Cheryl Cole boyfriend Tre Holloway 'gets permission to marry from dad'
The dancer, who started dating the 'Call My Name' singer in August 2012, was recently said to be planning to propose some time this year.
Holloway is said to have been given her father Garry's blessing after he telephoned him last week, according to The Mirror.
A friend said: "She's always said that although Ashley's 100,000 ring was the most expensive jewellery she'd ever owned, she'd rather have had a 100 one and a happy marriage.
"Tre and her have been discussing marriage for the past couple of months now. They know they want to be together and she's desperate to start a family - especially as she turns 30 this year.
"Cheryl told Tre over Christmas that she was starting to think about marrying again, something she never thought she'd contemplate after her divorce from Ashley.
"She made it clear she doesn't want to rush into anything but she needed to know they both want the same things."
The source added: "After plucking up courage Tre phoned Garry last week. He was very surprised by Tre's call and told family friends how he almost said no.
"He didn't know if Cheryl was ready and wanted to protect her from getting hurt again. But he decided to give Tre his permission and asked to just make sure he was 100 percent sure when he proposed.
"He warned Tre that Cheryl couldn't take another heartbreak and said there was nothing wrong with waiting a bit longer.
"Tre admitted he hadn't bought a ring yet but wanted his blessing for when the time feels right."
Holloway is now reportedly planning the perfect engagement ring, which will include Cole's pearl birthstone.
"Tre's so excited. He still doesn't know when he's going to pop the question, but he's looking at ring designs," the source continued.
"Joan, Nicola and Kimberley have all told him that although Cheryl loves diamonds she doesn't expect some expensive rock.
"They told him to go for something classic and elegant. Kimberley warned him to steer clear of anything similar to her engagement ring from Ashley.
"Tre has an idea of what he's going to get and wants to have the ring specially designed as! he wants! it to be a one-off. He wants to include pearls on the ring somewhere as they are Cheryl's birthstone."
Cole's mother Joan Callaghan allegedly banned Holloway from proposing at Christmas because of the Girls Aloud star having been hurt in the past.
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