As a lover of all things Tom Hanks, Nikki Young could not have been more excited to attend a reading of his book, Uncommon Type, at the Texas Book Festival this past weekend.
“I have been a fan of Tom Hanks since 1982 when I first saw Bosom Buddies,” Nikki writes on Facebook. “I followed his career and loved, laughed, cried and sighed at every movie, every TV appearance, every skit and more. He was my happy place.”
Though Nikki was in awe of Hanks and the reading, she was admittedly “pouting” like a “bratty child” when the reading turned to a Q&A session with her favorite actor, as she had not been able to submit a question.
Nikki’s boyfriend Ryan McFarling was supportive and comforting in reminding her that Tom Hanks was only just 10 feet away from her; still, she was internally processing her disappointment as the actor responded to lucky audience members.
“What happened next, I was not prepared for, but can honestly say has been the greatest moment of my life!” Nikki wrote.
Tom Hanks announced that they’d come to the final question in their session, which had been submitted by Ryan McFarling.
Ryan’s question wasn’t for Tom Hanks, but for Nikki. He turned to his girlfriend and got down on one knee as the actor read his question out loud to the audience: “Nikki, will you marry me?”
“I went from disappointment to shock to ugly tears in 10 seconds flat,” says Nikki.
This isn’t the first time Tom Hanks has been part of making memories for special couples.
While out for a run in New York’s Central Park last fall, Tom Hanks came across a couple taking wedding photos, and just casually dropped in!
Nikki says the proposal was a real-life rom-com moment.
“The man who makes my heart smile presented me with a ring and asked me to marry him. I said yes, of course! Then, the man who has been my happy place for years hugged me and congratulated me and later, even gave me a flower. I got to live a real romantic comedy moment with my love, Ryan McFarling, co-starring Tom Hanks! Talk about true love! To quote Sleepless in Seattle, ‘It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we’re supposed to be together.’”
Congratulations Ryan and Nikki!
