#*caroline

[CAROLINE] *Sighs deeply, rests head on Ivan's shoulder* Hi, my love.

[IVAN] Hello, sweetheart. Thought I'd find you out here.

[CAROLINE] | was just chatting with Claire's grandma.

[IVAN] Ah. Are you alright? You seem a little agitated.

[CAROLINE] I actually am a little. She asked about us and when we're getting engaged. I told her that we've talked and that we’re on the same page with timing. I didn't give details because it's between us. But, she was pretty judgmental, and thinks we should be after 2 years.

[IVAN] And how did that make you feel?

[CAROLINE] Frustrated! You and I are on the same page, and I told her that. We agreed to wait for you to get settled in Windenburg and in your new job.

We wanted to be intentional and not rush things, even though we both knew early on we were serious about each other and marriage.

[CAROLINE] But what frustrated me the most is that she didn't listen when I told her that I'm happy. I love you so much, and I trust you.

 [IVAN] That is frustrating. I'm sorry she made you uncomfortable, love, especially while she should have been celebrating Claire.

[IVAN] Funny that Maureen mentioned we were moving too slow, while my mom thought we were moving too fast when we moved in together a few months ago. *chuckles*

[CAROLINE] God, I almost forgot about that! Seems that enough people in our lives have their own thoughts about us.

[IVAN] I love you, so much, Caroline.

[IVAN] *leans in closer to Caroline* If I've ever made you doubt anything, or if we need to talk about things. Anything.

[CAROLINE] No, my love. You haven’t! There’s nothing I would change.

[CAROLINE] *squints eyes playfully* Well, you could use a haircut...

[IVAN] *chuckles*

[IVAN] I love you.

[MAUREEN] I cannot thank you enough for how helpful you've been for Claire as she's been planning the wedding, and everything that its entailed so far.

Though, I'm not surprised, you've always been her bestest friend

[CAROLINE] Oh Maureen! It's been such a joy. I'm so thrilled for her, and for Nate. I'm excited to continue to help her out!

[MAUREEN] Now, haven't you and that young man been together for a while now?

[CAROLINE] Yeah, Ivan and I have been together for a little over 2 years!

[MAUREEN] *looks down at Caroline's hands* Oh, but you aren't engaged?

[CAROLINE] No, not yet. But we've talked about it multiple times and are on the same page with timelines and such!

We're very much going to get married within the next 2 years. I'm very happy and excited for our future together!

[MAUREEN] Oh, I'm not judging! I just want to make sure he genuinely loves you. Some advice - a man who does wouldn't keep you waiting.

[CAROLINE] | get your concern, but-

[MAUREEN]  My dear, I’m just looking out for you. You wouldn’t want to wait too long for a ring!

[MAUREEN] Men don't waste time when they know what they want, dear Caroline.

[MAUREEN] Please don't take my words as insult. Ivan seems lovely. Both Claire and Nate have spoken highly of him and the both of you together.

[CAROLINE] I understand, Maureen.

[MAUREEN] *Clears throat, stands up to leave* Always looking out for you, dear. Your mother would be very proud of you.

3 Months Later

 Ivan's Townhouse, Windenburg

[CAROLINE] How are you feeling, love?

[IVAN] *smiles, places fingers in between Caroline's* Good. This place is starting to feel like home, thanks to your help. Still a few things to do, but they'll happen.

[CAROLINE] *smiles* I'm really glad to hear that. I'm so happy you're here.

[IVAN] Me too. I love you, so much.