Ten years after a missed chance at Dano’s restaurant, Athena found herself at an Arts Walk, half-listening to friends, half-scanning for something more. Dan, in sweatpants and craving BBQ, spotted her. She was radiant. He approached her. “We should do something," he said. She didn’t flinch. “Are you asking me on a date?” Eyes locked. Heart pounding. “Yes. Yes, I am.” A decade later, the slow burn finally sparked. Two single parents. One undeniable moment. Soulmates, right on time.

Taco truck takeout on a Wednesday night. We forgot the sauces, too nervous to care. The sun set behind trees as years of missed chances faded into laughter. Friendship had come first, quietly earning its place. That night, we talked until the stars showed up. Then leaned in. And finally kissed. the kind of kiss that knows it waited a decade, but showed up right on time. (Also Athena would text either her own words or Taylor Swift lyrics and make lifelong punk rocker Dan guess who wrote it.)

We are both single parents of young boys, and we work more than full time to support our most-cherished kids. We would build them a clubhouse in the yard. Take them on a trip to New York City. See everything that gives them a sense of wonder that the city has to offer. Make memories with our modern family that the boys will never forget.