For the Love of Jashley

Have you ever been told the biggest, happiest secret of your whole life + haven’t been able to tell anyone? I have. Back in March when I met my girl Ashley along with her sister Lauren + their bff Naz, hosts of the I Don’t Get It Podcast, Ashley told me a HUGE secret that fans of Ashley + the podcast had picked up on + had been dying to know. The conversation went like this:

Me: “I promise not to ask you about Jared.” Because let’s be honest, if the rumors + our speculations were true, Ashley would tell us when she was ready. I just wanted her to know I respected her + whatever relationship was there + that I wasn’t there fishing for info. I was just glad she, Lauren + Naz made time to meet me when I was in LA.

Ashley: “You can totally ask me about Jared.” I’m sure she knew this was coming. She knows her fans. We love her + want to be able to cheer her on.

Me: *laughs* “So are you + Jared together?”

Ashley: *grins from ear to ear like only a person in love does* “Jared + I are totally together, but please don’t go broadcasting that.”

Me: *zips lips* “I promise I won’t! I’m really happy for you + I’m glad Jared finally realized what he had.”

Ashley: *with a smile*  “Oh I think he always knew.”

We went on to discuss that Ashley hoped to have him on the podcast so he could really share where he was coming from + I told her I was glad she had Kevin on because I would have likely been mad at him if he wasn’t. She told me that that’s why she had him on. She didn’t want to be victimized nor did she want him villainized. I assured her that that’s not where I was coming from. I explained to Ashley that she’s been such a role model for me + someone I look up to very much so I simply didn’t want anyone taking advantage of her kind heart + zeal for love. I forget sometimes that Ashley, Lauren + Naz aren’t my older sisters but I still fiercely want the best for them.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Ashley + Jared made their relationship public last night on episode 11 of the YouTube show “The Story of Us” that Ashley hosts. Even though I already knew so much of Ashley’s journey to Jared, it was so sweet seeing Jared just be so fiercely in love with her. Ashley, my friend + role model, deserves someone who loves as fiercely + freely as she does. This is that Meghan + Prince Harry, Cory + Topanga, Harry + Sally, dream romcom kind of love + Jared referred to her as his wife last night + I just sobbed. I love you both very much + I’d like an invitation to the wedding. You don’t even have to get me a plate. I’ll pack a lunch in the orange New Kids on the Block lunchbox. Congratulations, Jared, for landing the greatest woman on the planet.

So the secret is out, all of Bachelor Nation knows + we all lived happily ever after. Just remember to give Ashley Shake Shack, not In-n-Out.

xo.