Page 73 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 2
"Do I have any lettuce in my teeth," Melissa said and smiled.
"You're good."
"Remember, I'm totally getting you back for this when I get married. I know how much you love public speaking." She followed Rob over toward the D.J.
"Any idea what your Dad or Melissa are going to say?" James asked as he put his arm around my shoulders.
"None. At least you know what Rob is going to say."
"I was just kidding earlier. I wanted him to surprise us."
"So he's uncensored?"
James laughed. "What, are you afraid he's going to embarrass you?"
"Of course he's going to embarrass me. It's like his life goal to mortify me as much as possible."
"That's why this is going to be so much fun."
I scrunched up my face and James laughed again.
My dad cleared his throat. "Pen, you know how much your mother and I care about you. And all we've ever wanted was what was best for your future. The road that you took with James swayed a little from the path we wanted for you. But I'm so gladthat you veered right. I'm so proud of you for following your heart. Thank you, James. Thank you for making our daughter happier than she's ever been. We couldn't have asked for a better son-in-law. Even if you are a Giants fan."
Everyone laughed and Mason yelled, "the Eagles suck!"
My dad laughed. "We'll see about that this year, Mason." He smiled. "I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. And I'm confident that you'll have it. The two of you can get through anything together. That's the sign of lasting love, having each other's backs through thick and thin. You two have it. Savor it and never let it go. Welcome, officially, to the family, James." He lifted up his glass of champagne. "To the newlyweds!"
James and I clinked our glasses together.
"I'm glad you veered right too," James said and squeezed my shoulder.
I leaned toward him and kissed his cheek. "Thanks for being there to catch me when I fell."
He smiled at my reference to his vows. "Always, baby." He placed a soft kiss against my lips.
"And there they go again," I heard Melissa say into the microphone.
A few people laughed.
I'm sure my cheeks were red when I turned toward Melissa.
"For those of you who don't know me, I'm Penny's best friend. We met freshman year of college. And I have to tell you, when we met, I was almost certain she was doomed to a lifetime of being a cat lady."
Oh please, God, no.
James laughed.
"Don't encourage her." I playfully hit his arm.
"I had to drag her out to parties and had to actively push her to be social," Melissa said. "And actually, without poor influence, I'm not sure Penny and you ever would have hit it off."
"Thanks, Melissa," James said.
She smiled. "When Penny told me she was dating her professor, I didn't even believe her. I thought for sure she was joking. I didn't understand how such a goody two-shoes could take such a crazy leap. But then I met James. And it instantly made sense. These two were made for each other.
"Penny, you're my best friend in the world. You deserve the absolute best and I know that James is that for you. And James, I'll say this again because sometimes you don't take me seriously. I will literally kill you if you hurt her. So stop doing it. I'm serious this time." She pointed at him.
He held up his hands, showing his innocence.
