savagetorrigan

[bee-kathony]

Donuts, Drives, and Dinnertime | Sam & Cait AU

a/n: inspired by this picture of Sam and Caitriona at dinner after work, I love when they hang out sort of personally. thanks @raelovesoutlander for the help! 

The past week had been hectic. In all honesty, the past couple of weeks had been a lot to handle. With multiple trips to London, and filming in between, Sam and Cait were both spent. On Sunday, Caitriona had to be on set early in the morning to film a new scene Diana had written. Unfortunately that meant she would be going into work alone — without Sam. But, it was a scene set in the 1960’s which meant one more time to wear Claire’s iconic clothes and don the driving glasses she wore.

Meanwhile, Sam stayed behind in London to work on a few new business projects. He also needed to sign scripts for the Omaze campaign donors. Sam and Caitriona weren’t one of those couples that needed to spend every second together. Especially since they worked together practically every day. But it didn’t make the time and days apart any easier. They were each other’s calm centers.

Tuesday rolled around, and finally, a day off. Well, not exactly a day off. They were filming south of Edinburgh tomorrow and they needed to be at location tonight. It was a two hour drive and they would be there for the remainder of the weekend. Sam and Caitriona decided to drive themselves.

“Should we pick up something to eat on the drive?” Caitriona asked, putting her overnight bag into the back of their Audi.

“It’s only two hours, but if you want,” Sam smiled, sliding into the driver’s seat. He’d gotten in from London just yesterday afternoon. Spending hours in the car with Caitriona after a busy couple of days was just what Sam needed.

Pulling out her phone to check nearby food options, she found a donut shop. “Tantrum Donuts? It’s just a few minutes drive down the road, unless of course you’re staying away from sweets again?”

“I don’t think one donut will be bad,” Sam shrugged. “I’ll leave the other eleven for you,” he laughed.

“You make me sound like a pig,” Caitriona squinted her eyes at him as she buckled into the seat.

“You know I’d be eating at least six donuts with you if I weren’t trying to get back into marathon shape,” Sam said and reached for Caitriona’s hand across the dash. “Which reminds me, I really should go for a run later or something, my schedule has been so out of sorts.”

“I’ll come running with you,” Caitriona said and when Sam looked over at her, surprised she started to laugh. “Just kidding. One marathon was enough for me. I think it’ll be a few more years before I attempt another.”

“But you did so well the last time, babe,” Sam squeezed her hand. “I’m still really proud of you for that, you know?”

Blushing, as she always did when Sam complimented her, she squeezed his hand back. “I know. Just like I’m proud of you for signing up for another. You really are the energizer bunny.”

They drove down a few streets, ending up at the donut shop Caitriona had found.

“I’ll just pop in and pick up a dozen? Too many?” She asked, but not waiting to hear the answer before she closed the door and went inside.

The building was really cool, and she’d never seen it before. They had so many different flavors, it was hard to choose, but she picked out some she liked and a few she knew Sam would enjoy.

“That place is bloody amazing,” Caitriona said and opened the box for him to look. “You would not believe the smell.”

“Alright, maybe two,” Sam laughed and reached for a chocolate frosted donut, pulling out onto the street.

During the car journey, they were mostly quiet, enjoying each other’s company. It wasn’t often that they had a chance to drive long distances together. Caitriona was in charge of the music, switching between her favorite bands and then to classical music which Sam said put him to sleep.

“Should we stop by your mum’s house when we head back to Glasgow on Thursday?” Caitriona asked. “It’s on the way right?”

“Yeah it is,” Sam nodded. “I’ll call her tonight and see if she’s free to meet up, she’d love to see you. She was gutted she missed you at the Stirling graduation.”

Sighing, Caitriona let her head fall back on the headrest. She had to work on the day Sam was receiving his first honorary doctorate. But, that didn’t stop her from keeping the livestream up on set and making sure to see him honored.

