“What a charming description of the miracle of life,” Nate deadpans.
Beau laughs. “I’m just calling it like it is. James is basically speedrunning a billionaire legacy. Wait, what if he has twins?”
“Double speedrun!” Luke grins. “He’ll totally get them matching thoroughbred ponies. I can’t wait for you to get all the kiddie celebrities to come to their birthday parties.”
“Admit it, Ryan, you’d kill to be at a party with Ms. Rachel and Peppa Pig,” Beau says, poking him.
“Peppa Pig is a cartoon,” he scoffs. “Call me when James books the Sesame Street Muppets.”
There’s a strange warmth in my chest, hearing the guys joke around about my imaginary offspring. There aren’t a lot of people whose opinions I give a shit about, and these four men make up the majority of the list. Having their support makes the marriage feel real for the first time.
I haven’t thought much about cakes or flowers or venues, since Victor’s people are taking care of all that. There’s only one thing I know for sure that I want—my friends at my side.
“I hope this means you’ll be my groomsmen,” I say in a low voice.
Beau looks genuinely touched as he claps me on the shoulder. “It would be an honor.”
“Of course,” Luke says.
Nate crosses his arms. “I was supposed to ask everyone first. I’ll do it, even though you’re stealing my glory.”
I glance across the table. “And, uh—Ryan, I hoped you’d be my best man.”
His eyes widen with surprise. “Me?”
It’s the reaction I expected. Ryan and I weren’t always the closest in the group, since my reserved temperament is almost the exact opposite of his playful, boisterous personality. He happened to find out about the contract by chance, and I wasn’tsure he’d be able to keep it a secret. Instead, he completely respected my privacy and acted as the silent support I needed.
“You,” I say, nodding.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
His dark eyes shine with emotion. “Dude.”
I smile. “Yeah.”
Beau shakes his head. “Well, that was the most emotional conversation I’ve ever heard that was also less than ten syllables.”
“So, is there a date we should save?” Luke asks.
“Next Saturday.”
Ryan chokes on his whiskey. “Whoa, that’s stupid fast. What’s the rush?”
“With a one-year timeline, efficiency matters.”
“We’ll clear our schedules,” Nate says, giving Ryan a pointed look.
“How about a celebratory dinner the Thursday before?” Beau suggests. “It can be a rehearsal dinner if you want, or just a chance for us to meet your new wife.”
I nod. “I’d like that.”
“Should I be planning a bachelor party?” Ryan adds. “Because Iwillcharter a flight to Vegas unless you expressly order me not to.”
“Save it for Nate’s wedding. I have too much work.” I’m glad to have the excuse, since I’m sure Ryan’s idea of a great bachelor party doesn’t overlap much with mine. With all respect to DJs, nightclubs, whiskey shots, and high stakes poker games, they’re not on my to-do list for the next month.
“Why are we just assuming Ryan gets to be best man for Nate, too?” Beau says.
