Page 29 of Martinis & Mysteries

Epilogue – Evie

“Come on, we have toget over to Wyatt’s. I promised Emma I’d do her hair.”

Emma was marrying her boyfriend Wyatt today and although they’d only been dating for less than a year, I was happy for them. They were the perfect couple. Since Wyatt and Jake were friends, the four of us had double dated several times.

As for me and Jake, things were going great. Last month I’d finally gotten tired of switching off between houses and let him move in with me. We’d been practically living together anyway, so it felt right, especially after I admitted the truth: I was madly in love with him. He was bossy and annoying, but also incredibly thoughtful. And he liked to cook and do laundry. I mean, who was I to let a guy like that get away?

If only Dawn could figure out what she was doing with the guy in her life, the three of us all would be settled...

Jake came out into the living room, looking like everyone’s silver fox fantasy in a dark suit, crisp white shirt, and a skinny red tie. He was going to be best man for Wyatt, while Dawn and I were the co-bridesmaids.

My boyfriend looked at my dress, whistling under his breath.

“Damn, you clean up well,” he teased.

“You don’t look too terrible yourself,” I retorted with a laugh. I’d never seen him in a suit before, and I had to admit that I really liked it.

“There’s just one thing you need to complete your outfit.”

“What’s that?” I asked as I slipped into my shoes.

“This.”

Jake held out his hand, revealing a dark blue velvet box.

“What’s this?” I asked suspiciously.

“Open it and see.”

I opened the box, revealing an adorable diamond engagement ring with a silver band. I looked up at Jake, but he’d dropped to one knee. I looked at him in shock while he grabbed my hand.

“Marry me, Evie.”

“Is there a question there?” I teased.

To my surprise, I didn’t want to throw up at the idea of marrying Jake. In fact, it felt...right.

“Evie Fontenot, love of my life, will you please do me the honor of being my wife?”

I stared at the ring in his hand, and when I didn’t answer right away, he added, “You can think about it if you want.”

My heart pinched at the look of uncertainty on his face. Jake was definitely the more affectionate and demonstrative of the two of us, and I knew he still struggled to read me sometimes. I wasn’t answering because I was trying hard not to burst into tears and ruin my make-up. I’d told myself I would never get married again, but with Jake, it didn’t seem so scary. In fact, it seemed...right.

“I don’t need to think about it. My answer is yes.”

Jake jumped to his feet. “Really?”

“Yes, I will marry you, but on two conditions.”

“What?”

“First, I’m not changing my name, so don’t even ask me.”

“Done.”

“And second, you have to promise to not interfere in my work solving mysteries with my girl gang.”

Jake laughed. “You’re going to keep me on my toes, aren’t you?”

“You know it, copper. Now how about we seal the deal with a kiss?”

“That’s the best idea you’ve had yet.”

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