After the much-awaited coitus between Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik), wedding bells may not be so far out for the couple when the hit CBS series returns after the winter break.

When teased whether the next step in the pair's relationship may have something to do with the engagement ring, co-creator Chuck Lorre played it coy with The Hollywood Reporter. He said that the ring has always been in Sheldon's pocket and it was still "in play." When he would pop the question, though, is still the million-dollar question. Lorre said viewers need to stay tuned for the rest of the season, and "see what happens with it."

During the season 8 finale, viewers saw that the genius physicist was holding a ring when Amy suddenly decided to break up with him. It certainly looked like he was about to propose when he got dealt with a heavy blow, something that he had been nursing for most of the first half of season 9. Now that he and Amy finally leveled up in their relationship, Sheldon could bring out the ring anytime. At the moment though, he is enjoying the intimacy with his girlfriend. In fact, Sheldon wants it to be an annual event on Amy's birthday.

"Like a scientist, he investigated a sexual relationship and enjoyed what he found and sees no reason to pursue it until there's another birthday... Sex plays a very small part in his life, and I've always found that to be one of the most wonderful things about Sheldon's character," Lorre said.

Meanwhile, Parsons said he's looking forward for his character and Amy to return to their "typical behavior" post coitus. Although the coupling was a big leap for the pair, it would also be a signal for them to "get back to where they were." That does not mean, though, that the event was something that's easy to brush off for Sheldon and Amy. The actor said they would be dealing with the situation in their "unique ways."

"The Big Bang Theory" season 9 will return with new episodes on Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.