He liked it, so he put a ring on it — and it’s stunning! Josie Bates, who stars on the hit show Bringing up Bates is engaged. UP TV tells In Touch exclusively that Kelton Balka got down on one knee after taking his now fiancée through a series of scavenger hunts.

“Kelton surprised Josie at her work, R&Co Salon in Knoxville, TN, with a bouquet of flowers and a charm bracelet that began a multi-part scavenger hunt,” they revealed. With the help of Kelton’s father, Michael Balka, and her parents, Gil and Kelly Jo, Kelton took Josie to one of her dream destinations: Utah.

“Each part of the four-part scavenger hunt represents a stage of Kelton and Josie’s relationship, and each part is accompanied by a new charm for her bracelet and a new location,” UP TV added. “At the last stop, the Tower Arch Viewpoint at the Arches National Park, Kelton presents her with the most beautiful charm of all: a stunning engagement ring.” And, we’re officially crying.

josie bates engagement photos
Courtesy of UP TV

“Josie always wanted to come out to Utah to see the amazing rocks, now she’s leaving with one on her finger,” Kelton exclusively revealed. We see what you did there! Josie added, “We are so excited to be engaged and take this next step in our story together.”

The couple met in 2014 and became really good friends. Although there always seemed to be something special between them, the timing just wasn’t quite right for a relationship. In 2016, however, they rekindled their romance and officially began courting in January 2018.

josie bates engagement ring
Courtesy of UP TV

Like the Duggars, the Bates family courts rather than dates. In other words, they’re romantically involved with the intent of marriage. However, unlike the famous TLC family, it appears that they can at least front hug. Josie shared a sweet snap of the two hugging on her Instagram on Jan. 1 with the caption, “Looking forward to many more years with you.” Aww.

The Bates — who have been dubbed the “cool” version of the Duggar family — both have the same amount of kids (19!) but their style and laid back courting rules make them more, shall we say, hip than their besties. Yes, the two families are great friends.

That said, their courtships apparently are equally as short-lived. And since they have, uh, urges, we’re sure Josie and Kelten will be saying “I do” before the year is up. You heard it here first.

Tune in to brand new episodes of Bringing Up Bates every Thursday at 9 p.m. EST on UP TV.

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