Page 345 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 8
Rob giggled. “Does he mean penis?”
“No, my sword.” Nigel pulled a sword out from behind his back and a few people screamed. “Master Tanner, you aren’t just my best friend. You’re my brother. Bound by time. But no longer lost in time. Our relationship may have started off rocky. But I’m so glad you couldn’t kill me. Or else we never would have known a love like this. The love of brothers.”
Tanner smiled. “Thank you, Nigel.”
That was...a lot. But I loved it. I started to clap, but then Nigel turned to me.
“And Mistress Ash! My very own mistress! We’ve been searching far and wide for you. You gorgeous animal.”
What?
“And you’re not just gorgeous. That used to be the only thing of value for a young lady in the past. But now us modern-day boys value your brain. And the jokes you make. And I’m so excited to have you as my mistress! Now and forever more! To Master Tanner and Mistress Ash!” He raised his glass.
A few people clapped. But mostly people just looked around like they had no idea what had just happened.
I got it. I’d be very confused too if I didn’t know that Nigel and Tanner weren’t actually modern-day boys.
Rob, on the other hand, wasn’t confused at all. Because he knew their secret. He clapped enthusiastically and whistled. And then he stood up.
“Is he giving a speech?” I whispered.
“Surely not,” said Tanner.
But then Rob lifted his glass. “Dude, I’m not going to lie. I freaking hated you when I first met you. Not you, Ash. You’re amazing. I’m talking about Tanner. Or whatever his real name is.”
“Rob, sit down,” Matt hissed.
Rob ignored him. “But, man.” He laughed. “Tanner, you’re hilarious, old man.”
Tanner smiled.
“I will always be the king of pranks. But you’re a close second. I know we started off rocky, but at least there were no assassination attempts. Am I right, Nigel?”
Nigel shrugged. “Who says we didn’t try to kill you?”
Rob laughed. “Hilarious. Anyway, here’s to putting old rivalries to bed. To my friend. Tanner. And his new wife, Ash.” He raised his glass.
“To friendship,” said Tanner with a nod.
I smiled up at him.
“To best friends,” said Rob. “Suck it, Matt.”
Matt just shook his head.
Jacob climbed up on his chair and grabbed the mic from Rob. “My turn. I love my abuelo. He’s the best abuelo in the whole wide world. And I love going to his castle. And playing knights. And watching cricket matches and watching football. The real kind, right, Abuelo?”
“That’s right, grandson,” said Tanner.
“And I’m excited about my new abuela. She makes me laugh. Goodnight.” He dropped the mic on the table and it screeched.
Matt laughed and picked the mic up. “Good job, kiddo.” He ruffled Jacob’s hair. “Tanner.” He turned toward us. “I owe my own happy ending to you. You’re...you...” his voice trailed off.
“I’m your best friend, I know,” said Tanner with a smile.
Matt smiled too. “Tanner, you are my father,” he said in a silly deep voice like Darth Vader.
I wasn’t sure Tanner got the reference, but he seemed pleased enough.
