As their freshman year continued they truly did become best friends. They talked to each other daily and constantly confided in one another about everything in life. What was interesting was that nothing romantic developed between them, only a deep friendship. As freshman year ended Alex and Sarah said goodbye, as Alex prepared to leave for his mission to Brazil and Sarah continued her studies at BYU. Sarah told Alex that she would find him his wife while he was gone. Little did she know how right she was…
During the two years Alex was serving in Brazil, Sarah and Alex continued their friendship through letters. As Alex was finishing his mission he came to realize more fully how amazing Sarah was. In his final letter he asked her simply, “have you ever thought about us dating?” Upon receiving the letter Sarah did not know how to respond, because Alex had always just been a friend. She avoided the question in her response and alluded that they would figure things out when he came home.
The first day that Alex was home from Brazil, he and Sarah talked until 3 in the morning. They continued catching up on the past 2 ½ years of their lives over the next couple of months. Alex returned to BYU in January of 2014. After going on a date, Sarah decided that she was not interested in Alex romantically. Alex was devastated. But, miraculously, he recognized that what Sarah really needed was a friend, and so he continued in that role, putting aside his feelings for her.
So how did they end up together? Alex and Sarah both departed from Utah for summer employment. They talked weekly, continuing their friendship as they always had. Sarah had some time to reflect and realize how much she valued her friendship with Alex. So much so that she recognized exactly why he had tried to move out of the friend zone earlier that year. A sobbing phone call at midnight, a 4 hour Skype conversation, and a beach trip of Alex’s family were all it took for both to realize that they really had no reason not to try dating.
On September 19, 2014, Alex took Sarah up the mountain for a very romantic 2nd first date. After an encounter with a mountain lion or raccoon (they still aren’t sure), a delicious dinner, and a first kiss their adventures as a couple began.
Every week their escapades resulted in fun and an increased love for one another. Due to their already established friendship they had clear communication and a deep love for one another. They quickly discovered how complete life felt together. Alex and Sarah realized that this is what they had been looking for.
They arranged to meet each others families. Alex flew out after Christmas Day and the McKneely’s welcomed him with delicious Texas food and lots of family time. When Sarah and Alex flew out to D.C. so Sarah could meet the Howe’s. With the help of his family, Alex whisked her away for a surprise date to the National Symphony. The first stop was the National Farris Wheel on the National Harbor. While perfectly positioned above the Potamac river with the sunset setting behind him, Alex knelt and asked Sarah to be his wife. They then celebrated the rest of the evening and now look forward to forever.
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