Around each of their left ring fingers is a thin black band. Kiara’s has a small, yellow-green stone in the center that I’m pretty sure is peridot, Val’s birthstone, while Val’s has a ruby—Kiara’s birthstone—in the same place. Their engagement rings are both so uniquely them that tears immediately spring to my eyes.

“Oh my gosh,” I say. “Finally! Congratulations! Also, wow, I can’t believe I’m only noticing them now. They’re gorgeous!”

Val gives me a sneaky grin. “Luckily I’m right-handed, so I’ve been keeping my left hand in my pocket around you for the last couple of days.”

I laugh as my brain plays back the last few times I’ve seen Val this week at lunch. She’s right. I only remember her using her right hand.

“Wait, that’s so funny!” I exclaim. “But also, you guys didn’t have to hide this from me. I’m so, so happy for you two!”

Val shrugs. “We didn’t want to be insensitive. Especially after everything you went through last year.”

“And it’s your birthday, Gemma,” Kiara adds. “Really, this could have waited at least another day.”

I shake my head rapidly. “No, I don’t mind at all. If anything, this has made my thirtieth all the more special. My two favorite people in the whole world, getting married! Tell me everything. How did you guys propose? Who proposed? Are there pictures?”

Val launches into the story of how she proposed a couple of nights ago—“during the full moon, the culmination of our relationship,” Kiara adds with a content sigh—on the rooftop patio of their apartment building.

“I had to hound our landlord until he let me light candles and spread rose petals up there,” Val says. “But thankfully he eventually allowed it after I promised I wouldn’t tell the other tenants. I also cleaned up everything right away, so no issues there.”

She shows me absolutely gorgeous pictures of the dreamy, flowery rooftop proposal, along with stunning snapshots of her and Val kissing under the full moon. There’s even an adorable photo of Burrito wearing a little cat tux.

I’m full-on bawling now, my heart bursting with so much joy. Val and Kiara get sniffly, too, and soon, we’re all crying and laughing as we hug each other.

“I love you guys so much, but also…” I say, pulling away to give Val a side-eye. “Did you not need help with the proposal? I was free that day.”

Val shakes her head. “Nah, I was super nervous, so I didn’t tell anyone except the photographer I hired. And the landlord, of course. But only because I had to. We could use your help with something else, though!”

She exchanges glances with Kiara, who nods and takes my hand.

“Gemma, will you be my maid of honor? Our maid of honor?”