~
I’m out for lunch with Luke whilst Lily and Jessica are off to do some shopping.
When we’ve ordered, I feel the nerves rising as I know what I’ll ask of him—as soon as I find the words.
The last few days have been like a dream come true. Our team winning the cup after years of hardship and dedication to this sport that gathers millions across the world.
Having my girlfriend, family, and friends in the stands, cheering me on and celebrating our win made it all even better.
Nothing would be possible without their support along the way.
Especially Lily, who’s been there every step of the way.
“I have something to ask you,” I start, taking a deep breath and reminding myself that Luke is a good guy.
There is no reason for me to be nervous about this, but I guess my body doesn’t get the memo as I sit there in front of him, my palms sweaty and heart hammering.
It’s a weird feeling of déjà vu, a lot like our conversation months back, when I told him about my feelings for Lily.
“Would you be okay with me proposing to Lily?”
There it is.
Out in the world.
Saying it out loud feels daunting as hell, but I’ve thought about this—planned it for months—so the thought isn’t foreign.
I haven’t talked with anyone about it, though. Afraid Lily would find out.
She likes being sneaky, which is why I’ve had to keep this under wraps.
Luke looks at me with shock in his eyes, a dazed expression crossing his face.
Then it seems to really register, and he gets up to give me a hug.
“Fucking hell, we’ll be brothers for real now. Of course I’m okay with that.”
I hug him back, grateful for his blessing and support as I take this next step.
When we’re all hugged out, we sit down again, and Luke is back to looking dazed.
“You’re proposing before me. You just love to beat me, don’t you?” Luke says, chuckling as we think back to the one time I beat him in go-karting.
“You planning on popping the question soon?”
Luke gets a fond smile on his face.
“Yes, I have the ring and everything. Going to do it when we’re in Bahrain.”
The city where they first met.
My best friend is a romantic, but I’m not one to judge.
I got my own plan for the proposal.
“Christ, when did we get so grown up?” I say, making us both chuckle.
We enjoy our lunch and when the girls catch up to us, I share a secret smile with my best friend, knowing what they have in store soon.