“I know, I can’t believe I couldn’t leave for a few hours. But someone’s gotta keep the show running,” she poked her tongue out at him and he grinned.

“How’d your filming go on Sunday?” Sam asked. “I forgot to ask you.”

“It went well,” Caitriona nodded and reached at her feet for the donut box, picking up half a donut she had started earlier. “I do love wearing those costumes, and God, the cars! They’re so cool.”

“Alright, alright,” Sam chuckled and glanced over at her.

“I mean,” Caitriona swallowed. “It was horrible and not fun at all.”

Smirking, Sam moved one hand to settle on her thigh. “But really? It was okay?”

“Oh yeah, the scene will be great. It was sort of weird to be filming those kind of scenes, almost like I was back on season three,” she said.

“When we were apart,” Sam made a frowning face and Caitriona reached up to pinch his cheek.

“Yes, exactly,” she laughed.

Another hour in the car later and they’d finally arrived near where they’d be filming. They would be filming some scenes at the Manderston House and they need to be up early.

“Do you want to go for dinner in,” Sam checked his watch, “Thirty minutes or so?”

“Sure,” Caitriona said, following Sam as he walked into the hotel. It was a small charming place.

“I might try and go for a run later, that is if I’m not too full,” he rubbed his hand over his stomach. Caitriona shamelessly admired him as he stood at the check-in desk. He worked so hard on his body, and she got to reap those benefits.

When they reached their room, they both went into unpacking mode. Only staying for a few nights meant light packing, since they’d be on set most of the time in costume. After changing out of their car clothes and into something not so casual, they both headed out for dinner.

They settled on a restaurant across from their hotel, not wanting to venture out too far.

“How are you holding up?” Caitriona asked him once their food arrived. “It’s been a busy couple of weeks and I know you haven’t really had any time to stop.”

Sam took a big bite of his vegetarian pot pie, a bit of comfort food. “Suppose I’m just stressed and a wee bit tired.”

“Wee bit,” Caitriona smiled softly. “I’m sorry about the Henley festival too,” she said, looking down at her plate. “And about that photo we had to take.”

It had nearly been a disaster. Caitriona and Sam were going to go alone, but then she got word that she had to bring a plus one.

“It’s alright, just for looks,” Sam took another bite. “Managed to spend all night with you anyway,” he said and reached for her hand across the table.

“I just know it stresses you out,” Caitriona said. “Him… being there.”

“We can’t really do anything about it, babe,” Sam stroked her palm with his thumb. “But I appreciate your concern. I do, and,” he smirked. “I know how you can make it up to me later.”

“Is that so?” Caitriona matched his smirk.

They finished dinner and headed back to their room. Sam ended up laying down on their bed and falling asleep. But, he woke forty minutes later, hair messy and eyes puffy.

Yawning, he sat up and looked over at Cait. She was laying beside him, reading a book, her glasses perched on the end of her nose.

“You look so studious,” he smiled.

“I didn’t want to wake you, so I thought reading would be quiet,” she smiled and leaned over to kiss him, running her hand through his hair. It had been growing longer, which she loved — something to hold onto.

“What time is it?” He asked, looking around the room for a clock.

“Almost nine,” she answered.

“Jesus,” he ran his hand over his face. “I really do need to go for a run, I’ve been aching to get out and do something.”

“Go now, the sun’s not set yet,” Caitriona nudged his leg. “You’ll regret it if you don’t.”

Knowing she was right, Sam got up and changed into a blue long sleeve shirt and a pair of shorts. A quick run would be just the sort of thing to get him out of his fog.

“I’ll be back soon, shouldna be a long run,” he said and kissed Cait on her forehead as he left.

Whenever he was tired, or drowsy after lovemaking, his accent always sounded thicker. It was like music to Caitriona’s ears.

While he was out on his run, Caitriona decided to hop in the shower.

