both of us established ourselves in God trusting him with our past hurts, desires and to take control of our lives to make crooked paths straight and for him to lead us to what his best is for us. I never imagined meeting someone like Melvin. I had decided to pour all I had into myself and Emmanuel. That love could be on the back burner because of the hurt I experienced. Melvin was definitely God given. I had never imagined finding a love like ours. When we first started dating, I knew he was the man I wanted to be with, and everyday I was affirmed Melvin was the answer to my prayers. His love for God, my son and me is like no other. His respect for his mother, his love for his family and his passion for the things and house of God is astonishing. God took my heart and made it whole in the same year. Giving me Emmanuel and Melvin is something I’ll always be grateful for and I am forever thankful to God for his divine plan. #HappilyEverCheatem

While he originally wanted to pop the question on a trip to Los Angeles, Melvin decided to change course completely, and stay close to home. He, along with Alexea’s sister Bre-Anna, came up with a plan to have a photo shoot, and for Melvin to propose during the photoshoot. Alexea always wanted it to be a complete surprise, so I knew I would have to get creative! It was a crazy idea that required help and cooperation from many people! It was Alexea’s birthday weekend, so there was much fanfare, as usual! Friday evening we had dinner at The Gold Room. Saturday evening was axe throwing and time with family, and she was occupied by her sister during the morning. Alexea had her make up appointment that morning, as she had the photoshoot that afternoon to get ready for. But, she didnt know the real reason behind the photo shoot. Behind the scenes, Melvin was busy making sure everything was in order. Balloons were purchased, ring got it’s final polish, people were put into place, all the small details came together. 30 minutes before the proposal, Alexea started a photo shoot with her sisters. While this was happening, everyone quietly is filing into the building for the proposal. Towards the end of the photo shoot, we sneak up to the suite the shoot is in and converge in adjacent room to surprise her. Melvin was able to gather 20 of their closest family and friends to witness the magical moment. Melvin humbly asked Alexea for her hand in marriage, and the rest his history.