Her Best Friend's Proposal #SYTYCW15 #Special Edition Suzanne Swartz

Chapter 4 #SYTYCW15 #Specialedition

At first, four days had seemed like an eternity, but as Jack began to put his plans for dinner into motion, he realized four days wasn't nearly as long as he thought. As Friday neared, he began to doubt he would be totally ready for his first major act in his courtship of Tessa O'Neill.

He'd outlined everything from start to finish, much like he would for one of his novels. He had lists – what he already had, what he needed to purchase, what he had to find, and what he still had to do.

You name it, Jack had a list for it.

Initially, Jack hadn't been sure what kind of dinner to plan. Simple or elaborate? At home or in a restaurant? Casual or formal? Three courses or a full seven?

It took an entire day to settle on having the dinner at his house. Then he couldn't decide whether it would be more meaningful to Tess if he cooked it himself or had it catered. Although he was competent in the kitchen, what if something went horribly wrong and the dinner was ruined.

What would he do then?

The risk was too big. He would have to call in a favor from a friend. Luckily, one of his high school football buddies had gone to culinary school and was an executive chef at a Michelin star restaurant on the outskirts of Beaumont.

Adrian Cavaletti was pleased to be able to help out his old friend and promised to put together his most requested array of foods from appetizer to dessert.

After the meal had been arranged, Jack spent the better part of the next morning downloading a medley of songs for background music. Then he went into the city to purchase all the essentials he didn't already have. Last was a call to his maid service for a floor to ceiling spic and span cleaning.

By the time Friday arrived, Jack was quite pleased with himself at all he'd accomplished. While Adrian was putting the finishing touches on the meal, Jack decided he'd better be getting himself ready. Once he'd showered and shaved, it was nearly five-twenty.

At five-thirty, he was pulling on the pants of one of his tailored black Italian suits, stopping briefly to tuck in the tail of his crisp white shirt.

With a glance in the mirror, he ran his fingers through his dark hair, making sure it wasn't stuck up in all directions before he deftly knotted the tie and adjusted his collar.

It was five-forty when he walked into the large gourmet kitchen, his suit jacket slung over his shoulder as he fastened his cufflinks into place.

"Don't you look pretty," Adrian complimented as he shut off a timer.

"Shut up and tell me what I need to do."

Grinning, Adrian shook his head. "Relax. It's not the first time you and Tess have ever eaten together."

"It is under these circumstances."

Adrian clapped a hand on Jack's shoulder. "It'll be fine," the dark haired chef assured him before walking Jack through the directions step by step. "Got it?"

"I think so."

"Well, I wrote everything down just in case." He held up a piece of paper. "Wish I could stay for moral support, but I'd better head back to O'Hara's. Friday's are usually hopping."

Jack nodded. "I appreciate you doing this, man."

They shook hands on Adrian's, "Glad to do it, brother," and by five forty-five both men walked out the door – Adrian to his low slung Jaguar, and Jack to the awaiting limousine.

"Everything set, sir?" the chauffer asked, holding open the door as Jack slid in.

"I hope so."

With a nod, he closed the door.