"I can't wait to tell everyone!" Joey said, excitedly. As she was about to go inside, Alessandro grabbed her hand.
"Wait, Joey. Let's wait to tell people."
Joey looked confused. "Why?" she asked.
Alessandro stumbled with his words. "It's too soon. Besides, we don't want to overshadow the party. Let's wait and tell people at a better time."
Joey looked at her engagement ring. She supposed he was right. There was nothing wrong with taking it slow.
"I better take this off so no one asks," she said, and he nodded. Joey took the ring off and put it in her pocket. She smiled at her new fiance, and he took her hand, and they walked into the penthouse.
"Ah, there you two are!" Mr. Peabody said, coming up to them. All of the guests were having a good time. Joey wanted to tell everyone the good news, but she restrained herself, honoring her fiance's wish.
"We were just talking outside, Daddy. I needed a break."
"I understand. Would you two like more cake? There's plenty left."
"I'll take some more," Joey said. Mr. Peabody had made her graduation cake, himself, and of course, it looked and tasted delicious.
"No, thank you, Mr. Peabody," Alessandro answered.
Joey got another piece of cake and chatted with Christy. They talked about Christy going to college to become a lawyer. Suddenly, Joey felt that pain again, the ache inside that reminded her life was going to be very different now. She tried to ignore the feeling for that moment and put on a smile. She didn't want to ruin the party.
Joey kept looking at Alessandro. They smiled at each other. They had an exciting secret, but Joey tried to focus on the party. It was all overwhelming for her, and she was somewhat glad after the last guest left.
Mr. Peabody started cleaning up. Joey didn't understand even after all these years how he had so much energy. Joey helped him. Thankfully, there wasn't much to do.
Mr. Peabody hugged his daughter. "I am so proud of you," he said. "You have come so far. I knew you could do it."
Joey smiled. Hearing words of praise from her father never got old. She wanted to tell him about her and Alessandro's engagement, but she decided against it. It had already been an exciting enough day, and she was exhausted. She went to bed and dreamed of the future.