She loved being on location and getting to stay somewhere new. Of course, she missed Eddie and her own bed, but it was nice every now and then to get away. Stepping into the shower, she sighed as the water ran over her body, washing away the day. She didn’t bother washing her hair, since it would be hidden under a wig tomorrow.

Lathering up her arms, she rubbed the soap all over her body — down over her stomach and back up over her breasts. She hoped Sam wasn’t too tired after his run, normally he came back energetic and sometimes even aroused.

Caitriona turned off the water, and stepped out into the bathroom. She reached for a white fluffy towel and wrapped it around her body, tucking it in the front so she could use her arms. If Sam was full of energy when she came back, there certainly would be no need for clothes, so she kept her towel on and went back to sit on the bed.

He’d been gone for fifteen minutes, and he said it would just be a quick run. Having nothing else to do, Caitriona grabbed her phone and flicked through her socials. Once she had checked and liked a few photos, she heard her stomach growl.

“I’ll burn this off later,” Caitriona said as she stood up and grabbed a blue icing covered donut from the box.

Just as she went to sit down on the bed, the door opened and Sam walked in. He was covered in sweat, and he laid his phone and keys down on the table.

“Have a good run?” She said through a mouthful of donut.

“Aye,” he grinned, still breathing heavily. “I drove a bit down by the water and ran, twas beautiful. I’m really glad I went and did it.”

“Well, good!” Caitriona grinned and Sam laughed, noticing her teeth were covered in blue frosting.

“You’ve got a little something there,” Sam pointed to her mouth and came to stand in front of her.

Caitriona could smell him. That primal scent of musk and salty sweat. Her face was eye level with his crotch and she thought she saw the slightest bulge. She went to take another bite of the donut, but Sam grabbed it out of her hand.

“You weren’t going to eat this whole thing by yourself were you?” He asked and took a bite. As he did, a glob of bright blue frosting dropped onto her thigh.

“I just showered!” She complained.

“I can see that,” Sam said and set the donut aside. She was about to wipe it off with her finger, but suddenly Sam was getting onto his knees before her. His hand went to her thigh, gripping it firmly.

“I’ll clean it up, babe,” Sam said softly.

Caitriona could still see the light sheen of sweat on his forehead and through his shirt. She watched as Sam bent his head and then his tongue was on her, flat and wet, licking up the frosting. Shivering, Caitriona fell back onto her elbows.

He pushed the towel further up her legs, licking and nibbling her inner thigh as he went. The frosting was long gone, but he wasn’t stopping. Caitriona ran one hand through his hair, gripping onto the back of his neck. He took one long swipe from middle thigh to her groin, earning a quiet whimper from Cait.

Covering her mouth with the back of her hand, Caitriona bit down gently on the skin as he  began to part her legs.

“No,” Sam said and pulled her hand away. “I want to hear ye.”

“We’re in a hotel,” she chuckled.

“So,” he shrugged. “Let them hear.”

Reaching up, Sam pulled at the tuck of her towel and it came undone, falling back onto the bed. His hand cupped her breast, kneading and flicking her nipple with the pad of his thumb. He hadn’t even touched her where she needed him most, but she felt fit to explode.

Sam grabbed her waist and pulled her to the bed, lifting both her legs to rest over her shoulders. She was about to say something, but was silenced whenever his tongue touched her pussy. He was holding her against this mouth, not letting her even move her hips.

“God,” she moaned and flexed her legs, her heels hitting his back.

A chuckle came from his chest, and he moved one hand to open her lips, finding her clit with his tongue and sucking on it.

“Fuck,” Caitriona cursed, and grabbed onto his head. His head was bobbing — moving quickly against her and she already felt swollen. One long digit eased into her and she cried out, her body jerking involuntarily.

“That’s it,” Sam said from between her legs. His grip tightened on her thighs and he began move her body against his face. Hot puffs of air touched her skin between every lick and she knew he probably couldn't breathe — not that he seemed to mind.

