Once the lasagne was assembled and baking in the oven, he turned his attention to the salad and finally sliced a fresh loaf to make garlic bread. As usual, the time spent in the kitchen preparing a meal for his friends had a relaxing effect. By the time he was finished, he was really looking forward to spending the evening with Cameron and Mel, even though he knew most of the time would be spent talking about their wedding.
A couple of hours later, Ben was proved correct as they sat around the dining table finishing dinner. As she slid a slice of bread through the remains of the rich tomato sauce on her plate, Mel continued to explain the intricacies of balancing the desire for a small and intimate wedding with the need to invite a cast of thousands.
“We really do want to keep it small and informal, but between the two of us and our families, it isn’t easy. And although it would be amazing to have the wedding at home, the work needed to get the place ready is horrendous. It looks like we might have to investigate another venue.”
She looked ruefully at Cameron, who just smiled back before forking another mouthful of lasagne. As usual, nothing was going to faze the easy-going Cameron. Mel put the piece of bread in her mouth and gave Cameron a gentle nudge as she did so, indicating Ben with a tilt of her head.
Cameron put down his knife and fork and turned to Ben with a serious look on his face. He cleared his throat before beginning. “Mel and I, ah… we wanted to know, um.” Ben couldn’t remember seeing his unflappable friend so nervous before and started to feel nervous himself. Cameron continued, “Well, you’ve always been such a good friend to us both, we were hoping you would consider being my best man.”
Ben looked from Cameron to Mel and back again, letting a breath out in relief. He wasn’t sure what he’d been expecting, but this was something he could definitely handle. His face split in a grin. “Wow, I’d be honoured.”
“Thanks, buddy. That’s awesome.” Cameron’s smile was wide.
Mel stood excitedly, pushing back from the table to come around and give him a hug. “I’m so excited! Thank you, Ben!”
He gave her a smile and a wink. “I wouldn’t get too excited yet; you haven’t heard the plans for the bucks’ night.”
