Epilogue
"Come on, everybody! Take your seats! I am not asking again!" Cici had her hands on her hips, a fake scowl on her face. Declan and Daniel were the only ones who had obeyed, knowing that Cici wouldn't hesitate to throw things if they didn't sit.
"Okay, okay, don't throw anything!" Cam joked, grabbing Cici around the waist and moving her aside. "I couldn't get to my seat; you were in the way!"
Cici swatted at him, waiting for the last three people to take their seats.
"Grayley, I swear if you two don't--" Cici was cut off by laughter coming from the kitchen as Gray, Riley, and Marta emerged, carrying charcuterie platters.
"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."
"Oh, Cam, you strong, handsome man!" Declan and Daniel teased, cooing at each other.
"I can fire you both, you know," Cam deadpanned.
"Sorry, boss, carry on!" Declan grinned, still pushing his luck.
Cam rolled his eyes, skipping a few lines.
"Here we go... 'I've reviewed the research paper Riley worked on with Dr. Gray Whittal, along with her CV and writing samples from the marine mammal magazine.
I'm thoroughly impressed. It's rare to find someone who understands the science and communicates it so clearly.
As for your second request, it would be an honour to take Riley on as a study abroad Master's degree student.
Welcome to the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. Fàilte! Dr. Miranda Sanger.'" '
Riley blinked in shock, turning to Gray and then back to Cam. "I don't know what to say... When did you do this? Wait, no, sorry! Thank you!" She threw her arms around Cam, and the room erupted in cheers.
It was like a dream. She'd wanted to go back to school for years, but leaving the island and her dolphins had seemed impossible. Now she could do both.
Gray grinned, slipping an arm around her waist. "Cam and I spoke about Dr. Miranda ages ago.
She's amazing. I met her at a conference a couple of years back, and we've kept in touch.
The best part is, it's a research-based Master's.
You'll spend most of your time here and only go to Scotland for a few months of classes. "
Riley felt like her heart might burst. "I love you," she blurted out, grabbing Gray for a proper kiss.
"Get a room!" Declan hooted, though as he watched them, a wave of longing swept over him. He snuck a glance at Cici, who was smiling at the happy couple. One day, he thought. One day he'd tell her how he really felt.
Meanwhile, Cici caught the look on Declan's face. She sighed. Maybe, just maybe, one day they'd figure this out.