Caitriona started to grind against him, her hips lifting off the bed as he held her up to his mouth. His tongue flicked out on her clit, causing her to groan. The sound of her, the taste of her — it was driving him mad. One hand left her thigh and when Cait opened her eyes to look at him, she saw he was now gripping his cock, slowly pumping it back and forth.

The sight of him between her legs, taking pleasure from her was all it took to send her convulsing around his tongue and fingers.

“Oh fuck,” she moaned, her body trembling.

He didn’t wait long before pushing her back onto the bed. His shorts were already in the process of falling down his legs and he stepped out of them, reaching behind him to pull off his shirt. As he moved on top of her, Caitriona’s hands came up, running over his sweat soaked chest.

“I do always like it after you come back from a run,” she commented, biting her bottom lip.

“There’s something about seeing you covered in sweat,” her hand moved down over his stomach and finally wrapped around his hard cock.

Sam groaned, his eyes briefly shutting. He had both hands on either side of her head, holding himself up above her. Beneath him was a gorgeous woman, her eyes locked on his and her hand gripping him in only a way she knew how.

“I want you to fuck me, Sam,” she said, emphasis on the fuck.

“I recall ye said ye would make up the Henley festival, no?” He grinned and rolled over onto his back, pulling her to straddle him. His hands were on her waist, pushing her down against his length.

Caitriona began to gently rock her hips, not taking him inside of her yet, but rubbing her pussy over him. Even his cock was sweaty, and she reached between them, squeezing his balls in her hand, and watching as his face screwed up in pleasure.

He liked to watch her ride him, holding her hips and thrusting up into her. Her breasts bouncing and her face contorting in the most delicious ways.

Slowly, Sam slid his hand up and over her stomach, then cupped one breast, squeezing it as she moved her hips. She likes for him to be rough sometimes and so he squeezes hard, pulling on her nipple.

With one hand on his chest and the other between their bodies, Caitriona takes hold of his cock and sinks down onto it. They both simultaneously moan, a feeling of relief washing over them. Caitriona begins to rock because she can’t help it, the feeling of his cock touching her so deeply she can’t think straight.

Sam moved both hands on her ass to help move her, grinding her down on his cock. It’s almost too much — to see her lose all abandon, to lose all senses as she gyrates her hips. He loves watching her come undone, loves being the reason for it.

“Faster,” she begged and that’s when Sam leaned up and grabbed her, turning and pushing her back flat on the bed and thrust into her, making her cry out. Her leg wraps around his hip and then he’s fucking her balanced on one arm. His hand moved between their bodies, massaging her pussy as he slides into her.

He doesn’t know how much longer he can last, and he can feel his balls tightening. He lowers his body, trying not to crush her as he closes his mouth over hers. The kiss is hungry, wet and desperate. Caitriona practically claws at his back, anchoring herself to him.

The bed is moving with every thrust, but he’s not even worried about being quiet. He only wants to see and feel her come around his cock. With every bit of self-control in him, Sam pulls out until just the tip is inside of her. She barely notices before he slams back into her, jolting her body.

Sam kissed her again, their tongues meeting in the middle and then she’s bites down on his bottom lip, close to drawing blood as her body trembles underneath him.

“Shit, shit, shit,” she mumbled and she comes with her whole body, the sound of her moans filling the room. Sam thrust into her one more time, feeling her pussy clench around him and then he comes, fast and hard.

Rolling onto his side, he slipped out of Caitriona, one arm still laying across her stomach. He hadn’t even been breathing this hard after his run earlier.

“I think I’ll need another shower,” Caitriona said and looks over at him, laughing. “You’ve got a bit of blue frosting in your hair.”

“Oh do I?” Sam sighed and reached up, touching it. “I wonder how that got there?”

Caitriona snuggled up close to him, pulling his arm around her and they laid there, feeling safe in each other’s warmth. At some point they fell asleep, only waking hours later to both of their alarms going off.

++++++

The next day was work as normal, filming scenes, waiting for the next shot. Every now and then before the director would call for rolling, Sam and Cait would exchange a look and burst into a fit of giggles. They knew everyone around them hated them for it, always laughing like children.

