Page 124 of Menace in Vegas

Gram ignores her, whipping into a parking lot and slamming the car into park like she’s starring inFast & Furious: Vegas Drift.

“All right, lovebirds. Time for breakfast.”

I glance out the window. “Gram, why are we at an all-you-can-eat pancake house?”

She grins. “Because, dear menace, we’re settling something important.”

Allie pinches the bridge of her nose. “I’m afraid to ask.”

“Too late!” Gram throws open her door and points at me. “Connor, do you love Allie?”

I blink. “Hell yes. What’s that got to do?—”

“And would you do anything for her?”

“Obviously.”

“Good.” She turns to Allie. “And you, darling, would you like to see your husband suffer just a little?”

Allie smirks. “Always.”

“Perfect!” Gram claps her hands. “Let’s go. We’ve got a pancake-eating contest to win.”

I stare. “I—what?”

“You heard me!” She winks. “Winner gets to decide where you two honeymoon.”

Allie perks up. “Wait. If I win, I get to pick?”

“Yep,” Gram says, grinning. “And if he wins, he gets to drag you to whatever frozen hockey cave he’s been fantasizing about.”

I crack my neck. “Hope you like frozen lakes and ski lifts, sweetheart. I’m about to destroy you.”

Allie narrows her eyes. “You wish. I’m an undefeated breakfast champion.”

“That’s not even a real thing.”

Gram sighs dramatically. “Kids these days. No respect for the sacred art of pancakes.”

I grin and roll up my sleeves. “All right, wife. You and me. Let’s do this.”

Allie grins right back. “Prepare to lose, husband.”

We walk inside, ready for battle.

Gram trails behind, absolutely thrilled with herself, holding two bibs she clearly embroidered.

She hands them over with a wicked smile.

Mine says, “Pancake Daddy.”

As Allie doubles over laughing, Gram pats my shoulder with deadly seriousness. “Start carb-loading, sugarplum. You’ve got one year to prepare.”

I blink. “For what?”

She beams. “Your anniversary road trip. In Priscilla, of course. I already have a route planned. Heart-shaped Jacuzzis and glitter-themed diners the whole way.”

I stare at her like she just cursed me.

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