Page 68 of Unfinished Noise

Jamie: I have good news!

Alfie responded instantly.

Alfie: Me too.

Jamie’s fingers tapped lightly against the side of his phone as he read Alfie’s reply, a little burst of energy running through him. Of course he does.

Jamie: Mine is really good news.

Alfie: No, mine is better for sure.

Jamie rolled his eyes, a soft huff of amusement escaping him. His shoulders loosened, the tension he usually carried slipping away. “He’s impossible.”

Spencer leaned against the dresser, arms crossed, amused. “Invite them over.”

Jamie didn’t hesitate. He sent the message, and five minutes later, a knock rattled the door.

“They’re here,” Jamie said.

Nathan and Alfie burst in as if they were arriving at a party instead of a quiet hotel room. Nathan held a bottle of champagne high, like a trophy.

“Let’s celebrate!” Nathan announced.

Jamie laughed as Alfie rushed straight to him, grabbing his hands.

“Show me,” Alfie demanded.

Jamie held out his hand, the ring catching the warm hotel light. Alfie gasped, eyes going wide.

“Oh my God,” Alfie said. “It’s perfect.”

Jamie’s chest tightened with happiness. “Let me see yours.”

Alfie shoved his hand forward, showing off the ring Nathan had given him. It was a little wider, a little heavier—very Alfie.

Jamie’s eyes stung for a second. “It’s beautiful.”

Nathan popped the champagne with a loud crack that made Jamie jump. Foam spilled over the lip, and Nathan laughed as he poured four glasses, handing them out one by one.

Jamie took his glass, his fingers trembling a little, not from nerves but from the fizzing, bright feeling rising through him—like someone had turned down all the static in his head and replaced it with warm, humming color. Spencer brushed his knuckles against Jamie’s hand—small, grounding, a touch that made the whole moment feel steadier, like the ice beneath him during a perfect glide.

Nathan raised his glass. “To all of us idiots getting engaged.”

Jamie snorted. “We’re not idiots.”

“Fine,” Nathan said. “To all of us emotionally chaotic disasters getting engaged.”

“That’s better,” Alfie said, clinking his glass against Jamie’s.

Jamie took a sip, the bubbles sharp and sweet. His heart beamed.

Spencer nudged him gently. “Hey. You okay?”

Jamie nodded, eyes warm. “I’m… thrilled.”

Nathan leaned back against the desk. “So. Best men. Who’s doing what?”

Jamie blinked. “Oh. Right.”