Once work was over, they changed into comfy clothes and headed in search for something to eat. They found a small pub called Atelier and went in, looking for good food and a few drinks.

“Want to do a cheese board?” Caitriona asked, looking over the menu. She was starving, and they hadn’t eaten too much on set.

“Sure, looks good. Dinna have to drive tonight, so I’ll get some gin too,” he smiled. Sam reached his hand over the table, interlacing his fingers with Cait’s.

“Excuse me?” Came a voice from behind them and Sam nearly jumped, letting go of Cait’s hand. They both looked over to see a man and a woman, holding a phone. “We’re such big fans of the show, would you mind taking a photo with us?”

“Of course!” Sam smiled. “It’s so lovely to meet you, are you from around here?”

“Aye, we live just around the corner, just came from a work meetin’, I canna believe we ran into ye both!” The woman smiled and then they posed for the picture. They all talked for a little bit before parting ways and Sam and Cait went back to their table.

“Well, shit,” Caitriona said under her breath.

Sam laughed and sighed. “We can’t hide forever, Caitriona.”

“I know that,” she said and ran her hand back through her hair. “Any chance they’ll just keep that picture to themselves?”

“Not a chance, Balfe,” Sam grinned. “Let people have their fun, it’s just dinner, aye?”

Caitriona smirked and reached for his hand, squeezing it again. “Sure, just two friends out for dinner after work.”

[agentgut]

Last night, I had by far the best dream I’ve ever had.

Was busy with work all day, so I didn’t have time to write it all down until now, but I’ve been thinking about it all day, and have been a little distracted from work. It was a fantasy involving my favorite gainer, who’ll probably never read this so I think I’m safe to write it down here. I felt kinda bad about having a dream involving him since he has a boyfriend right now, so I figured I’d donate to something he’s working through in the meantime. I tried to write it down from my perspective. This is mostly just so I don’t forget it. 

Friday

I wake up to your alarm, set half an hour before mine.  I see you groggily sit up. The bed is warm, and you reluctantly pry my arms from around you and leave to take a shower. For a moment I consider burrowing deeper into the blankets before I hear you singing in the shower. I decide to make you breakfast. I know you’re in a rush, so I stick with the basics; buttery scrambled eggs with cheese and crispy bacon, toast with jam and butter, and grits. You appear, still wet from your shower but I don’t mind at all.  You snag a piece of bacon and we kiss, the first of the day.  I catch a faint whiff of your shampoo, one you’ve probably used forever, so long that scent always reminds me of you.  You sit down and eat a full breakfast before heading off to work.  As you leave I can already see the buttons of your work uniform straining, and can only imagine what will happen when you hit up your usual fast food joints for lunch. 

As you head out the door, I retreat to my office and begin my work.  The day passes quickly, I stop at one point to eat a quick lunch and walk our Siberian Husky, Faraday. He’s the best. I manage to finish up quickly enough to begin preparing dinner. It’s nothing special, but as I cook the chicken gumbo I begin to hum a song you sometimes play on your viola, thinking how happy I am. You get home, and I can see you’ve stuffed yourself even more. I give you a kiss and ask you how your day went, grabbing a bowl and filling it with rice, garlic bread, and heaping amounts of gumbo. You get out of your work clothes, and into your underwear. Just looking at you is driving me crazy, but I manage to maintain calm and ask if you want to sit at the table, or couch, already knowing your answer.  

We sit side by side, as you put on something mindless to watch.  As you eat, I alternate between massaging your feet, and rubbing your belly. The time quickly passes, and the episode ends, and between me getting up and refilling your bowl you’ve eaten 4 bowls.  Five being your best, but I don’t want you to be to painfully full. You lean back into me, and I feel the full weight of you, smell your sweat from work, hear your food digest. Faraday jumps up onto the couch and on your other side where you begin to pet her, as I absentmindedly rub circles around your sizable gut and relax.  We talk a bit about tomorrow, and I can’t wait.  Throughout the night, I continue to get you snacks and dessert whenever I think your ready or you ask.  By the end, we fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.

