The polls are closed and the results are in. Winning by a land-slide is the youngest of the three: Paul. Richmond must like you.

With 67 percent of the vote, Paul will join Emily on Saturday, May 17 for our second "Shot in the Dark" date of spring. And what we have in store for these two is sure to spruce up any regular ol' Saturday.

I spoke with both of our daters and I'm excited to hear that both took a genuine interest, or at least had people on their side who took a genuine interest, in the outcome of the votes.

"I sent out emails, I told my friends and family and I was checking [the site] like multiple times a day," Emily said.

Paul initially signed up for our "Shot in the Dark" column through the encouragement of a co-worker. And all that encouragement simply grew and grew during voting.

"Once [my co-worker] saw the voting was up, he sent it around to everyone in our office and some other companies that we do business with," Paul said. "My father works for the same company I work for, so it eventually made it home to my mom. From there, she forwarded it to a lot of our family. I showed it to a few close friends but the majority of my votes came from co-workers and family."

From the beginning, Paul's numbers were shooting through the roof – which he admits he wasn't too surprised about.

"I expected [the others] to be sending the link to their friends and I figured they would eventually catch up with me but that never happened," Paul said.

One thing's for sure – this pair seems to at least be heading in the direction of actually completing the date. A success story in itself. Next week, I'll reveal the details, but for now readers, think nice weather, the outdoors and 24 years of old-fashioned Richmond fun.

As I remind everyone time and time again, "A Shot in the Dark" is supposed to be fun, and going in with an open mind and great attitude is a great way to start. I'll stop reiterating now – I'm starting to sound like a life-coach.

In regards to Emily's first impressions of Paul: "He seems like a fun guy and someone I'm going to get along with. I'm hoping to at least find a friend and if it's more then great but if not, I just want to have a good time!"

"I'm looking forward to the date," Paul said of the date to come. "And going in with an open mind."

I told you so.

Are you looking to take your own "Shot in the Dark?" We're here to help and offer you the chance of winning a free date – all on Richmond.com's tab. It's easy – simply click here, answer a few questions and hit submit. What have you got to lose?