Page 76 of It Happened in Vegas

“Sophie, would you do me the honor of being my real wife? To have and to hold, from this day forward? Forever and ever? Because I love you, and I know that together we’ll make it through anything life brings our way.”

“Yes!” She cried, wrapping her arm around me.

We were already married, but now she had a true proposal story to keep in her heart.

Griffin had no clue what was going on.

Jessa shouted. “By the power invested in me and the Hops, I now pronounce you two lovebirds husband and wife!”

We stood together on top of my bar, hand in hand. Married.

And hopeful for whatever came next.

EPILOGUE 1

SOPHIE

From my perchat the bar I surveyed the bustling crowd around us. The new restaurant was officially open: Evergreen at The Hops—a name Keaton and I settled on during one of our late-night brainstorming sessions. Classy, warm, rooted in tradition and growth. It was everything we wanted this next chapter to represent.

Locals and out-of-towners packed the place, glasses clinking and laughter ringing out like music. The wood-paneled walls gleamed with fresh polish, ambient lighting bathed each table in a golden glow, and the smell of sizzling dishes wafted from the open kitchen. And just like the beer, the vibe was smooth and intoxicating.

Keaton leaned next to me, arms crossed, grinning like a man who finally saw his dream unfold. His flannel sleeves were rolled up, forearms flexed, a little sweat from a long day still lingering at his temple. My man had only gotten hotter the longer we were together.

"You staring again, Mrs. Kingston?" he asked without even turning his head.

I sipped my mocktail—heavy emphasis on themock.

“Just admiring the view. You know, successful brew-master turned restaurateur. Whole town singing your praises. What’s not to love?”

He chuckled, leaning closer.

“Could say the same about my marketing genius wife who made it all happen.”

I raised a brow.

“Did you just call me a genius?”

“I did.”

We bumped shoulders, our flirtation comfortable, familiar, and laced with fire. This was the version of us I loved most—the one that grew from chaos and settled into something solid. And very real.

Behind us, Richard and Vivian shared a toast at a high-top table, dressed to impress and, for once, child-free. Chelsea and Rex weren’t far behind them, taking a rare night off from parenting to enjoy adult conversation and fancy cocktails.

Maisy and Brooks stood by the stone fireplace, fingers intertwined. They looked relaxed. Maisy caught my eye and winked.

“She’s looking good,” Keaton said, following my gaze.

“Pregnancy suits her.” I smiled. “And the wedding plans are coming along. They’re thinking next summer, giving them time after the baby comes. Island vows, big family celebration. I think she finally found her happily-ever-after.”

Keaton slid a hand along my thigh, sending a jolt of heat through me.

“Funny. I used to think she was ahead of us. But now?” I turned to face him fully. “I wouldn’t trade what we have. Our timeline was messy. Unexpected. But I’d do it all again to land right here with you.” I leaned in, and brushed a kiss to his jaw, which for this social occasion tonight, he’d shaved clean again. No stubble in sight.

“I used to be jealous of Maisy, you know. The way things happened so neatly for her and Brooks. But now? I wouldn’t change a single detour we’ve taken.”

He winked at me. “Not even Vegas?”

I smirked. “Especially not Vegas. No regrets.”

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