Alex and I been living parallel lives when it came to relationships. We were both set to work in Lockney, TX, in 2021-22, but I ended up taking another job and didn't go. We then ended up, a year later, both in Anson, TX, single at the same time. Alex and I met in the summer of 2022. He had just got to town, and I was asked by a new coworker, who knew Alex, if I had a boyfriend. I did not and she then told Alex about me. I got the text about him while in Colorado, in the middle of the Rocky Mountains with no service. We got to the top of Flag Mountain and my phone went off. I had spent that summer working on myself, and I was not looking for a new relationship. Despite hearing great things about Alex that day, I didn't expect much. About a week later, I went to Instagram because my sister had sent me something (I hadn't been on in months and didn't even have the app on my phone anymore, it was by chance I knew she had sent me something to look at). When I opened the app, I had a follow request from Alex Jones. I accepted and sent him a message. Within a week of texting back and forth, Alex asked to try my church out and I offered him a ride. After the service we went and got lunch together. To many people's surprise, Alex talked the entire time-even more than me! He was refreshingly open and offered to share anything I wanted to know about him, including the last four digits of his social security number (but not the whole thing). We had a blast together and that only continued into every time we got to see each other. I tease that I knew he was "the one" right away, but he needed a little more convincing. I knew I loved Alex because of our undeniable connection—his empathy towards everyone and genuine interest in what matters to me. He consistently prioritizes me and shows up for everything, which reassures me of his love every day. Alex always brings a smile to my face, matches my sarcasm effortlessly, makes me laugh, and possesses the kindest heart I know. We've already shared countless adventures across the country, and I'm thrilled to keep creating memories like these for the rest of our lives. I can’t wait to marry the guy who gave me more fun facts about himself on our first date than Taylor Swift has breakup songs—thankfully though, not his full social security number.

I never thought a teaching job would change my life. Growing up near San Diego, California, I was your typical sports fan living for football Sundays and Padre games. Moving to the Texas Panhandle wasn’t exactly on my radar, but when the opportunity came, I packed my bags and went for it. I figured it’d be a chance to grow, but what I didn’t realize was that it was only the beginning of an adventure I could have never imagined. After a year of teaching and coaching in Lockney, I found myself relocating to Jones County. Funny enough, having the last name Jones made it feel like it was meant to be. I was focused on settling into my new role and learning the ropes of yet another small-town life. That’s when I met her. Saicy. She was the sassiest, most sarcastic girl I’d ever met, and she didn’t hold back. She had this quick wit that kept me on my toes, but what really struck me was her heart. It was so pure and kind, completely disarming in the best way. I knew right away there was something special about her. Still, we were both recently single, and I told myself I needed to focus on my new job and getting acclimated before jumping into anything. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking about Saicy. She was so much fun to talk to, and every time I did, I felt better—like she had this way of brightening up my whole day. One day, I got up the nerve to ask about her church. She didn’t just invite me; she offered to pick me up. That Sunday, she showed up at my house, and we went to church together. Afterward, I asked her to lunch, partly because I wanted more time with her and partly because I needed to figure out why she fascinated me so much. We ended up at Fuzzy’s, and we talked forever. I don’t even remember what we ordered; I just remember how easy it was to be around her. On the way back, she casually mentioned needing to go through the carwash. “Sure,” I said, trying not to laugh. But inside, I was thinking, 'Wow, is she already this comfortable with me?' It was such a simple thing, but it felt like us just being real together, and I loved that. By the time she dropped me off at home, I couldn’t stop smiling. I knew right then that I wanted more of her in my life. Her welcoming aura, her kindness, and her authenticity had me hooked. Looking back now, it’s hard to believe how much we’ve been through together. Long distance, job changes, moves—life threw us some curveballs, but the constant for me was always Saicy. She was there when I needed her, even when I didn’t realize I did. She has this way of making everything better, just by being herself. And now, I get to marry her. The sassy girl from Jones County is about to become a Jones herself. Oh, and for the record, I proposed at Jones AT&T Stadium. Fitting, right? Saicy is my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the love of my life. I can’t wait to build our life together and create a home full of love, laughter, and just the right amount of sass.