Former Desperate House Wives actor Jesse Metcalfe and long-time girlfriend Cara Santana finally got engaged after the 37-year-old proposed to her on 13 August.

According to Us Weekly, the John Tucker Must Die actor went on his knees holding a 5.5-carat diamond ring onboard a 50ft sailboat on the Hudson River in New York.

"It's been a long time coming, but we couldn't be happier," Metcalfe told the magazine.

He also shared a photo along with his fiancée from their weekend getaway on Instagram. The couple can be seen all smiles while wearing matching outfits. "Meant to get this up yesterday, but was too busy celebrating. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my baby!!!❤️," the actor captioned the photo.

The actor and the 33-year-old have been together for more than 10 years.

Previously, Metcalfe described his first meeting with Santana and said, "I wouldn't say it was love at first sight. It was more of a slow burn, which I think is a better start for a relationship. I think if it comes on fast and furious, it generally fizzles out just as fast. We were slow and steady.

"We took the time to get to know each other. We've known each other for, like, 10 years."

In 2014, Metcalfe had denied engagement rumours. However, he admitted that marriage was on the cards.

"You know what, I'm not engaged. That's some misinformation. I swear to God man, that's some misinformation that has been floating around out there," Metcalfe said. "That's not to say we won't get engaged and won't get married, it seems to be going in that direction, but not yet."

Cara Santana
Jesse Metcalfe with fiancée Cara Santana Fred Prouser/Reuters