"We were getting nibbles!No need to go full mean girl on us," Riley said in her sweetest voice, setting the tray down.
"Sweet food!"Declan reached for some cheese, but Cici slapped his hand away.
"You will wait," Cici admonished, making Declan pout in a way that would normally work to get his way, but not with her.
"Now," Cici began, hands clasped in front of her, "we're here tonight to celebrate some big news!Cam, you're up first."
Cam looked at her blankly."What?"
"You have news to share, so share it!"
"Dude, if this is about your rash, we don't need to know," Daniel quipped, earning a high-five from Declan.
"I got the rash from your--" Cam started to say but was cut off.
"You say my mom, and we'll take this outside!"Daniel pointed at him, mock serious.
"I was going to say your sister," Cam deadpanned.Laughter erupted as Daniel laughed along, knowing his sister, Birdie, saw Cam as a second dad, just like the rest of the team did.
Cici sighed."Cam, please.The actual news?"
"I'm not first.Gray's got something to share."Cam took advantage of the distraction to sneak some cheese, rewarding himself for surviving the teasing.
"Right!"Gray sprang to his feet, turning toward Riley, who was sneaking salami and almost choked when she saw him standing in front of her, bending slightly down like he was getting ready to kneel.
"What are you doing?"Riley asked, eyes wide.Her mind raced.Was she about to be ambushed with a surprise marriage proposal?
"Riley, are you okay?That shade of pale isn't your colour," Marta teased, putting a hand to Riley's forehead.
"Stop it, you weirdo," Riley said, swatting Marta away."Gray, should we discuss this somewhere else?"She couldn't deny that she had daydreamed about marrying Gray, but they'd only been together for a few months.
"Somewhere else?Why?"Gray looked confused."This involves everyone."
"How?"was all Riley managed to squeak out.
"Because we all helped with the research paper.What do you think I'm--" Gray's words trailed off as he realized the way he was standing made it look like he was about to propose?It hit him: Oh no, she thought I was going to pop the question.
Declan roared with laughter."She thought you were going to propose, mate!"Cici stood up, ready to smack him, but her glare was enough to silence Declan.
"Go on, Gray, what were you going to say?"
"My submitted paper is now approved for preprint!"
The team burst into cheers.It was a tremendous accomplishment, especially after everything Gray had been through.
Riley wrapped her arms around him."I'm so proud of you!"She leaned in for a kiss.
"Hold it, you two!"Cici said."Save that for later when we don't have to witness it."She rolled her eyes."There's more news.Cam, now are you ready to share?"
"Yes!"Cam cleared his throat."Riley, can you come up here?"
She obliged, still curious."What's going on?"
Cam pulled an envelope from his back pocket with a dramatic flourish."This arrived today."
"What is it?"Riley asked, reaching for the envelope.
"Wait!It's addressed to me, so I'll read it."Cam winked at her before clearing his throat."Dear Cam, thank you for the kind words.I always remember how beautifully you—oh, uh, wait, sorry, that part's not for you."
