Tom went to catholic school and I went to public school, until Jr High, where we were in the same class and became friends. In our High School years, our mutual friend Nick Hillman gave us rides to our respective High Schools-Tom's being Holy Redeemer and mine and Nicks being Coughlin HS. Regardless of being in different schools, we all would hangout a lot together and created countless memories. Throughout HS and our early 20's, we dated other people and remained friends. One summer night in 2022 he came to my camper and we talked for hours, just him and I, around the fire. I felt brave enough in that moment to admit that I started to "see him in a different light" and his face lit up, which I was grateful for because I was extremely nervous to admit to feelings for him without knowing if it would be reciprocated. Shortly after that night, we started dating and got to know each others family and friends. Now, his friends and family are mine and vise versa. I'm so grateful for the family and friends I've gained and the memories we've made thus far. I cant wait to see what else is in store!

In December of 2023, Tom told me he had a surprise date planned for us. We drove past the Pittston Train Station when he said he forgot something at home and we had to turn back around. I was annoyed and suspicious, but he ended up pulling in to the Train Station parking lot where his Aunt, Uncle and parents just so happened to be at also. We were waiting for the train to board when his Aunt mentioned a story of when she joined the family, which was my next clue. After a beautiful scenic ride to Jim Thorpe, we got off of the train to see my mom and stepdad who just so happened to be there as well. At this point, I was sure of what was coming and was so anxious as to when. We took a horse and carriage ride with Tom's parents and I could sense that Tom was on edge. I fully expected it to happen on the ride, but it didn't, which made me think I was overthinking the whole thing. We got off of the carriage and I, of course, had to pet the horses. During that time, without me realizing, our family surrounded us as he grabbed the ring from his moms purse and held it behind him. As soon as I turned his way, he dropped down on one knee and shakily asked "Ashley Nicole Fox, will you marry me?" I was caught between being so sure and also totally surprised that all I could do was smile, grab his face to kiss him and give him the tightest hug. It was the most wonderful day with some of the most important people in our lives crying right alongside us and congratulating us. I wish I could relive that moment just one more time as it was absolutely perfect.