They did it! Katie Thurston’s run as the Bachelorette ended Monday night with a romantic proposal from Blake Moynes. Shortly after saying goodbye to runner-up Justin Glaze, the Season 17 lead headed to the desert of New Mexico, where she waited for the man who won her heart.

Upon meeting in the stunning arid locale, Katie launched into a touching speech, letting Blake know how much he means to her — even if he entered the competition for her final rose a few weeks late.

“Blake, I always thought you showed up late,” she told the handsome Canadian, who previously appeared on Clare Crawley and Tayshia Adams’ Season 16 of “The Bachelorette” in 2020. “But if there’s anything I learned during our journey together, it’s that love shows up when it wants — regardless of time, tradition, expectations, and that’s why we’re standing right here in this very moment.”

Katie added, “You showed up exactly when you were meant to show up. I’ll forever be thankful that you fought to be here.”

The Washington native then recounted her first impression of Blake. “I’ll never forget the moment we first met. That chemistry was instant, but I never knew I’d be falling head over heels in love with you,” she said, her voice warbling with emotion. “You are caring and supportive and confident and passionate. And you love me for me, and that’s a love I never even knew existed.”

Katie went on to say that Blake’s declaration of love during their pivotal Hometowns date helped her realize their potential together.

“The night that you said that you loved me changed my life forever,” she concluded. “Because I knew in that moment, I wanted to love you for the rest of my life, you and only you. You have made me the happiest woman alive. And, in a world of change, I want to be your constant. I love you today, tomorrow, and forever. And I can’t wait for our adventure to begin.”

Katie’s words moved Blake, prompting him to also speak about the most meaningful parts of their whirlwind romance.

“It’s crazy to look around. I feel like we’re dreaming and living out basically what’s like a fairy tale,” Blake said. “Since day one, it’s been a connection and understanding that seemed too good to be true. But I knew. I knew the moment I first met you and you called me trouble or the way that you looked at me the night of the concert when we were dancing. [I knew with] just the way that we need a minute for things to get started to just hold each other and not say a word — or just [because of] the fact that we literally don’t need words to communicate at all.”

The wildlife manager then said that he is certain Katie will one day make a “great” wife and mother.

“But I know there’s things that scare you and I know that you, in the past, have talked about how you’ve had to compromise the way that you are to make relationships work and I don’t want you to do that,” he continued. “But I can’t give you what you came here for — because you deserve a lot more than that. You deserve the world and I’m excited to support and be there for you every day moving forward.”

Blake then got down on one knee to propose with a sparkling Neil Lane diamond ring: “So that being said, Katie Lane Thurston, will you marry me?”

“Yes!” she enthused.

The pair immediately embraced before passionately kissing each other in celebration. “I love you!” Katie said.

But there was one more thing. “Blake Moynes, will you accept this rose?” the Bachelorette asked Blake one final time, to which he asserted, “Yes!”

Speaking to the camera, the newly engaged couple reflected on their incredible love story. “This was meant to be. This exact moment, we were always meant to experience together,” Katie said.

“This was the piece that I was missing that’s going to make life better,” Blake gushed. “So, that’s what I’m just so excited about.”

Katie then looked at Blake, her eyes beaming with gratitude, and said, “This is the start of forever, honey bear.”

After co-hosts Tayshia and Kaitlyn Bristowe congratulated Katie and Blake, the couple hopped on a pair of horses and literally rode off into the sunset, happily ever after.

See more pics from Katie and Blake’s engagement below.