Michael, still being relatively new to Baton Rouge, was invited by his friend Nathaniel to come over to his house for a friend's surprise party - despite the fact that Michael did not know Josh, the birthday boy. After the surprise was sprung, and the birthday boy was thoroughly confused as to who this stranger was welcoming him, the inordinately beautiful Morgan Melancon walked in and immediately caught Michael's attention (and most likely everyone else's). After a fireside conversation about backgrounds, work life, and ambitions, its safe to say a spark had been conceived.

After a flurry of initial dates and a deepening of attraction highlighted by a shared faith and desire to live life to the fullest, Michael left for South Carolina to celebrate Christmas with his family. After much contemplation, prayer, and a long, solo drive back to Louisiana prior to the New Year, Michael headed to the Melancon Manor with a bouquet of roses in hand to surprise Morgan and officialize their relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend.

One day shy of a full year of dating, Morgan and Michael enjoyed an all day celebration of their relationship and all the joy that had been received throughout the course of the year. After a long walk around the LSU lakes, the two got dressed up for an hour of adoration and prayer with the Sisters of Charity, followed by a celebratory steak dinner. Unknown to Morgan, a fairly significant life decision was to take place in between the two. After finishing prayer with the sisters, and about to get into the car, Michael prompted Morgan to recall what took place nearly a year ago to the day. Morgan was reminded of the dedicatory prayer consecrating the relationship to Christ and His will that Michael and her had prayed at the same church, only a few yards away. Michael grabbed their jackets, his carrying an auspicious box in the left pocket, and in an embracing prayer, he thanked the Lord for all the graces and blessings received, and requested that the blessings continue as the couple took the next step in their relationship. As Michael spoke the last lines, he went down to one knee, and before the ring could even come out of his pocket, Morgan gleefully grabbed at his face and repeated yes to his request that she marry him.