We first met in 2019 through a mutual friend. At the time, Alex was living in Saint Cloud and I was in Minneapolis. My friend and I stopped by the house where Alex lived. He had to work early the next morning and wasn’t planning to join us, so he was already half‑asleep when we walked downstairs. From the dark, he called out, “Who the heck is here?!” I said, “Hi, I’m Claire!” and he went straight back to bed.

Not a grand introduction — but definitely memorable.

Over the next year, we kept crossing paths. In 2020, we started dating, and things fell into place quickly. Two months later, we took a 14‑hour road trip to Dallas. It was long, but we enjoyed every minute — talking, laughing, and learning each other’s quirks. When we came back to Minnesota still smiling, our parents could tell we were in good company.

As time went on, our relationship grew naturally. We supported each other through new jobs, moves, and everyday life, and it became clear we shared the same values and hopes for the future

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On April 13, 2024 — the first warm day of the year — Alex planned a day that meant something to both of us. He took me back to Interstate State Park, to a cliff where we once fell asleep during a family camping trip. It was a place with good memories, and it felt right to return there. He packed a picnic, brought gin, and our dog Rue came along.

When we reached the lookout, a fox wandered down the hill. While I was distracted watching it, Alex reached into the backpack. After a moment he said, “Well, I suppose that fox is my sign,” and got down on one knee.

I was so surprised I didn’t catch a single word he said the first time. I said yes, then immediately asked him to repeat it so I could actually take it in. After saying yes again, I finally looked at the ring.

It was simple and meaningful — exactly right for us.

A&C