Page 43 of Deadly Conflicts

Peter’s face lit up. “Really? That is delightful news.”

“You seem more excited for Ally to get engaged than Sophie,” Louis said. “How come?”

“Sophie and Ally are very different people,” Peter explained. “Sophie wants a home and to feel safe. She doesn’t necessarily want children … at least right now. Grady makes her feel safe and loved. He also has something of a wild side and she’s far too serious sometimes. She grounds him and he allows her the chance to cut loose. They’re a good match, but marriage doesn’t have to happen right away for them.

“Ally, on the other hand, is desperate to be a mother,” he continued. “She feels safe whenever she’s in close proximity to Jake. He’s calm and reticent while she’s bubbly and over-the-top. They are also a good fit, but Ally wants to be married because she’s ready to start a family. That is the difference.”

“I guess I never thought of that,” Louis said, rubbing his chin. “You know a lot about everyone in the family.”

“We’ve had occasion to work together on a few things,” Peter said evasively.

“Like Lance Pritchard trying to kill Emma and Mandy and steal the baby?”

James froze at his father’s question, his mouth working but no sound coming out.

“I did not have enough to do with that situation.” If Peter recognized James’ distress, he didn’t comment on it. “I should’ve put people in the house with Emma and Mandy that day. If I had … .”

“You can’t go back in time,” Louis said. “They’re both alive. The baby is thriving. I guess we should be happy about that.”

“I guess we should,” Peter conceded.

James finally found his voice. “Who told you?”

“I asked Jake about the change in the guesthouse and he reluctantly told me,” Louis answered. “Don’t give him a hard time. He was in a bad place and nervous. I used that to my advantage. I think the better question is: Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I wasn’t trying to keep it from you, Dad,” James said, choosing his words carefully. “I just didn’t want Mandy smothered right away. She was having a hard time. Then, as time went on, I didn’t know how to tell you because I kept it a secret for so long.”

“I understand about wanting to protect Mandy,” Louis said. “I love her, too. You can’t shut everyone else out, though. Other people love her.”

“Not as much as I do.”

“No, probably not,” Louis said. “Still, it makes me wonder what other things you guys are hiding.”

“Oh, geez, Dad,” James grumbled. “Don’t worry about that. It’s not a big deal.”

“It is, but it won’t be a problem for much longer,” Louis said, turning his attention back to Peter. “So, can I get a tour of your house?”

Peter beamed. “Absolutely.”

James knit his eyebrows together as he considered what his father said. “What do you mean it won’t be a problem for much longer, Dad?”

He didn’t get an answer because Peter was already leading Louis away. For some reason, Louis’ words sent a jolt of dread through James. What exactly was going on with his parents?

“Dad?”