Coastal Runaway (Coast to Coast #1)

Epilogue

Keegan

three years later

“Will you guys sit down? I swear, sometimes it seems like you were raised in a barn.” I gestured for Nolan and Maeve to stop standing directly in front of me.

“He’s not even on stage yet, Keegs, chill,” Nolan said as he plopped into the seat next to me.

I was so not chill. We were at Luke’s Stanford Law graduation and he was chosen to give the commencement speech.

Unsurprisingly, Luke got into every school that he applied to. It was a tough decision but after graduation, we packed up and moved to the Bay Area.

I went back and forth about working for my dad for a long time. I wanted to forge my own path, but also it felt like a mistake to turn my back on my connections just because I was stubborn. At the end of the day, I decided to open my own social media consulting firm and my first client was KavTech. Now, I contracted with dozens of businesses regarding social media content and strategy.

“He’s walking out!” Maeve pointed at the stage and squealed.

Luke sauntered across the stage in his gown and hood, and I was flooded with pride. I had never been so in awe of someone in my life. After my dad unceremoniously cut Sean Cavan out of the company—for more than just insulting me—Luke cut off all contact with him.

He may have grown up with money, but Luke’s success was purely from his own hard work. He debated briefly reaching out to his mother since she lived in Los Angeles, but he decided against it. She didn’t deserve to know the wonderful man that he had become.

Luke tapped the microphone attached to the podium that he was standing behind, “Good afternoon,” he cleared his throat, “my name is Luke Cavan, and I was chosen to deliver this year’s commencement speech. I have to tell you, I was surprised when I was asked to give this speech. I have always been one to keep my head down and work hard; getting by but never thriving. Existing, but not living. I went on like that until I met someone who turned my world completely upside down.” He paused and then found my eyes in the audience.

“She showed me that it is okay to be open and bright. To live life and love loudly. She brought that energy here in these last three years and supported not only me, but my classmates; hosting studying events, bringing food to classes during exam periods, generally being the life of every party,” there were whoops and cheers from the crowd of graduates, “because of her, I figured out how to thrive. Because of her, I’m standing up here today.” He took a deep breath and tears started falling down my cheeks. I loved this man so much.

“Sometimes you’re dealt cards that seem ideal, like an easy coast through life, but in our profession you learn that not everything is as it seems. Take a look at every new situation with kindness and never give up on yourself, or others. Thank you all for the best three years, but I’m so happy it’s over.” The graduates laughed, “Congratulations to you all, good luck out there, and let’s get the hell out of here.” The crowd cheered as Luke returned to his seat amongst his peers. When they called his name for him to receive his JD, I screamed so loud that Nolan covered his ears.

After the ceremony concluded, we were waiting at the exit as graduates filtered out. The moment that Luke noticed me, a wide smile spread across his face. I took off running, throwing myself at him so my arms wrapped around his neck and my legs came up around his waist.

”I’m so proud of you,” I sniffled.

“Don’t cry, baby, just think now you never have to hear me stress about a life altering exam ever again.”

I laughed and gave him a quick kiss on his lips. He put me on my feet and gave a round of hugs to the family. Everyone was here to celebrate him, even Ryleigh made a rare appearance.

“Are we ready to party?” I asked with a wink.

“Not quite yet,” Luke said, removing his cap and handing it to my dad.

I looked around confused, only to be shocked when Luke dropped to his knee and took a little blue box out of his pocket. He popped it open to reveal a stunning four carat, emerald-cut diamond that sat on a simple gold band. My hands came to my mouth and the tears started pooling behind my eyes.

“Luke…” I trailed off.

“Keegan Kelly, I have loved you my entire life. You are the sun that I orbit around. The light on my gloomy days. I can’t exist in a world that you aren’t in. I told you once that I will always chase you, and I intend to keep that promise for my entire life. Will you please do me the honor of being my wife?”

I nodded and screamed, “yes!” before I tackled him. He lifted me off the ground, twirling me around.

I was laughing as he set me on my feet, slipping the ring on my finger. Our family erupted in cheers. Nolan wrapped Luke in a hug so tight that I started to pale and Maeve was already talking about dress appointments. My dad hugged us both and I didn’t miss the single tear that fell down his cheek.

That night we had planned a joint party for some of the graduates but it quickly spurred into an impromptu engagement party. We ate, drank, and laughed. The entire night was filled with so much life.

I was standing out on the balcony of our condo in San Francisco when familiar hands wrapped around my waist.

My fiancé’s hands. *squeal*

“Hey, Tig,” he whispered into my ear.

“Hey.” My voice came out breathy. No matter how much time we spent together, Luke still lit me up like he did that very first night when we were just kids.

“I wanted to run something by you,” he sounded nervous, “I already spoke to your dad and he gave his approval, but I wanted to make sure it’s something you want, too.”

I turned in his arms and rested my hands on his chest, unsure of what he was about to say.

“When we get married, I want to take Kelly as my last name. I want to finally be a member of the family I have felt a part of my entire life.”

I was at a loss for words, every time this man opened his mouth I fell a little harder.

“I would love that, Luke.”

He wrapped me in a hug and kissed my lips softly before biting my bottom lip.

I playfully slapped his shoulder, “don’t ruin this moment.”

“I actually can think of a few ways this moment can be even better.” He reached up and flicked my nipple through my blouse causing me to squeeze my legs together.

“We have guests.” I crossed my arms.

“Let them watch.”

”Brute.”

“Brat.”

We burst into laughter and turned to look out over the city that was our home. Luke wrapped his arms around my shoulders and pulled me into his chest.

“It’s always been you, Tig. And now, it‘ll always be us .”