Ashley,

There is a reason I posted stories on this site and why you read them. We believed love was out there, and that it is out there for EVERYONE. We imagined a love like the one we saw being lived on out on this show and through the characters in these stories. Four years ago, when you bravely messaged me, seeking advice and friendship after reading my stories, we unknowingly embarked on our non fiction journey. A journey that has brought me a love that surpasses every fairytale, fanfiction ideal I had.

When we first started, I was a 19 year old girl in New York with little direction, living day to day, partying maybe (totally) a little too much, and I was incomplete. Then I met you, a 17 year old girl from Ohio, a beautiful, smart, funny person who, from the moment we first spoke, I knew would change my life. We had a long distance friendship which quickly turned into, what seemed like an even longer distance, romance. Although it was difficult we survived those years at a distance, and now I can say that I am sitting in the apartment we both call home, our dog at my side as I type, and I am in awe of how far we have come.  

 You have made my life whole. Your love has made me brave, honest, sometimes a little dumb and giddy (but that happens when you love someone more than you ever imagined you could), and you have made me into the person I can only hope you that are proud of today.

 I want to start the new year, with you wearing a ring that symbolizes our past, our present, and the rest of our lives together. I want the next 60 years to be as wonderful as you have made the past four years. Marry me Ashley. Let me spend everyday showing you how heavily you lay on my heart, how grateful I am that you chose me, and how much I love you.

So the question stands. Will you marry me?

With all my  love,

Lauren.