I would write her a letter. Not an email, but a proper, old-fashioned letter. It's far more personal, & definitely the more dignified way of handling an awkward situation like this. I would also close the letter off by saying something open-ended like: "I don't want to lose you as a friend. You are, & always will be, a very special person in my life. If you'd like to go for a coffee & a heart-to-heart, I'm only a phonecall away."
From past experience these things hardly ever go smoothly and without collateral damage, in gaining a male partner you may lose a girlfriend. Its going to be difficult to maintain your friendship with her without the cracks showing. Good luck all the same, I hope that you do find a way to keep everyone friendly. Fingers X'd
mmm thats a tough one
i have never been threw something like that as you know
but i think the best thing to do is tell her yourself or the two of you tell her
ill put money on it that she will be hurt and angry but like you say she doesnt want
to hear it via the grapvine it wil be worse if she does
good luck hope it goes well
Good luck, hun! Lemme know how it goes...