Saturday

The morning is brisk, and clean.  We dress warmly, put Faraday on a leash, and begin our drive to a hiking trail we’ve both enjoyed. There’s a fruit orchard at the bottom of the hike, and we collect a few bags of apple to be made into pies and other things later. Then we begin the climb.  Your tight shirt that barely covers your belly drives me crazy, and when I hear you out of breath, it’s hard to contain my arousal. We reach the top, and I let Faraday explore off leash.  You stand at the edge of the mountain, catching your breath, and take off your jacket, revealing more skin.  You catch me staring and smile. After a quick check to make sure no one’s around, we make love, and all I can think about is pleasing you. Based on your success, I imagine you’re doing the same.

After getting redressed, we walk back down the mountain, with your hand in mine. The little old lady who runs the orchard chuckles as she sees us pack up. A quick drive back through town and we stop at your favorite bakery. You get yourself a dozen donuts, and I get you a dozen more. The baker knows us well by now, we come by every weekend at some point or another. He even throws in about a half dozen extra, which is good since you’ve already dug in before I’ve paid for them. You demolish the first bag on the drive back home, and make for the shower once you’re in the door. I suggest we conserve water by sharing one, and we spend time discovering and admiring each other some more.  Around dinnertime, some friends of ours come over and we resume our weekly game of Dungeons and Dragons, albeit a custom enough campaign and rules over the years that a bystander could hardly tell.  I, as the benevolent D.M., make sure things go as smoothly as possible, and surrounded by food and beer, the rest of you comply. As everyone leaves and the house quiets down, you pull out your viola. You play beautifully, the notes at once graceful, then urgent, then serene.  I sit in silence, trying to soak it all in, watching your facial expressions as you play, that tell a story all on your own.  When you finish, I sit in the silence a moment before trying to describe your playing, how good it was, how I don’t even feel qualified to explain it. You smile again, a vibrant one, my favorite of yours. We spend the rest of the evening in bed.

Sunday

The next day, you don’t want to get out of bed.  I can tell you’re having a tough time, so I walk the dog and try to be there when you need me and away when you don’t.  I bring you breakfast in bed, wishing for all the world I could take any bad thoughts away from you, to keep you happy all the time. I love you for you and don’t ever want to stop you from feeling like you have to change, or not be yourself. By around four, you’re over the worst of it, and I suggest going to see a movie.  At the theater, you get a giant bowl of popcorn, “too big to share”, as the attendant puts it, with more pumps of butter than I could count, along with a few of your favorite brand of candy.  The movie starts – one that you chose – though the movie’s the last thing I’d rather be watching at this point, as you put an arm around me, and the other into your popcorn.  As you watch the movie, I sneak glimpses of you, your face alight and mesmerized by the story being told on the screen.  Halfway through, I slip a hand under your shirt and rub slow circles around your belly, and the sigh and look of contentment that crosses your face is all I could ever ask for.  

After the movie we go out for ice cream, with my single scoop looking pitiful compared to your quadruple scoop that towers over mine.  I taste mine, but decide to save it for when you finish yours.  The night ends as most do, with me wrapped around you beneath the covers, warm and content, the only place I’d rather be. I drift of to sleep… and wake up, alone.  The warmth of the dream quickly fades, and I’m left staring up at the ceiling wondering if it was just that, or a sign of things to come.

[duggardata]

Breaking News:  Carlin + Evan Are Engaged!

... finally!  Over the weekend, Evan whisked Carlin off to Portland, Maine for an over–the–top destination engagement.  After an idyllic day featuring a bike ride and a picnic, Evan picked Carlin up in a limo, and off they went to the proposal spot—Portland Head Lighthouse.  Evan “read [Carlin] a handwritten love poem, and they danced to the music of a symphony musician playing nearby.”  Evan asked Carlin to marry him, and she accepted.  Woohoo.

