Page 148 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 2

"It's a surprise, but you probably shouldn't be lifting it either. You can just put it on the ground." He adjusted the sling on his arm as I placed the box down in front of me.

"And you should probably sit down." I looked down at the cast on his leg.

"I keep telling him to sit down. Hi, Penny," Daphne said and gave me a hug.

"How do I suddenly have so many women meddling in my life? Last time I checked, I still had my spleen so..."

"Very funny. Thanks for putting this all together," I said and gave him a hug.

"Anything for you guys. You know that." He kissed my cheek. "But yeah, maybe I should sit down."

Daphne looped her arm behind his back.

"Being an invalid does have its perks," he said to her and she smiled up at him.

"You guys are adorable," I said.

"Adorable?" Rob scrunched up his nose. "I hate that word. To the couch!" He pointed to where everyone else was gathered.

James was already sitting there. He had saved a space beside him. I sat down and rested my head on his shoulder.

"To James," Rob said and lifted up his glass. "The best brother and friend a guy could ask for."

Everyone clinked glasses and I took a sip of my water.

Mason cleared his throat. "James, you had us all worried sick. And the past few weeks have been...well, frankly, fucking terrible."

James laughed.

"It's not funny yet, man. But, either way, I thought we could all use some positivity. James, two years ago you gave me some advice. The best advice I've ever gotten, really. And even thoughI never ask for your help, you're always there for me. Bee and I wouldn't be together right now if it wasn't for you. And I don't want to steal the show in any way. But Bee and I have some news."

"We're engaged!" she shrieked and turned her hand so we could see the huge ring on her finger.

"Oh my God!" I got up and gave her a hug. "I'm so happy for you. And you, Mason." I gave him a hug too.

"Thanks, Penny," Mason said. "And it's because of you too. If James hadn't met you, he never would have given me the advice that he did. And seeing you and him together, it made me realize what I was missing, you know? So, thank you."

For some reason I started crying. "That's so sweet of you to say."

"Don't cry." He smiled at me.

"Sorry." I quickly wiped away my tears. "I've just been really emotional recently."

"I think we all have."

I wiped away the rest of my tears and looked back at Bee. "Your ring is beautiful. Tell us everything. How did he propose?"

"It was so romantic." She smiled up at him. "He proposed at the top of the Empire State building."

I glanced back at James. I rarely ever won one of our bets.

He shrugged his shoulders.

I took a second to soak in this moment as I looked around the room. Mason and Bee were finally engaged. Rob was in love. Melissa was snuggled up next to Matt. They seemed to be hitting it off really well. And Jen and Ian looked so happy together. I sat down next to James. "Let's tell them our news a different day," I whispered. "Let's just enjoy this moment right now."

"I was thinking the same thing." He touched the bottom of my chin so that my lips met his.

"Okay, okay," Rob said. "Congrats you two. But you said you didn't want to steal the show, so stop stealing the show. I want James to open the present I got him."