In March of 2020, Steve traveled to Washington, D.C., for training that was scheduled to last several months. Beth was living in D.C. and she and Steve both swiped right. Their first date was a picnic on the National Mall. After their second date, the pandemic turned the world upside down. Steve's class was canceled, and he had to fly back to Seattle. They thought they'd never see each other again. But soon during the weeks of lockdown, Beth and Steve continued with daily phone calls and FaceTimes. In May, Beth decided to fly out to the Pacific Northwest for some time in nature, and of course, to see Steve. Their first stop was Olympic National Park for some hiking and camping. Soon, Beth was in love with the PNW, and starting to fall for Steve. In June, Steve surprised Beth by flying to D.C. on her birthday for a beach trip on the east coast. After several back and forth trips, they realized they needed to reduce the miles between their love. At the beginning of 2021, Beth moved to Seattle, where Steve is stationed with the Coast Guard.

In April 2022, Steve and Beth visited Steve's friends in St. Petersburg, Florida, before driving to visit his parents in Naples. Beth had an inkling Steve might propose because he asked her if she had packed a "nice outfit," the first and only time he has ever asked her about an outfit. On their way to dinner, Steve threw Beth off the scent by stopping at an underwater-themed happy hour spot frequented by white-hairs who were dining on the early bird special. Surely, this wasn't a proposal sorta night? But after drinks, they headed to the beach and Beth's suspicions were reignited as Steve started puffing out his cheeks and breathing deeply in the car. A bit later, while walking Barefoot Beach at dusk, Steve got down on one knee and proposed to Beth. But the surprises weren't done yet. They kept walking down the beach and Beth was shocked to see her parents, six of her closest friends who had flown in from D.C., Steve's parents, aunts, and Steve's close friends all on the beach ready to celebrate. Beth had no idea! Champagne was popped before the beach authorities shut it down. Celebrations continued with a delicious meal at Steve's parents house and more cheers-ing by the pool.