Page 201 of Menace in Vegas

Connor starts laughing so hard he can’t breathe.

I stare at Gram, panicked. “Gram. W-what do you mean...Elvis?”

She shrugs, completely unbothered. “He was wearing a jumpsuit and said ‘thank ya very much’ in the right spots. That was enough for me.”

I collapse against Connor, wheezing.

He mutters, “I’m putting that on her headstone someday.”

* * *

When we finally land inBoston, I swear the entire plane applauds. But not for the safe landing. The applause is for survivingGram.

We barely make it through the terminal before we’re descended upon by Ford, Harper, Jake, Cole, Chloe, and Tara.

Harper rushes me and pulls me into a hug. “Oh my God, Allie. Are you okay? I can’t believe what happened! Ford told me everything. There was a stalker, then a storm. You were nearly kidnapped, and Gram assaulted a man with a purse.”

“I made sure he’ll never forget it,” Gram adds proudly, wheeling her glittery suitcase beside her like a war veteran.

I stare at Harper with concern. “I wanted to tell you in person what happened, and not via a phone call or text.”

Harper flashes me a smile. “It’s okay, Allie. I understand. I would’ve done the same. It’s all good.” She hugs me again.

Just as we’re about to leave the airport, Ford smirks and says, “Gram. You gonna make your announcement?”

Just as we’re about to leave the airport, Ford smirks and says, “Gram. You gonna make your announcement?”

Connor tenses beside me, arms folded like he’s preparing for a bomb to drop.

Gram beams. “I am!” She turns to the group, her voice loud enough to echo. “I’m moving into an apartment close to Connor and Allie’s! Ford’s house is just across the street.”

Connor goes stock-still.

I feel his soul leave his body.

He looks at Ford like he’s plotting a homicide. “Revenge,” he mutters darkly. “So much revenge.”

Gram throws an arm around my shoulders. “We’re gonna have brunch every Sunday. Matching aprons. Maybe even girls’ nights with smut readings and margaritas.”

I stare at Connor, who blinks like he’s just survived a bomb.

I just smile.

Honestly? Life is so fucking good.

I wouldn’t change a damn thing about this crazy family.

EPILOGUE: CONNOR

The dinner party is loud, messy, and exactly the kind of disaster I’ve come to expect from this crew.

Ford’s eating off Harper’s plate.

Cole and Chloe are arguing over whether pineapple belongs on pizza.

Jake’s wearing an apron that says,‘I Like My Meat Rare and My Hockey Players Rough.’Tara gave it to him as a joke.

Allie’s curled into my side on the couch, warm, soft, and mine.

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