Page 18 of Love Under Snowfall

“Ha! That’s what your fiancée said.”

“Thanks,” Johnny snickered. “I set myself up forthat one, didn’t I?”

“Yep.”

For whatever reason, Johnny still managed to bring out the playful side of Benjamin. Even after all that time apart, his stodgy, professional veneer quickly cracked and fell away. It was most likely because he trusted Johnny, and it felt natural—even after so much time had passed—to let his guard down. No matter what he said or did, Benjamin’s friend accepted him completely.

“I wanted to make sure things were still a go for the wedding,” Johnny continued.

“If by ‘a go’ you mean, will I be there? Then yes, that’s a go,” Benjamin reassured.

Johnny let out a breath as he said, “Good. It’ll be great finally having you here.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Be sure to pack enough winter clothes. We may or may not be doing some kind of outdoor activity. It all depends on if I can convince the old ball and chain to agree to it—ow!” Johnny cut off, chuckling and groaning. His voice sounded more echoey. “I’ve got you on speaker now so Lucy can say hi.”

“Hi, Benji!” A melodic voice danced through the phone. He could hear the cheery grin in her words and smiled impulsively.

“Hello, Lucy.”

“I’m excited to finally meet you. It’ll be nice to put a face to the far-fetched stories my husband-to-be keeps telling me.”

“She doesn’t believe me about the scooter streaking incident,” Johnny hollered at a volume unnecessary for speakerphone, reminding Benjamin of a middle-aged man and not the college kid who dared him to ride down University Way al la nude on a razor scooter.

“It’s true,” Benjamin offered.

“See? Told you,” his friend gloated.

“I should never have doubted you,” Lucy said.

“Since I won the bet, I’ll be collecting my winnings this evening, sunshine,” Johnny practically growled.

“Why wait ’til this evening?” her sultry giggle murmured through the phone.

Benjamin cringed as the sloppy sounds of kissing filled his car, along with groans and a little squeal.

“Still here!” he all but shouted, suppressing a gag.

“Sorry, brother. It’s easy to get carried away with this one.”

Lucy said her farewells and left the men to iron out their plans. “You got a room from the block we reserved at Wilhelm Haus Inn, right?”

“Yep, and I have my tux pressed and ready. Am I forgetting anything?” Benjamin flashed his blinker and pulled into the carpool lane just as a few snowflakes landed on his windshield. The lane choice was a futile one because it moved at the same pace as the rest of the gridlocked interstate.

“Doesn’t sound like it.”

“Great. How's the family?” Benjamin continued, not quite ready for the call to end. “Everyone excited for your big day?”

“My mom and Lucy have been a gale-level force to be reckoned with in planning this shindig. I’ve been staying out of the way and hoping they don’t make me do anything too embarrassing.”

Benjamin barked out a laugh. “Smart man.”

“And my kid sister—you remember me talking about Frankie—anyways, she’s great. Started her graduate program at our alma mater this fall.”

“Is that so?” A prickle of recognition crept over his scalp. “What’s she studying?”

“She wants to be a social worker, but she's taking family law, and apparently, her prof is a real dick.”

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