Page 46 of Deadly Conflicts

“I have money,” Jake said, making a face. “I’m not the type of guy who lives high on the hog. Before Ally and I moved in together I was socking away a nice sum every month. Once we started sharing the same roof – and bills – that allowed me to save even more. I have a lot of money, in fact.”

“That’s good,” James said. “I can’t imagine Ally’s dream ring was cheap.”

“No.” Jake shook his head, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. “The second Mandy demanded to see it, though, I knew she was right. She said it’s exactly like a ring Ally showed her when they were fourteen.”

“Fourteen?”

“Yeah. She said they got a jewelry catalog from your mother and spent hours going through it,” Jake said. “Mandy dreamed about marrying you with the ring she picked and Ally dreamed about snagging whoever the quarterback was at that time. At least she’ll get half of her dream.”

“She’s getting the whole package,” James corrected. “You’re better than the quarterback. I knew they picked out rings together. That’s why I had Ally help me. I was worried she wouldn’t be able to keep her big mouth shut, but she was so excited for Mandy I remember thinking it was the first time she seemed like a real adult to me.”

“Yeah, Mandy was all business,” Jake said. “She even told the sales clerk to shut up at one point. She was worried I felt pressured.”

“Well, you pick up the ring tomorrow,” James said. “When are you going to do it?”

“Mandy and I talked about that, too,” Jake said. “I asked her what Ally’s dream proposal was and she kind of laughed. She said the dream proposal always shifted depending on the guy so she didn’t know. She said I would know the right way to do it.”

James rubbed his hand over his jaw as he considered the statement. “Do you know?”

“I have an idea,” Jake confirmed. “I did need Mandy’s help picking out a few things.”

“Like what?”

Jake averted his eyes. “Oh, you know … things.”

James’ eyes darkened. “Like sex things?”

“No! You’re such a pig.”

James wasn’t convinced. “Then what did she help you buy?”

“I don’t want to tell you all of the details about what I have planned,” Jake admitted. “One thing I’ve noticed about these women is that half the fun of getting engaged is telling your story thirty times. I want her to be able to tell you.”

“That sounds reasonable,” James said. “I’m still curious what you went shopping for with my wife. I keep picturing a sex shop with flavored oils and lingerie … and wow, look at that. Now I want to punch you.”

Jake barked out a coarse laugh, amusement washing over him. “She helped me pick out some candles and plan a menu. It was nothing nefarious.”

“Candles, huh?” James’ expression was thoughtful. “I never planned out Mandy’s proposal. I mean, I did, but it never happened the way I thought it would. I found her that day crying because she was upset about killing her stepmother and losing the house and … I just did it.”

“So?” Jake was confused. “As far as I can tell she loves her proposal story. You gave her a ring and her dream house in the same thirty seconds.”

“Yeah, but … it wasn’t special like I planned,” James said. “Maybe I should propose again. You know, do it right this time.”

Jake made an incredulous face. “You’re already married.”

“I don’t want to do the wedding over,” James said. “I could just give her a special proposal. She deserves a great story.”

“Oh, whatever,” Jake scoffed. “You just want to win. Not everything is a competition, man. Now that I’m going to propose to Ally you’re worried Ally will have a better story than Mandy, and for some reason, that drives you crazy.”

James wanted to argue, but he feared his friend was right. “It’s not that I want to win,” he said. “I just want Mandy to have everything she’s ever wanted.”

“She does,” Jake said. “While we were eating lunch she told me that she used to believe that happiness like she feels when she’s with you only existed in books and paintings. She said that’s why she wanted to be an artist, so she could always get a glimpse of happiness. Now she gets it whenever she looks in your eyes.”

James briefly pressed his eyes shut, the words warming him to the core. “She said that?”

“Your biggest problem is that you’re a little insecure, too,” Jake said. “You’re so worried about making everything perfect for Mandy that you don’t realize you’ve already done it. She’s happy. Why can’t you just enjoy that?”

James shrugged. “Because I like to win.”

Jake rolled his eyes. “I think the Hardys are too competitive for their own good,” he said. “You’re all desperate to win even though you’ve already claimed the top prizes.”

“Yes, well, we are what we are,” James said, reaching for the refrigerator door. “Now help me with the hamburgers. I need to feed my wife if I’m going to plan a surprise proposal.”

“And you say Mandy is work,” Jake muttered. “I think you’re the one who is work.”

“And just think,” James said brightly. “Mandy says that Ally and I are the most alike.”

“That, my friend, is a terrifying thought.”