On a brisk winter day in February, this cool Queens cucumber found his warm Cincinnati sunflower smiling at him from across an ocean in Uganda, East Africa. Michael swam across this ocean to Melody's heart in paragraphs of direct messages, and the two became fast friends and lovers. The COVID-19 pandemic brought our favorite missionary and kindergarten teacher back to the States sooner than she expected, but it gave Melody and Michael time to cement their bond over texts, voice messages, FaceTime calls and video dates. After three months of a deepening long distance relationship, the handsome Michael braved the virus to meet the beautiful Melody in Cincinnati on May 1, 2020 -- the first official day of interstate travel into the state of Ohio. Later that month, Melody was blessed with a job and residence in California, where she and Michael are now able to enjoy life and romance together in person!

The sun was peeking through the clouds intermittently as Melody and Michael waited in line to enter Powell's Books -- the world's largest independent bookstore, located in Portland, Oregon. Melody was joyfully absorbing the sights and sounds of the eclectic city, as Michael waited patiently for his chance to pop the question. Unbeknownst to Melody, Michael had been in secret talks with Melody's sister Joy and her husband Rob to plan an epic proposal in Powell's Rare Book Room! Melody & Michael met Joy & Rob at Powell's main entrance, where Joy shuttled the pair to the Rare Book Room, home to several thousand of Powell's most valuable and beautiful books. Upon arrival, Joy led Melody to the corner of the room in search of a mystery art book as Rob quickly set up his master photography equipment. Michael slid in behind Melody, handed Melody a book he held, and finally spoke. "Melody, I think this is the book you're looking for." Melody opened the book's first page. On it, Michael had written that famous question in ink... "Melody, will you marry me?" Melody was surprised, and began to shake in delight and shock. Michael whispered a few sweet things, and then scooped to his knee with ring in hand. Michael then asked the question again, verbally. "Melody, will you marry me?" "Yes!" Michael slid the sunburst diamond engagement ring onto Melody's finger, rose to his feet, and hugged a delighted Melody. The newly engaged couple enjoyed a makeshift picnic -- an African blanket covered with Melody's favorite flowers. Michael then began to tell Melody the story of how the surprise all came together, with both pausing in awe to soak in the timeless moments.