Page 114 of Menace in Vegas

Harper cheers, and Jake and Cole whoop.

Just when I think we’ve hit peak emotional wreckage, a loud yell shatters the moment.

“STOP!”

Everyone jumps and turns in unison.

It’s Gram.

Ofcourse,it’s Gram.

She marches up the velvet runner, bedazzled from head to toe, holding something in her hands like she’s about to bestow divine gifts.

“You can’t break tradition,” she says, deadly serious. “I got you something new and blue.”

I glance at what she’s holding.Matching embroidered hoodies.

I don’tknow whether to laugh or cry.

Mine says “Mr. Puckin’ Menace” in sparkling blue rhinestones.

Allie’s hoodie says “Mrs. Puckin’ Byrns” in pink rhinestones.

Harper’s laughing so hard she’s crying.

Jake is filming the moment.

Cole looks like he’s about to pass out from laughing so hard.

Daltyn mutters something about needing a drink.

Ford’s glaring at me like I better not fuck this up or he’s gonna run me over with a Zamboni.

Allie takes her hoodie, biting her lip to fight the smile Iknowmeans she’s done for.

“Told you I’d make you mine,” I murmur.

“Still hate you.”

“Still love you.”

The officiant, completely unfazed by Gram’s chaos, finishes the ceremony.

I slide the ring on her finger. She slides one on mine.

Then she whispers the words I’ve waited for all my life. “I love you, Connor Byrns.”

My heart explodes.

“I love you, Allison Byrns.” I wink at her, barely holding it together.

The officiant says my second favorite phrase I’ve been waiting to hear. “You may now kiss the bride.”

I don’t hesitate.

I pull her in and kiss her deep and slow, bending her backward with the kind of drama that says this woman wrecked me and I’ll never be the same.

Her hand curls in my jacket, clinging like she never plans to let go.

---