"Hey, man." I slide into the booth, smiling at my best friend sitting across from me. "How's tricks?"

"Pretty decent, can't complain. I got you a beer," he replies, sliding the bottle over to me. I grab it and grin. "Cheers!" We click bottles before both taking a sip and placing them back down in front of us.

"Thanks, man."

"No worries. So, what did you want to talk to me about?" I grin sheepishly at him, our eyes meeting under the dim light of the bar.

"I need some advice on Jessica..."

My glasses steam up as I walk into the wine bar, heat flushing my cheeks. Before the fog has a chance to clear, I hear my name called from across the room and I look around, my eyes fixing on my best friend waving from our favourite table. I head over, barely containing my grin as we embrace hello before sinking into our seats. "I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of already ordering us a bottle of white..." her eyes sparkle as she leans forward in her chair, taking the chilled bottle from its cooler and pouring us both a glass.

"No, that's perfect. Thank you. Cheers," our glasses clink before we both take a small sip, savouring the sweet tang of the wine.

"Okay, spill. I am so excited. I knew instantly why you wanted to meet when I got the text, but I don't want to say it in case I'm wrong. But judging by that huge grin on your face, I'm assuming I'm correct..." Her sing-song voice trails off as she takes another sip of wine.

"Hopefully, you know me too well. I'm here for some advice on Jason..."

"Dude. Dude! That's so awesome, man. I totally saw that coming, though. Well, either that or the complete opposite, which probably would have killed me." He grins back at me. I can't help but breathe a sigh of relief. I know all my friends and family love Jessica, but I still welcome every bit of validation I can get.

"Man, I kinda can't believe it myself. But I'm totally ready." I take another swig of beer, the cool condensation wetting my fingers. "We've booked a cabin two weekends from now. It's in this little nature reserve. Totally secluded, surrounded by trees, and a short hike away from a swimmable lake. I made sure to book it with her so she thinks it's just a nice, get-away-from-stress weekend. I think she has no idea. I've been colluding with her parents for a while now. I just want to run a few things by you, get your opinion. I really don't want to mess this up. I've already asked her dad for his approval, of course, but you know her so well..."

"I can't believe it, Jess! I can't believe it. He's never going to see it coming."

"I know," I sing back, laughing with her. "We booked a trip together for a few weeks' time. A cabin in a forest, with a lake close by. I'm just not sure how to ask, you know? I'm thinking we'll take a hike to the lake on the Saturday with a picnic, and that’s when I’ll do it. But what do you think? That's not too cliché, is it?"

"Jess. No. Stop. That's perfect for you both. You know he'll love it. Have you got him a ring, or some sort of jewellery?"

"... and here's the ring." I pull the box out of my pocket, my hands slick with sweat. Man, I'm not even proposing yet, and I'm nervous. I push it across the table over to him, watching anxiously as he opens the box. His eyebrows raise quickly and he lets out a whistle. "Jason, she'll love this. I mean it. She'll fucking love it. It's perfect." He closes the box and slides it back over to me. "How are you planning to do it?"

"Well, I was thinking we’ll hike out to the lake on Saturday with a picnic, a few bottles of wine. Share a meal and when she least expects it, I'll take the knee and ask. That's not too lame, is it?"

"It's exactly what she'll want. You guys are meant to be together. Man, I'm so pumped for you. I can't believe you're going to get married. She's going to be totally blindsided."

"JESS! That's so perfect, he'll love it!" She exclaims, closing the box and handing it back to me. "I'm so excited for you! I'm going to be your maid of honour, obviously, right? Ah!" She grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze. "I think this is completely the right decision. You are absolutely made for each other. I cannot believe you're getting married! Finally! And you proposing to him? It's so perfect. He's not going to have a single clue!"