I laugh and raise mine. "To love, in all its complicated, beautiful forms."
The ocean crashes behind us, steady and sure. Sophia leans into me, dropping her voice so only I can hear. "How long do we have to stay tonight?"
"I already bribed the catering team to make this the fastest dinner they've ever served," I whisper back, leaning in to kiss her. It's a little indecent, and we break apart with matching grins just as servers appear with the appetizers. "Hurry up and eat, Ms. Ford. I'm ready for dessert."
epilogue
. . .
Sophia
Six Months Later – Oscars Red Carpet
The red carpetat the Oscars feels different this time. Last year, I was desperately single and secretly drooling over being in Grant's proximity. Now, with Grant's hand steady on my lower back and Hazel bouncing excitedly between us, I feel like I'm exactly where I belong.
I spot Blair and Wyatt near the press line. Blair looks as stunning as always in emerald green. She catches my eye and winks, clearly noticing Grant's possessive stance. Behind them, I see Stella talking to a tall brunette I don't recognize—must be her friend Natalie, the one she mentioned was working the event tonight. Even in the server's uniform, the woman has an elegant presence that makes her stand out.
"You're killing me in that dress, Soph," Grant whispers, his lips brushing my ear. The cameras start flashing more frantically, and I can't help but grin. "You know what it does to me when you wear baby blue."
"Oh, I know. You had the same reaction to my dress last year," I tease back, smoothing my hand over his perfectly tailored tux. "Though, if I recall correctly, you were trying very hard not to stare at me then."
"And failing miserably." He winks at me and then crouches down to Hazel's level. "How're you doing, princess? Ready for your big red carpet moment?"
Hazel, in her miniature version of my dress, gives him a thousand-watt smile. "Ready! But Daddy, don't forget the?—"
"Shh!" Grant puts a finger to his lips, cutting her off before she can finish.
I catch their exchange, but before I can ask what they're up to, Brandon appears, greeting Hazel with an elaborate bow that makes her giggle. "Your Highness," he says solemnly and then turns to me. "Sophia, you look incredible."
As Brandon chats with Grant about his latest film, I notice Jake hovering near the theater entrance. His wife's perfectly manicured hand grips his arm like a vice. The tension in his shoulders is visible even from here. Beside them, Jess and Lucas stand slightly apart from the chaos, their heads bent close together as they whisper, clearly having a moment.
Normally, I'd expect to see them snapping at each other—Jess with her sharp tone, Lucas with his trademark smirk—but something about this feels…different. Their body language isn't combative; it's intense and intimate. Before I can fully process what I'm seeing, Jess abruptly pulls back, and Lucas reaches out, catching her hand for a split second before letting it drop.
"Hey." Grant's voice pulls me back to the moment. Hetugs on my hand, stopping us mid-walk. "Remember what I said on Jess's podcast? About how I wanted to love you proudly, publicly, and completely?"
"How could I forget? My phone didn't stop ringing for?—"
The words die in my throat as Grant drops to one knee, still holding my hand. The crowd around us goes silent and then erupts in excited murmurs. Stella, who's tucked into Brandon's arms, lets out an audible gasp.
"Sophia Ford," he says, his voice steady but his eyes shining with emotion, "I fell in love with you right here on this red carpet, probably before that, if I'm being honest. You've made me happier than I ever thought possible, and you've given me the family I always dreamed of." He glances at Hazel, who's practically vibrating with excitement. "Since I already confessed my feelings to the whole world on Jess's podcast, I figured this was the perfect place to ask you to be my wife."
He pulls out a ring box and opens it, revealing a vintage diamond and sapphire ring. "Will you marry me?"
Tears blur my vision as I look from Grant to Hazel, who's now holding up a tiny sign that readsSay Yes, Sophia!in her wobbly handwriting. Through my tears, I catch Blair dabbing at her eyes while Wyatt wraps an arm around her shoulders.
"Yes," I manage to choke out. "Yes, of course, yes!"
The crowd erupts in cheers as Grant slides the ring onto my finger, stands, and pulls Hazel and me into a tight embrace. Cameras flash around us, capturing the moment for posterity. Our friends surge forward—Blair and Wyatt first, followed by Stella and Brandon, then Jess, who mysteriously lost Lucasin the shuffle.
As Hazel wraps her arms around us both and her giggles mix with the congratulations and chaos, I feel the perfect rightness of this moment settle into my bones. This isn't just a fairy tale ending—it's a beginning—our beginning.
