there were two single people in the prime of their lives. The handsome young professor, David, lived in Stafford Springs and the dancing mathematics teacher, Karen, lived in Hamden. Both longed to find companionship, both valued family over all else, and both were hopelessly clueless as to how to find their one true love. On a wing and a prayer, the two each joined eHarmony. On the ides of March, the site matched the two young educators, and they wasted no time in following the prescribed progression of questions, answers, and conversations. But still, the young man took his time in asking for a date with the young lady. She tested the waters of eHarmony, but something told her to hold out for the professor. Finally, on a Saturday morning in early May, after nearly two months of delay, David agreed to meet up with Karen in Hartford, at a little coffee shop named Tisane's. Not realizing that her height topped the professor's by an inch or two, the dancing teacher wore heels, but that never seemed to bother them much. As soon as David turned into the parking lot, he waved, and the strength and genuineness of his smile took Karen by storm. This man was surely worth the wait.

The two spent the afternoon getting to know each other, first at the coffee shop, then at the professor's office at Trinity College. The attraction was both mutual and powerful, and it was hours before the educators had the strength to part. Clearly, these two would see each other again. Three days later, they met up in Meriden, where they dined at Chili's and wandered the appliance section of Sears. But the most telling part of that second evening was that David brought his date over to the home of his brother, where the young lady was immediately welcomed and introduced to the children, Willie and Emily. Surely, the young man must have been a clever chap, for he knew the way to the young lady's heart. To see the interaction between uncle and nephew melted the woman's heart. This relationship's level of potential had grown.

Date number three was at the young lady's home the following Saturday. She had just returned from a day with her own nephew in the kingdom of New Jersey, and she was in dire need of a shower and a toothbrush. But as she pulled into the driveway, he did the same, and it became clear that she would have no time for hygienic touch-ups. David showed no sign of concern over the odor that surely wafted from the dancing teacher, but rather located Karen's favorite movie, Moulin Rouge, from her shelf and excitedly asked to watch it. Never before had she encountered such a being. Had he ignored her stench and now earnestly shared an interest in the same musical movie she favored? This young man was clearly a keeper. On this same evening, he, too, noticed clues of her long-term potential. The Kit-Kats in the refrigerator, and the box of Fun-Dip in her cabinet made her quite a catch in his book. Despite the late start of their evening, the two young lovebirds once again spent hours getting further acquainted and further enjoying each other's company.

A week passed, and Karen heard nothing from this charming gentleman who had stolen her heart. Worry began to cross her mind, but the impression he had left on her sustained a spark of hope. On the Saturday that followed, David rang Karen on her cell phone following a golf tournament in Southington. Pushing her trepidation aside, the mathematics teacher boldly asked the professor if he would accompany her to the ball that evening. Much to her relief (and surprise), the young man eagerly accepted her invitation, and the educators have been inseparable ever since. Many an opportunity to participate in each other's lives has arisen since, and they have lived happily ever after. On to the wedding!

5