Magma
I’m midway through the weekly security report when there’s a knock on my office door.
“Come in.”
Ridge opens the door, steps inside, and closes it behind him. He’s not due here until the weekly briefing at two. I check the clock on my screen. It’s just after ten.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“Do you have a few minutes?” he asks, his hands in his pockets. He’s trying to look casual but isn’t pulling it off.
“Sure, sit down. Did Jess offer you something to drink?”
“She did, but I’m good.” He sits, laces his fingers together in his lap, and looks at me. He looks…different.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
He gives a half-laugh. “I asked Robyn to marry me this past weekend.”
I put the report down. “Congratulations, Ridge.”
That’s it; he looks like he’s brimming with excitement but trying to hold it in.
“I take it that Robyn said yes?” I ask.
“She said yes.” He nods.
“You guys make a wonderful couple. You both deserve one another. I’m stoked for you.” I nod a few times.
“Thanks.”
A beat passes. He’s still sitting forward.
“We’re getting married in less than five weeks,” he says, rattling off the date.
“Wow! You guys don’t mess around. Five weeks is around the corner.”
“I know. We didn’t want to wait. When you know it’s the right person, you just know. Robyn and I are already trying for a baby…so…” He shrugs.
“Ridge, that’s wonderful.” I feel a pang of jealousy but push it aside. He’s one of my closest friends. I instantly feel like a dick.
“There’s something I wanted to ask you,” he says.
I lean back in my chair. “Sure.” I nod.
“I want you to be my best man,” Ridge says.
Something shifts inside my chest.
“I’d be honored,” I say, my voice deep with emotion.
“I’m asking Flint to be my second best man. I want the two of you at my side, but you will take lead.”
I put my hand out across the desk, and he takes it, and we shake on it. He gets up from the chair, then I stand too, and he comes around the side of the desk, and we embrace briefly. His hand hits my back twice, then we step apart.
“Okay,” he says. “Good.”
“Good,” I agree.
