The context of the following conversation is Austin told Alex he had a surprise and he gave her a box with a ring inside.:
Austin says You should have seen Alex when she opened the box!.
The friend responds What did you do, buy her a present?.
Austin responds Yes. I told her I had a surprise, and gave her a box with a ring inside..
The friend responds Wow. I didn't know it was so serious!.
Austin responds Oh, it's not an engagement ring, but kind of a pre-engagement ring..
The friend responds Still, that's a big step for sure..