It was the following week when Jack got the text from Rhys, asking him to meet for a cuppa in Roath. He agreed to meet the man in their lunch break, somewhat confused as to the purpose of it, even more so around the location. He and Rhys got on like a house on fire, but Rhys was not really a coffee shop kind of guy, often calling the niche little bistros and cafes that frequented Roath "overpriced and flouncy". Jack could only guess he wanted to meet somewhere he'd be unlikely to run into anyone he knew, which both intrigued and concerned him.
They met outside a little café painted teal, with prints all over the wall and modern industrial furniture. They ordered drinks and sat at a little table underneath a neon sign that blared 'good vibes only' which Rhys was eyeing warily. They sipped their coffees in vaguely comfortable silence until Rhys cleared his throat and looked up at Jack sheepishly,
"So I guess you're wondering why we're meeting out here"
"Well it didn't quite seem like your style" Jack grinned, "is everything ok?"
"Yeah" Rhys muttered with a tense glance around the café. Jack looked at the Welshman over the rim of his coffee cup. He was visibly clammy, his hand gripping the handle of his cup so hard Jack was surprised it wasn't cracking under the strain.
"Rhys not to be rude, but you look awful" Jack said with concern, "is something wrong?"
"No! God no I'm just bricking it if I'm honest" Rhys shoved his hands into his pockets nervously, "I need to ask you something, about Gwen"
"What's going on, Rhys?"
"You're Gwen's best friend, and I've already spoken to her parents but if anything you're more important in this, if you don't approve then there's no way she'll say yes"
"What are you….?" He paused as Rhys pulled his hand out of his pocket and slid a box across the table, looking around the café almost comically. Jack's face broke into a wide grin
"Is that what I think it is?" Jack beamed, delicately opening the box to reveal a beautiful diamond ring. It was a simple solitaire, classic and elegant and he knew without a doubt Gwen was going to melt when she saw it.
Rhys nodded, "I love her, she drives me crazy but I want to spend the rest of my life with that mad, amazing woman. I'm gonna ask her to marry me"
Jack was up out of his seat pulling the other man into a hug before Rhys could protest. Rhys grunted with surprise at being slammed into the Americans chest as he clapped him on the back excitedly
"This is amazing news!" Jack chuckled as he released the stunned Welshman, "I'm so happy for you both!"
"So you approve?" Rhys smiled in relief, sinking back into his chair,
Jack rolled his eyes, "Why wouldn't I approve you nutjob? You two are perfect for each other! It was adorable of you to ask me like this though"
"Its what Gwen would want, and I value your opinion anyway. You know her better than anyone, so you can help me out on how best to ask her"
Jack considered "hmm. It should be something fun, personal to her but she does love a bit of a spectacle doesn't she"
"That's why I'm coming to you" Rhys nodded "Anyone who knows how to plan something spectacular for Gwen, that's you"
"As her gay best friend you mean" Jack smirked, "stereotyping are we Mr Williams?"
Rhys raised an eyebrow, "Tell me I'm wrong"
"No you're right I do love planning a good party. I'm picturing a pretend night out, you in a room of flowers and candles and her friends and family waiting to jump out and celebrate when she says yes"
"Sounds perfect!"
"I hope you know what you're signing up for, though" Jack sighed dramatically, "Gwen Cooper as a bride, that's the stuff of nightmares right there"
Both men looked at each other and burst into raucous laughter. It was true that Gwen would probably be the epitome of bridezilla from the moment she was engaged. But if that wasn't the case then she wouldn't be the woman they both loved, in different ways but no less deeply. Jack's mind was already spinning with how they were going to pull off her perfect proposal...
