Danielle's version: I was about ready to give up on dating altogether when I decided to give Facebook's dating section of their app a try in May of 2022. Probably a day or 2 into it, I saw this cute guy who seemed to have himself all-together and stated on his profile how he liked chess and could cook salmon curry. When we matched, I decided not to message first to see what he would say, if anything as a lot of guys do. He was great at conversation and it was easy to get to know him. Before long we had video chatted a few times and then had our first date throwing axes and going to the Chinese buffet next door. Nothing says "best first date ever" like all you can eat food and possibly hurting your date! After completely WHOOPING Clay at axe throwing (my first time, I might add), the rest was history. Clay was easy to fall in love with and checked every box for what I was looking for in a partner. My cat, Lucy, quickly fell in love with him as well, and she's not too fond of the male gender and takes a while to warm up to people. He is now her best friend. I was the first to say "I love you" and I did so drowsily while falling asleep as one with Narcolepsy does. He smiled and said it back, mentioning he was scared to say it sooner since we had only known each other for a few weeks. Our engagement story is so memorable and not your typical proposal; Clay had intended to propose on our 2-year anniversary of us dating but was unable to secure a ring in time due to needing an appointment. A few days later, on July 6, Clay was acting weird that day, leaving earlier that morning to work on some "project" he mentioned he was working on but wouldn't give further details on. When he returned, Clay and I went about our plan to go to Five Below to buy some small anniversary presents for each other since we didn't want to spend too much and didn't have anything in particular that we each wanted. Before we left the store, Clay mentioned he had one more gift to give, and proceeded to get on one knee and asked me to marry him. Despite how obvious it was he would propose looking back, I was not expecting it and stood there staring at Clay while thinking he was joking. Clay loves to tell jokes and is always goofing around, so I thought he wasn't serious at first and then noted that the ring was too nice to buy at Five Below. I then snapped out of it and realized what was happening, so I responded with, "Oh, of course!". Clay and I think the cashier than rung us up thought he was getting rejected due to the initial confusion on my face. It took a few days for it to sink in that I ACTUALLY had a fiancé and someone as amazing as Clay who wanted to make such a commitment. Clay is everything and then some that I could have prayed for, and I'm so grateful for him every day. Clay's version: When I met Danielle, I was transitioning jobs. I hadn't had much luck with online dating in the past, but I figured I'd give it another shot. I swiped right on Danielle and we immediately hit it off. After a few video chats, I asked Danielle if I could come to Dyersburg (where she was living) and take her on a date. Our first date consisted of axe throwing and Chinese food! I will humbly admit that I was beaten handily at axe throwing. I found out that I was no match for Danielle at axe throwing, but that I was a match for her in life.😉 Danielle and I continued to go on many dates and it didn't take me long to realize and appreciate how kind, loving, and smart of a person Danielle is and above all I just really enjoyed being around her. I knew I had found a winner and knew deep down I needed to keep this person in my life! After two years of dating, I knew it was time to make it official and put a ring on her. I'm not sure if I can top Danielle's version of how I proposed (everything she said is accurate 😜) As I reflect (and run out of characters Zola will let me type), I am incredibly grateful to find someone as wonderful as Danielle!