at last

11 / 9 / 2018 Not long after marrying Kade Corley, Brittany’s matron of honor, Rachel, hosted a Friendsgiving gathering to celebrate the season with dear friends. It was there that Brittany met the new friend in the Corley’s circle at First Baptist Levelland: Jeb Wilcox. Rachel spoke highly of him to Brittany on many occasions, leaving her anxious to meet him. Brittany thought he was undeniably charming—but at just 22, she was not looking for anything serious. What began instead was something quieter and, perhaps, far more enduring: a friendship. In the years that followed, Brittany and Jeb became dedicated companions within their circle—attending First Friday Art Trails, evenings at the Wallace Theater, birthday celebrations, and countless ordinary moments that slowly became extraordinary. When Rachel and Kade moved to the Dallas area, Brittany and Jeb made the trips together to visit them. Seasons changed, life unfolded, and their friendship endured—steady, effortless, and rooted. Through it all, there remained a quiet admiration between them—mutual respect, genuine affection, and an unspoken sense of something more. One of them would later say, “I always knew.” In August of 2025, a Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) reunion was planned for the first weekend of October in Lubbock. Brittany planned to attend with Rachel and Kade. One Friday, Rachel mentioned casually that Jeb had offered to host everyone. At the sound of his name, something shifted. Brittany found herself unexpectedly overwhelmed with questions she had long tucked away—How did I let him slip away? Why weren’t we ever more? And then, in a moment as clear as it was startling, the thought settled gently but firmly in her heart: It’s Jeb. He’s my husband. That Saturday night, unable to quiet her thoughts, Brittany called him. Jeb was with family and returned her call the following day. What was meant to be a simple conversation turned into hours of laughter, memories, and catching up on all the years between them. By the end of it, both knew they did not want the conversation to end. A few days later, he called again. Then again. Soon, long talks became a nightly rhythm. Before long, Jeb drove to Amarillo to see Brittany, and what had once been steady friendship began unfolding into something undeniable. Weekends were spent side by side, feelings deepening with remarkable clarity and ease. What had quietly grown over years of friendship had finally found its moment.

12 / 19 / 2025 In December of 2025, Brittany hoped to travel to Grapevine with Jeb to visit Kade and Rachel before the arrival of their second child. Jeb gently told her it wouldn’t be possible. A few days later, however, he mentioned he was planning a surprise for her—something special, just a few weeks away, to make up for their missed trip. A couple of weeks later on a quiet Friday evening, Brittany arrived at Jeb’s home to find a beautiful gown laid out for her, paired thoughtfully with her freshly mended fur coat and a stunning pair of Louboutins. (In truth, there were several backup options tucked away—Jeb having enlisted half of Downtown Levelland to ensure every detail was just right.) With a casual air, he explained that the evening’s event was “a bit more formal than expected,” so he had gathered a few choices for her to consider. Once ready, Jeb drove her to their mysterious destination: Levelland Municipal Airport. There, he helped Brittany into Rowdy Foster’s airplane, and together they lifted off into the golden hush of sunset. They soared over Levelland and its surrounding fields, the horizon washed in amber and rose. It was breathtaking. It was surreal. And yet, as they descended, Brittany felt her heart begin to race. Is this really happening? Don’t get your hopes up… just in case. As the plane taxied, Jeb kept glancing back at her—smiling, steady, composed—only heightening her anticipation. Then the plane turned. There, illuminated against the watercolor sky, stood large marquee letters spelling the two most beautiful words she had ever seen: MARRY ME. Jeb helped her from the plane and led her to the glowing letters. Beneath the open Texas sky, he got down on one knee and asked the question that had quietly been written into their story all along. Her answer came without hesitation: “YES!” And the rest is history… or so they thought. Some of Brittany’s family were waiting at Double Nickel to celebrate Jeb officially joining the family. The evening began just as perfectly as imagined—laughter, embraces, congratulations, and the unmistakable glow of newly engaged joy. But no great story is complete without an unexpected twist. Throughout dinner, tension began brewing at nearby tables. What started as uneasy glances escalated into sharp words, then sudden hostility. Before long, the disagreement erupted into a full and rather astonishing altercation—voices raised, chairs scraping, bodies colliding. At one point, someone stumbled into Jeb and Brittany’s table, nearly knocking into them. In the midst of it all, a heroic figure—manager, chef, or perhaps part-time bouncer—extended his arms protectively in front of them, shielding the newly engaged couple from flying glass and flailing arms. Police were called, the parties were separated, and calm was gradually restored. And just like that, Brittany and Jeb were returned to their evening—hearts pounding, adrenaline high, laughter bubbling up in disbelief. It was not the quiet celebration they had envisioned. But somehow, it felt fitting. A little dramatic. A little unforgettable. All in all, they left with full hearts, a remarkable story, and the kind of joy that no unexpected chaos could diminish. The elation of the evening—bright, playful, and entirely their own—never faded.