Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Stephen and Rory had booked a table for eight people. It was probably the biggest gathering of people the small Italian restaurant had ever had. In fact, they were probably not prepared for such a group as they had clearly had to push two four seater tables together. But, credit to them, they served the group happily and had candles lit for the meal.

Callum, Stephen, Rory and Boo sat together on one side of the table while Thorpe, Freddie, Jerome and Jazza sat together on the other side. Other than Stephen and Rory, only Boo had any real idea what was going on. She already knew one part of the upcoming announcement because Rory had asked her for advice on it. Together, they had very quickly come to the decision that was about to be announced to the group. After the meal and making sure that everyone's wine glasses were full, Stephen and Rory looked at each other and smiled before standing. Everyone's attention immediately returned to them.

Stephen spoke first. "We'd like to thank everyone for coming tonight and I guess you're all wondering why you're here. Well," he turned and smiled at Rory. "Tonight, we're making an announcement. I have decided who my groomsmen will be and who my Best Man will be."

"And I," Rory said. "Have decided who my bridesmaids are and who my Maid of Honour will be." She turned and smiled to Boo who already knew, having helped with the decision. A murmur of excitement passed over the table. She looked back at Stephen who indicated that she should go first.

"Ok. Freddie. When I met you, I thought you were a little intense. But that was maybe because it was a very intense time for me. But you are one of my closest friends and you will be for years to come. So, will you be one of my bridesmaids?"

Freddie put her hand over her mouth before smiling widely. "Yes, of course. I'd be delighted." Rory smiled back. "Thank you." She indicated for Freddie to stand and gave her an awkward hug across the table.

Then she turned her attention to Boo. "Boo, you have been my friend through the toughest times of my life. You kept me strong when no one else could and there is no way I can thank you for your friendship enough. All I know is that I want you up there beside me on my wedding day. Will you be one of my bridesmaids?"

Boo smiled brightly and nodded before standing up and giving Rory a hug. "I'd love too." Rory smiled. "Thank you."

Finally, Rory turned her attention to Jazza. "Jaz, what can I say? You were my first friend in England. We've laughed together, we've cried together, we've been through insanity together and yet, here you are. Still my friend. Most people would've abandoned me by now. In fact most people would've abandoned me after a week of sharing a room with me but you were always there. I love you to bits so, darling Jaz, will you be my Maid of Honour?"

Jazza let out a small squeal before standing and running around the table to Rory. It reminded her of the day she returned to Wexford and saw Jazza running towards her at dinner. She caught Rory in a massive hug, laughing and crying. "Obviously." Rory laughed as she pulled away. "Thank you."

Boo gave Jazzas arm a squeeze before throwing a wink to Rory. It had been obvious to Boo that Jazza should be the Maid of Honour and she knew then that it was the right choice. With a final hug from Rory and one from Boo, Jazza took her seat once more. Rory smiled at Stephen before he spoke. "Right. My turn, I guess."

"Thorpe. The ever mysterious Thorpe." Everyone laughed. "Not just my boss but also my friend. I understand that being our supervisor is not easy for you. It must be the weirdest babysitting job on the planet. But you've never given up on us and you've never given up on me. Will you be one of my groomsmen?"

Thorpe smiled and nodded. "Absolutely." He stood and shook Stephens hand across the table before resuming his seat. Stephen nodded. "Thank you."

Then his attention turned to Jerome. "Jerome, by rights you and I probably shouldn't be friends. But I'll never forget the way you helped us with the stone and, while there have been some awkward misunderstandings along the way, I do consider you a friend. You and Jazza are the two people Rory needs to keep some part of her life normal because you both loved her before I met her, before all of this happened to her. And I want you to have an integral role at our wedding. So, will you be one of my groomsmen?"

Jerome nodded and stood. "Stephen, I'd be honoured. Truly." He smiled at held out his hand and Stephen shook it warmly, returning the smile. "Thank you." Rory watched, tears filling her eyes, relieved at the way Jerome and Stephen accepted each other.

"Finally," Stephen said turning to Callum. "Callum. I know I've annoyed you in the past and I know we've disagreed over many things. But you are one of my best friends and you're like a brother to me. You always looked after me when I didn't know how to look after myself. And you were also the first one to find out about me and Rory." Everyone around the table laughed. "Callum, will you be my Best Man?"

"Mate," Callum said with a growing smile. "What do you think?" Stephen smiled as Callum stood and pulled him into a hug, clapping him on the back. When they pulled apart, Thorpe raised his glass. "To Stephen and Rory."

The rest of the company lifted their glasses and echoed "to Stephen and Rory" as the happy couple shared a kiss to the cheer of their friends.