Best Mistake ★ Nicholas Chavez

Thirty six | secret plans

Nicholas pulled his car into the snow-covered driveway of Cooper's cabin, the tires crunching over the icy gravel. Amara gazed out the window, taking in the cozy log exterior wrapped with twinkling string lights. "This place is so cute! Did you plan this?" she asked, smiling at him.

Nicholas gave her a casual shrug, though his knuckles tightened on the steering wheel. "Cooper suggested it. Figured we all needed a little getaway."

Inside, the chaos was already brewing. Drew, Jordan, Cooper, Madison, and Madelyn had arrived hours earlier under Nicholas's strict instructions to prepare for the proposal without tipping Amara off. Drew immediately took charge of the snacks, claiming the kitchen like a five-star chef preparing for a banquet. Jordan was in charge of distractions and had already started a friendly argument with Madelyn about who would win in a snowball fight. Meanwhile, Madison busied herself fluffing throw pillows and setting up candles, all while trying not to laugh at Cooper, who was struggling to hide the ring box somewhere Amara wouldn't accidentally stumble across it.

"Did you seriously think the back of the cereal box was a good hiding spot?" Madelyn teased, hands on her hips as Cooper shoved the box onto a high shelf.

"Hey, it's inconspicuous!" Cooper shot back, but even he couldn't keep a straight face.

Nicholas and Amara stepped inside, and all eyes immediately turned toward them.

"Hey, you made it!" Madison chirped, rushing forward to hug Amara. "We've already claimed rooms, but you're obviously getting the best one."

"Obviously," Drew added, popping his head out from the kitchen with a ridiculous chef's hat he'd found in a drawer. "I've got hors d'oeuvres on deck, but don't ask for anything fancy. I'm more of a microwave pizza kind of guy."

Amara laughed. "This is already amazing. I'm so glad we did this."

Nicholas hung back, watching her soak in the cozy atmosphere. Despite his nerves, he couldn't help smiling as her laughter filled the room. Everything was going to plan—so far.

"So, what's on the agenda?" Amara asked, peeling off her coat and scarf.

"Agenda?" Jordan asked, giving Nicholas a subtle wink. "Oh, you know, the usual. Snowball fights, board games, Drew ruining dinner—"

"Hey!" Drew interjected, wagging a wooden spoon.

"—and maybe some sledding if Cooper doesn't injure himself in the process," Jordan finished.

Cooper raised his hands. "One time! I sprained my ankle once!"

"Twice," Madelyn corrected with a smirk.

As the banter continued, Nicholas sidled up to Drew and whispered, "Is everything set?"

"Dude, relax. We've got it covered. Just don't blow your cover. She's sharp."

Nicholas nodded, his heart pounding. He glanced at Amara, who was now laughing at one of Jordan's jokes, completely oblivious to the elaborate plans unfolding around her. He had one shot to make this perfect, and with his friends' help, he was determined to pull it off.

Nicholas tossed their bags onto the plush bed in the cabin's coziest room. Amara stood by the window, admiring the snowy view, but her focus shifted when faint whispers reached her ears. She craned her neck toward the hallway and caught sight of Jordan and Madelyn huddled together, speaking in hushed tones. Their conspiratorial energy was impossible to ignore.