The story of us is one that started unconventionally but ended with forever.

October 2021 - I (Kayleigh) started working at Allegheny County Emergency Services. It was a new job, I was scared and trying to keep my head down (I promise this is relevant to our story)

November 2021 - I started training in the job on the floor with none other than one, Brian Baker. For those of you unaware, Brian is Tom's best friend. Tom used to come over and talk to Brian ALL the time. And he would always glance over at me and smile (the same smile I still cannot resist today). I never knew what to think and just avoided eye contact.

December 2021 - At this point I still hadn't spoken to Tom but he always came over and said hi. Eventually his best friend did what any best friend should do... he told me that Tom was interest in me and thought i was attractive.

January 2022- January 2023 - I never used that information and stored it in my back pocket. I was doing my own thing and finding my footing in the world.

January 2023 - I decided to use this infromation I have been sitting on for a year and see where it lead me. I messaged Tom on teams and simply said "I know something you said 2 years ago" to which he replied "oh yeah?". From there we immediately hit it off immediately.

We spent all through January - August getting to know each other, talking all hours of the day and keeping it in our own little world. Eventually people started to find us out.

August 2023 - Tom dropped the L word.... accidentally on purpose. We were at the house having a date night in and playing games. I said something smart (as I often do), to which Tom rebuttled with something sarcastic (as he always does). I gave a pouty face and in an attempt to say "oh cmon you know you love it" but what came out was "oh cmon, you know I love you"

Now naturally most girls would swoon.... but in true smart** fashion I said "why don't you come over here and say it to my face?!". Tom's face got red and he tried to back pedal in his anxiousness.. but then he came right over and he said "You know, I love you" *now queue the swooning*

September 1st, 2023 - We make it "Facebook" official. The same Anniversary as his parents.

October 2023 - We moved in together! Not by choice... by arson. Stephen the cat had burned my apartment down. He was mad that the dogs and I had been at Tom's for the night. Trying to make sure that Blue, Tucker, and Jade all got along because we were planning on moving in together in February 2024. The cat had other plans.. he turned the gas stove on by jumping up, and the apartment caught fire fast. (Don't worry, the cats are a live and well today and they LOVE their knew sister Jade)

Our first year was chaos. We had our ups and downs and a lot of growing pains moving in together as quickly as we did, but we chose to always wake up and remember we choose each other. Even when it gets tough and we have had to adjust our communication, we chose to love each other and never give up. Going from a hard year due to so much loss in both our lives, to us growing and building a life we love together.

February 1st, 2025 - I said "YES!" and thank you to my bff Cheyenne for knowing me better than most. Tom had plans of proposing at the top of Mt. Washington and then taking me to Le Mont after. It ended up being far too cold for that plan. and I was in NO mood to go to a fancy dinner to "celebrate my new job" as he kept telling me. I wanted to be home and comfy and spend the night in.. but as Tom insisted (and I grew more suspicious) I reluctantly agreed and got ready. I texted Cheyenne explaining how badly I did not want to go to dinner and how I so did NOT want to be the center of attention. Cheyenne called Tom frantically telling him she could FEEL my anxiety through my texts and subtly suggested to propose at home. Next thing I know, I am dressed and walk downstairs in a fit to put my lipgloss in my bag. It replays in my head in slow motion, but as I turned to my left I see him down on one knee and just say "wait!!! your doing it now?!" and he smiles and says "yes. now shut up so I can talk". I blacked out a bit and barely remember what he said, but what I do know is he asked and I screamed yes so fast.