The Gowanlocks

I like to credit the creation of Reagan and Tyler Gowanlock to Tyler’s cousin, Hunter, and my mom, Missy. In 2019, I was still in college, but working at a vet clinic with Hunter. One afternoon, I remember asking her if she had any friends that she could hook me up with. She thought and said, “Well, my cousin is single.” Immediately, I asked her to tell me all about him and show me some pictures. Once she showed me, I saw red hair and declined. Now, that same red hair is something I don't know how I ever went without! A couple days later, Tyler sent me a friend request on Facebook, so I knew Hunter mentioned something to him. I declined it, since I knew I was not interested. I always love reflecting back on how Tyler and I became us, because it reminds me of a couple of things; one being how stubborn I am. The biggest thing our story reminds me of is just how unexpected the best things in life are. Before Tyler and I met, I had just finished my bachelor’s degree, was half-way finished with my master’s, and was starting my first year teaching. The last thing on my mind was any type of relationship. Fast forward to August 2021, I was scrolling through Facebook “People You May Know” list, when I saw this guy with a neat profile picture. Upon deciding to friend request him, I realized it was actually Hunter’s cousin, so I quickly canceled it. Two minutes later, Tyler returned a friend request. I declined again. Three months later, November 23, 2021, Tyler was bringing his dog, Waylon, to the vet clinic where Hunter and my mom work. Coincidentally, I was on Thanksgiving Break and was supposed to be working that day, too, but I changed my mind the day before. While shopping with my Nana, my mom texted me, “Reagan!!! Omg!!! Hunter’s cousin is in here with his dog. He is SO cute and SO respectful.” I just replied with the casual, “Lol." 30 minutes later, my mom was still extremely adamant on me reaching out, just talking to him. Giving in, I told Hunter to introduce us to each other. Well… this man who is four years older than me decided to tell her to give me his SNAPCHAT. *insert rolling eyes emoji* AThat evening, I finally decided to add him. A couple hours later, he Snapchatted me, saying, “I guess you were going to make me Snapchat you first?” Well duh, lol! After texting back and forth for a week, we went on our first date December 3, 2021. He actually wanted to meet me at Saltgrass, but I made him come pick me up. If you know me, you know I am a talker. That night, however, Tyler out talked me… I knew he was a keeper! We went to eat at Saltgrass and rode the back roads home, rapping, and singing Conway Twitty. He even asked me to name the person who sang a song that had only been playing for three seconds, and I couldn’t… He says I didn’t know what it was, but I claim it just was not playing long enough for me to guess. That night, I would say I knew something was special about him. If you know Tyler, you know just how much he loves all things hunting. He never misses a weekend if he is off. Honestly, I am surprised I convinced him to have a December wedding! The night after our first date, he drove an hour and a half, just to make the hunt the next morning. I was fully prepared to not text much during the day, since he was at the deer lease. What I was not prepared for, however, was him texting me all day. I was curious about how he was texting me with limited service, and he said, “I hunted this stand just so I would have service to talk to you.” I will never let him live it down! To say I am thankful Tyler walked into my life would be an understatement. Tyler says all the time that if I would have just listened in the first place, we could be three years ahead of schedule. I am so thankful for this man, and I cannot wait to see our future unfold.