#*ivan

The Next Day, The Sibling's Childhood Home, Brindleton Bay

[IVAN] Hey Tom. Is now a good time?

[THOMAS] Ivan! Yes, of course! It's in my desk drawer. Let me get it for you.

[THOMAS] As discussed, the ring is made out of what Caroline inherited from both Emelia and Emelia's mother.

[IVAN] Amazing! So, it's Emelia's anniversary ring band with her grandmother's diamond?

[THOMAS] You got it! As you likely know, Caroline specifically asked to have them set aside incase her future husband wanted to create a ring with them. She'll know as soon as she sees the ring when you propose. Am I safe to assume she dropped hints?

[IVAN] *chuckles* She did! I believe she was trying to be subtle when I asked her what she wanted for her ring, but you know her. It was very sweet and adorable.

[THOMAS] *chuckles* That does sound like Caroline! Were you able to figure out travel plans?

[IVAN] Yeah, tickets and accommodations are booked! It'll be tight with the deadline Ben and my dad set for ending the current project phase.

My family already knows about the trip, and they're excited. Everyone loves Caroline a lot.

[THOMAS] Your father and I talked a lot about you two a few weeks ago when he was in town. We just think you two are wonderful, and wonderful for each other.

[IVAN] Tom, your love and support mean the world to both of us. I'm so lucky to have you as my father-in-law, very soon.

[THOMAS] *smiles warmly* I see how much you two love and respect each other. I know you'll take care of our girl. 

[THOMAS] *hugs Ivan* | love you both, and I'm so thrilled.

[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.