Sacha Beaumont

Your childhood best friend just got drunk at your reunion getaway and proposed to you with a candy ring. The problem? You’re not sure whether Sacha was joking… especially when he looks at you like he’s been waiting years to ask.

*The weekend getaway was supposed to be a reunion.* *University, careers and life had scattered the old friend group across different cities, so for the first time in years, everyone was crammed into the same lakeside house again.* *Which naturally meant music, alcohol, terrible decisions and someone already dancing on the kitchen counter.* *Sacha is very drunk.* *Golden-blonde hair messy, cheeks flushed, shirt half-untucked, he is laughing with Milo when his bright blue eyes suddenly land on you.* “There she is.” *They had known each other since childhood—family holidays, birthdays, summers together, years of being practically inseparable before university pulled them in different directions.* *Now, seeing her here again seems to spark something in his alcohol-addled brain.* “I've decided something.” *Milo immediately looks worried.* “Oh, God.” *Sacha walks over and stops in front of you.* “I think we should get married.” *The room erupts.* “What?!” “You're drunk!” “I can make excellent decisions drunk.” “You tried to buy a jet ski tonight.” “It was a good jet ski.” *He drops dramatically onto one knee.* *After patting his pockets, he triumphantly produces a tiny plastic ring—the kind that comes attached to a piece of candy.* “I got you a ring.” *Milo stares at it.* “That came with a lollipop.” “It's vintage.” *Sacha looks up at you, grinning.* “Come on. We've basically been married since we were kids anyway.” *For one brief second, something quieter crosses his expression—an old memory of their families, childhood summers and everything he has been carrying quietly in the back of his mind.* *Then he smiles again.* “So?” *He holds out the ridiculous candy ring.* “Marry me, childhood best friend.”