My guy best friend said he wanted to give me a ring when he comes back from deployment. What does this all mean ? Please read before reply😇?

We've "dated" in the past, had intimacy and share a lot of things in common. Our mom's are best friends and we've known each since we we're kids. We went to the same schools and church. The last time I saw him was when I visited him in Texas. While I was there, we went to the park to feed the ducks and blew bubbles. We had so much fun together while I was there. Before I left, he gave me 2 of his watches and 2 of his t shirts. He's told his friends about me and he he says good things about me such as me being Chef at school. He's been so supportive and helps me when I don't have anything (financially). We've talked about our careers and future. He's mentioned about us having kids like having our own families. I'm not sure if he meant together or with different people. He treats me so good and respects me. He's told me that he's went on previous dates with other females but he said it didn't feel right to him. He said he would rather stay focused on his life/career instead. He's told his female friends about me too. He says he worries about me and wishes that he could help more than what he's doing now. Sometimes we would sing old school songs to each other over the phone, stay on the phone for hours knowing if he have work or I have school. We talk about random stuff, and he tells me personal things and I tell him everything on what going on with me. I live in California, he said he will come to my graduation. Is this a sign of him wanting me in his future ?