Page 75 of It Happened in Vegas

I rubbed my neck. "And now you've got Melanie's offer for a show. Griffin dangling a job at West Games and money in front of you. The whole world seems to want you, Soph. What’s keeping you in Holly Creek after this?”

Her expression shattered. “I thought you were. Was I wrong?”

That broke me, along with the tears streaming down her face. I went to her and cupped her face, swiping away her tears.

“Come here,” I went to her and pulled her into me. Then, as if a dam broke, she sobbed into my shoulder. “It’s okay, baby. I know so much has happened. But I think everything will be fine now.”

“Will it? Am I going to lose you?” She cried. “Because you’re all I care about in this big sordid mess.”

I shuffled with her to my office and locked the door behind us. I sat on a chair and pulled her onto my lap, stroking her back gently until she calmed down, not caring that the front of my shirt soaked through.

“I’m sorry, Keaton. I should have told you the truth about who I am. Er, was. God, I don’t even know who I am anymore.” She held onto me tighter, her voice so sad.

“I know exactly who you are and I can say without a doubt. You’re my wife. My legitimate wife and all that it implies by the power of the state of Nevada.” I kissed her temple, her skin hot and clammy. “You’re an amazing woman. Soph, you’ve been trying to forge your own way in this world since you were sixteen? And considering the trauma you’ve been through? Most women would have buckled under the weight of it all long before now. But not you. You’re strong. Own it.”

“Thank you,” her words came out weak, like she didn’t believe me, but she would over time. I’d help her recover from all of this—if it took the rest of our lives. “What now?”

“Now? I’m starving. I could really go for some pie from Flora’s.”

“Me, too.” She sputtered and chuckled, lifting her head to gaze up at me. “Seriously though, where do we go from here?”

“I’m pretty sure that tomorrow I’ll wake up, still the owner of Hops, and continue to pursue my dream of expanding nationwide. And, if you’ll have me, I’d like to still be your husband.” I cleared away a few remaining tears from her golden eyes. I caressed her cheek gazing at her. “You’re the woman I love. Your inheritance doesn’t change that.”

A slow smile spread on her face. “Even if I’m a very rich woman by next week, you wouldn’t be intimidated by that?”

“What? No. The size of your bank account doesn’t change the size of your heart, Soph. That matters more to me.” It was a little intimidating, but I’d deal with it, because I didn’t see the money changing her much like some people. She was Sophie, my wife, my love.

“You know, with the money we could both retire and never have to work another day in our lives.”

“What would be the fun in that?” I joked. “I don’t see myself changing much because of it. Although should I be worried you’ll trade me in for someone who wears tailored suits and leather shoes like Griffin?”

“No. I’ll take you in flannels and black jeans any day. But I could invest in Hops. Take Richard out of the equation if you want.”

I shook my head. “Nah. I respect Richard. He’s been solid. I want to build this with good partners, by my side, him and you. But I know you’ve got bigger dreams than brewing beer. I want you to chase those. Even if it means you’re not at the bar every day next to me.”

She grinned. “I don’t want to be part of Melanie’s circus. I want clients I choose. Projects I believe in. And I might even suggest to Griffin that West Games could use a rebrand, bring it into the current century.

I whistled low. “Nepotism much?”

“Maybe. But Griffin trusts me and I think we could do some limited work together. I also have about a dozen emails already from other people wanting to work with me. Apparently, fake-married-to-Keaton-Kingston was a hell of a networking boost.”

I grinned. “Glad I could be of service.”

She kissed my chest. “And I like working from Holly Creek. Kind of addicted to that desk over there and seeing your face here every morning.”

“Sounds like we have everything figured out,” I said.

“We do.”

“Do you? Because I have one question for you. Come with me.”

“What are you up to?” She giggled as she took my hand and followed me back out to Hops.

“I’m doing something I should have done in the first place.”

“Come on, up here.” I patted the bar, lifting her up onto it. I hopped up next to her. We stood there and she had no clue what I was about to do.

I bent a knee, took her hand in mine, and the crowd went crazy. Her hand flew to her mouth, tears starting again.

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