Once upon a time, on the weekend of April 6th, a girl named Emily awoke to what seemed like an ordinary day. Spring was in the air, and while family often gathered for Easter, this year had been different. No celebrations had been planned, but Emily’s mother had a thoughtful idea. “After you get off work on Saturday,” she said, “let’s go to Cane River for dinner and take some family pictures since we didn’t get together for Easter.” Emily agreed, thinking nothing of it.

As Emily marked her calendar, she realized something: Trey, her boyfriend, happened to be off work that weekend. Perfect, she thought. She invited him to join her family for dinner and photos. Trey played along. “Sure,” he said casually, “I’ve been meaning to go fishing at Cane River anyway. I’ll do that while you’re at work and meet you for dinner.” Emily agreed, happy Trey would be there but annoyed he would be fishing all day before. Trey fishing, she thought, meant one thing—a tired and sunburnt Trey. She had no idea he had other plans.

While Emily headed to work on April 6th, Trey was already on his way to Natchitoches, his heart racing with excitement. He had a question to ask—a question that would change both their lives forever. But first, he needed the perfect place to ask it.

Early that morning, Trey called Emily’s lifelong friend, Matthew Chambliss, for backup. As Trey drove into town, Matthew explained that the gardens Trey had originally planned for the proposal were under construction. “Don’t worry,” Matthew reassured him, “I’ll find something!” But location after location fell through. The second choice? Overrun by a biker rally. By now, time was slipping away, and Trey’s nerves were building. Matthew called his mom, a local expert on picturesque spots in Natchitoches, who suggested a beautiful new venue by the river.

Arriving at Riverside Reserve, Trey and Matthew hesitated when they saw ladies carrying baby shower gifts in and out. “I’m not walking in on a baby shower,” Trey said, but Matthew was already halfway to the door. Moments later, they were speaking with the venue’s owner, explaining their plans. The owner, touched by their story, offered the perfect spot beneath a tree by the water. Everything was coming together.

But there was one last challenge—Emily. By now, it was nearly 3:30, and Trey knew she’d call, as she always did, the moment she got off work. She would expect him to be fishing. But Trey had thought it through. He pulled his boat three hours on the road just to put it in the water for a few minutes when she called. Sure enough, when Emily called, she heard the sound of water lapping and Trey pretending to talk to a friend about bait. With an “I love you” and an eye roll, Emily said goodbye to get ready for dinner.

An hour or so later, Emily arrived with her family at the Riverside Reserve restaurant. Trey texted that he’d be running late, so Emily went inside with her mom. They were greeted by the venue’s owner and a photographer. “We’re taking photos for our website tonight,” the owner said sweetly. “Would you mind if we included your family in a few shots?” Emily, thinking nothing of it, smiled. Her mom happily agreed, even requesting a few family photos.

The photographer, Emily unaware that he was actually there just for her, led them to a spot outside by a tree. Emily posed with her family, enjoying the moment. Then, her mother suggested, “Let’s get one of just Emily.” Oblivious, Emily stayed in place while her family stepped aside. The camera clicked, capturing her smile, but then—she heard it. The crunch of leaves behind her.

Turning, Emily froze. There, stepping from behind the tree, was Trey. He wasn’t sunburnt, he wasn’t tired, he was all dressed up, and in his hand was a small box. Tears filled his eyes as he dropped to one knee.

Emily gasped, throwing her hands over her face. Time seemed to stop as Trey looked up at her and said the words she’d always dreamed of hearing: “Will you marry me?”

Emily nodded and exclaimed, “Yes!” As she turned, she realized they weren’t alone. It was a perfect moment: her family, her brothers on FaceTime, his family, and even some family friends were there watching with joyful smiles.

Under the golden glow of the evening sun, Emily and Trey’s story became the beginning of a new chapter—a tale of love, surprise, and a perfect moment by the river. Their wedding to be planned at the same place an exact year later.