After Luke and Melissa both made plans to move out of the valley, God kept them in the same place just in time for them to meet at Athey Creek Christian Fellowship. They formally met at Athey's young adults on September 14. Later that night, Olivia, one of Melissa's bridesmaids asked her jokingly how it felt to meet her future husband. Melissa laughed it off not knowing the adventure she was in for. They then proceeded as friends, building memories of going to church together and hanging out with friends as well as going shooting together and felling trees at uncle Todd's cabin. After a couple months of intentional time together and being in prayer about a relationship with one another, Luke asked Melissa to be his girlfriend on Lolo Pass Road under the stars that night on November 22nd, 2021.

Planned since February, Luke knew exactly how and where he was going to ask Melissa to be his wife. The story starts early on in the month of February when Luke called his younger brother Douglas (also known as Ben - inside joke) and was ecstatic to tell him that he knew how it was all going to play out. He went through the details with his brother in perfect depth, not leaving anything to chance. Well, life does what it does and time certainly flew by, but that long detail filled conversation was not lost on Luke and the time finally came, the night was finally there. It was a breezy Friday in Central Oregon and Luke and Melissa had come over the Wednesday before because of some work that needed Luke’s attention, or so Melissa thought. Little did she know, that when Luke went to work he was actually on a top secret mission to make that evening one that she would never forget. Luke hustled around all day meeting with the florist and photographer, picking up the final items, and reviewing the plan over and over with his brothers to ensure that everything went smoothly. They even scoped out the location to be sure that the placement and camera angles would be just right. Then, casually, Luke got back to his parents where his soon to be fiancée was waiting patiently. He changed into a new shirt that he’d picked up, but had never worn, while Melissa slipped into his favorite dress of hers. They set out for Brasada Ranch to enjoy dinner with a sunset view. The end. No, no, just kidding. Why, that was only the beginning! They enjoyed a nice drive listening to some of their favorite songs and savored the rich flavors of the food. Luke struggled, but managed to stay patient and after dinner they headed back to Luke’s parents. On that way back, Luke nonchalantly suggested that they walk up to “the dock,” a small private dock up the street from his parents house. Melissa agreed, thinking that would be a great way to end the night because that dock had been a source of so many great memories for them. They had taken many walks up there before, sometimes bringing blankets to lie down and star gaze on cold winter nights. They pulled into the driveway to park the car and Luke ran inside for a quick moment. They then began their walk and Melissa seemed not to notice Luke slyly texting on his phone. Everything was set, the photographer, the rose pedals, the bouquets, the candles, the lanterns, the wooden "L” & "M”, the string lights, the typewriter… His brothers confirmed that they were ready and Luke gave the cue for them to start the music. The air was cool and crisp, not yet tainted by the ensuing smoke from the still far off wildfires. The stars, as bright as ever, yet the moon even brighter still. The wind now calmed from it's violent gusts earlier that day. Everything was right, everything as it had been perfectly pictured in Luke’s mind so many months before. Hand in hand, they crested the hill. Melissa saw the soft glow of the candles and lights, the rose pedals gently lining the dock, the table with the lanterns, and as they approached she was able to make out what sat nestled in between, the typewriter that her father had given her. They slowly made their approach, Melissa melting into Luke’s side like the soft spring snow. She walked up to the typewriter and through the warm candle light, was able to make out the words inscribed on the woven paper. She leaned over to read them, Luke now standing behind her. And as finished, the final words said "Will you marry me?" She slowly turned around, and as she did, Luke got down on one knee and softly ask "Missy Girl, will you marry me?” Near speechless, Melissa confidently, but quietly said "Yes” under the stars that might on September 2nd, 2022.