Chapter One- Take a Chance on Me

If you change your mind, I'm the first in line. Honey I'm still free. Take a chance on me. If you need me, let me know, gonna be around.

I couldn't believe my luck when Keira said yes.

I took a big risk asking her in front of all those people and the entire cast and crew of the show. When I planned the whole thing, everyone was so supportive. It was Lee's idea to be on stage the whole night.

And she said yes.

As crazy as my plan was, she said yes.

And now I get to marry the woman of my dreams.

But before that, I have to pick a best man.

But who to choose?

I could choose Dan, her older brother. He's become one of my best friends since I started dating Keira. He and Abi were some of the first people we told. It was important for Keira to have her family on her side. I don't have any family around anymore.

Kiera is my family.

But back to choosing a best man.

I decided not to pick Dan, Keira may have plans for him.

I tried to rack my brains. I wasn't really close to anyone. Most of my friends I shared with Keira. There wasn't anyone who really stood out.

But then it came to me.

James. Mollie's boyfriend.

We had really gelled in recent years, our girlfriends being twins. I had lost count of the number of double dates I had gone on with James and Mollie.

I picked up the phone and arranged a meet-up…

James and I arranged to meet in the gardens in Soho Square. I was in rehearsals for Bat out of Hell at the Dominion and it was a five minute walk from the theatre.

As I walked into the gardens, I saw James sat a bench with two cups of coffee in his hand. I walked over to the bench and sat down.

"Thought you could use one of these!" he said as I sat down.

"You have no idea!" I chuckled.

"Wedding planning on top of learning a new show… Can I be the first to say that you are crazy?"

I laughed, "I know right. But theatre is theatre, if you get a job, you take it!"

"That's true."

"So, how are things going with you?" I asked him.

"Not too bad. I'm off on leave until after the wedding. I think Mollie is enjoying having me home for a bit."

"She misses you terribly when you're away."

"I know, I miss her too." He smiled, "I've been so lucky. Mollie takes everything in her stride, never complains, always smiles."

"The same with Keira. If she doesn't get a job, she smiles, shrugs it off and it's grateful for the experience."

"How's she doing with all the wedding planning anyway?"

"I think she's doing ok. Abi is helping her with some bits and pieces before she heads into work. We have a venue and the invites should be done soon."

"It's so exciting!" smiled James.

"I know. Speaking of, I have something to ask you…"

"Sounds ominious!" he laughed.

I laughed back, "It might be. I was wondering if you wanted to be my best man?"

James' mouth fell open. "Why me?"

"Well, if we're crazy enough to take on the Holmes' twins we had better stick together!"

James smiled, "I'd be honoured, mate, you know I would!"

I smiled back, "Thanks James, that means the world to me!"

"So, do I make a speech and organize a bachelor thing?"

I nodded, "Yep. But I'm not worried."

"Oh, you should be!" and we both laughed.

I'm still free. Take a chance on me. Gonna do my very best and it ain't no lie. If you put me to the test, if you let me try. Take a chance on me.