How does the timeline line up with the Predictor?  Relative to Bates data, how long was the courtship?  When will they get married?  All the answers...  After the jump. 

When, Exactly, Did Evan Propose?

The PEOPLE article didn’t say exactly, but it did say that it happened “over the weekend.”  The article came out on Monday, September 24, 2018, so all signs point to Friday, September 21—Sunday, September 23, 2018.  Today (9–25), Evan posted about the proposal on IG, and confirmed this timeline.  Evan said, “What a weekend... I lost a girlfriend to gain a fiancé, and I could’t be happier.”  Based on all of this, I’ll assume that the proposal happened September 21–23, 2018.

So...  What else do we know about the timing?  Well, we know the time of day:  Dinnertime. (“Once everyone returned home to freshen up for dinner, Stewart surprised Carlin with a limo ride to the special proposal spot.”)  Also, we know that it occurred after a whole day of weekend activities because, per PEOPLE, on “the morning of the engagement, the couple enjoyed a donut breakfast w/ their families and a bike ride ... before stopping for a picnic lunch.”  Based on this, we can assume the proposal wasn’t on Friday.  First of all, it’s odd to refer to the entirety of Friday as “the weekend.”  Second, they needed time to drive to Maine, and—from the sound of it—wake up there for a full day of fun.  So...  I’m thinking the proposal was either Saturday or Sunday.

... But, which one?!  Well, I found one final hint:  Right after the PEOPLE article went live, Carlin + Evan’s engagement photographers posted this on IG—

Apparently they “got up before the sun” to take some of the photos of Carlin + Evan.  From the sound of it, Evan proposed in the evening.  Then, the next day, he and Carlin (and the photographers) woke up early to take photos.  With all of this in mind, I’m going to tentatively put the proposal on Saturday, September 22, 2018.  Here’s what I think happened—

Friday   Drive to Maine 

Saturday   Proposal Day

Sunday   Photos, Presumably Church After

Monday   PEOPLE Article

Admittedly, it also couldn’t been on the 21st, or possibly even the 23rd...  But I will go with the 22nd, until further notice!

Let’s Crunch The Numbers on Their Courtship...

Carlin + Evan began courting on August 5, 2017.  (They began pre–courting on September 17, 2016.)  Assuming Evan proposed on September 22, 2018, they courted 413 Days.  Theirs is the second–longest Bates courtship, to date, with only Michaela + Brandon courting for longer (469 Days).  Carlin + Evan courted ~2.5x longer than recently–engaged (and soon–to–be wed) Josie + Kelton, and a whopping ~6x longer than the shortest Bates Courtship, to date (Alyssa’s, 71 Days).

Prior Evan’s proposal, a typical Bates got engaged after courting for 224 Days, or ~7 Months.  (Note—CarlVan courted 1.84x longer than that.)  Now, the data has shifted!  It’s now typical for a Bates to court for 251 Days, pre–proposal—i.e., 27 Days Longer!  That’s almost a month!  Nice work, Carlin + Evan. 

When Will They Tie The Knot?

Currently (including Josie + Kelton’s wedding date data), it’s ‘typical’ for Bates Couples to tie the knot 105 Days after the proposal.  However, this varies by a SD of 20 Days, which means there are ~68% Odds of a Bates marrying 85—125 Days, post–proposal.  Doing the math, Carlin + Evan might marry as soon as December 15, 2018 (+84 Days; Day 85 is Sunday), or as late as January 25, 2019 (+125 Days), but average would be January 5, 2019 (+105 Days).

... Today, we learned that Bringing Up Bates, Season 8 will premiere January 3, 2019.  Given that, as well as the data, Duggar Data thinks Carlin + Evan will be  married in early January 2019, if not the weekend of December 28–29.

Congrats to the happy couple!