“What a shitty holiday season,” Katya stared, leaning against the back of her couch and staring out the windows.

“That's mostly my fault,” Wulf's voice yelled from the bedroom. He was rummaging around in the wardrobes, making a lot of noise.

“And don't you forget it!” she laughed. She heard a snort and when she looked forward, he was walking into the living room.

“Watch it, Tocci. I don't feel guilty enough to take any shit.”

“Yes, you do,” she teased, then she moved her feet so he could sit next to her. “Did I tell you I spoke with Liam again?”

“No. Any luck?” he asked. She shook her head.

“No. It's bizarre, it's like talking to a different person. So serious, all business. She did a number on him.”

“Works both ways, you know. Suddenly, my icy little assistant has turned into a wilting flower. She mopes around the office all day, it's driving me crazy.”

“Leave her alone, she's had a shitty week.”

“I know. I didn't even ask her to come in, she came on her own.”

“Those two,” Katya groaned, rubbing at her forehead. “Oh! Did I tell you the other thing? Liam is canceling the party.”

“The New Year's party?”

“Yeah. When I mentioned it today, he said he wasn't going to do it. He's not in the partying mood, and Tori still hasn't come back to work, so he's pulling double duty down at the club.”

Wulf frowned and stared off into space for a minute.

“He doesn't have to cancel the party,” he finally said. Katya laughed.

“I don't think he has to either – he wants to, Wulf.”

“Call him and tell him it's still on. We'll throw it.”

“Why would we throw a party in his buildings?” she asked.

“Because everyone fucking needs it,” he suggested. “Because those two idiots need someone to straighten them out, and if it has to be me, then goddammit, I'll do it.”

“How does a party help straighten them out?” she was beyond confused.

“Because the party we're going to throw, they can't turn down an invitation,” he assured her.

“What kind of party are we throwing? Liam goes to sex parties all the time, he won't be impressed,” she laughed.

“No, I was thinking like an engagement party.”

Katya thought for a second, mentally going through all the couples they knew.

“Who's getting engaged? And who would want their engagement party at the Twin Estates?” she asked.

“Hopefully us.”

“Why would we say we're -”

Katya literally, actually choked when Wulf held out his hand. A shiny ring with a large, solitary diamond sat in his palm.

“I wanted to do this over Christmas,” he murmured, grabbing her left hand and pulling it towards him. “But you pissed me off so badly. So I decided to wait until New Year's. Then the whole thing with Ayumi made me realize I don't want to wait one more minute. I want to spend every moment of my life with you, Tocci, and you had better say yes, because I'm not really giving you a choice.”

She couldn't hardly see through her tears, but Katya laughed at his proposal. Then she nodded while he slid the ring onto her finger.

“God, Wulf, it's beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you.”

She leaned in and kissed him quickly. When she pulled away, he was smiling, too.

“I'm considering that a yes.”

“It's a yes.”

“Verbal contracts are binding in this state.”

“Good.”

They didn't come up for air for several minutes. When Katya finally remembered the start of their conversation, they were sprawled across the couch. She pushed against Wulf's chest until he propped himself up over her.

“You were going to do this at Christmas? You planned it before the whole Brie thing?” she asked. He nodded.

“Mmm hmmm.”

“When did you get this ring?”

“Around Thanksgiving. I bought it at the same time I bought that pendant I got you.”

“That long!” she gasped. “How could you keep it a secret this whole time?”

“Not all of this need to run our mouths twenty-four-seven, dear.”

“Shut up. And what was all that talk about an engagement party at Liam's buildings?” she asked. He rolled his eyes and squeezed in next to her, so they were both laying on their sides.

“If it's our engagement party, how could my assistant and your best friend possibly not go?” he asked. Katya's eyes got wide.

“Oh, Mr. Stone. Mr. Stone, you are very, very clever.”

“Thank you. I take praise in the form of blow jobs.”

“Noted. Okay. So what's the plan? Just get them in the room together and see what happens?” she asked. He groaned.

“I never imagined I'd propose and then spend the rest of the evening talking about Liam Edenhoff.”

“And Ayumi! This is for her, too.”

“Tell you what, we'll split the work. You get Ayumi, I'll get Eden there. Deal?”

“Deal. When should we -”

“Talking time is over, Tocci. Show me how thankful you are.”

“Anything for you, Mr. Stone.”