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Nick texted Alyssa and told her to meet him at Java Palace in twenty minutes. His always reliable sister agreed without question.
They squealed into the parking lot and swung into the closest spot. Nick grabbed the keys from his friend. “Okay, that’s it, Speed Racer. My poor car will never recover. Learn how to handle the ladies with more finesse.”
Brandt flipped him the bird and hopped out of the car.
They made their way into the quaint little coffee spot in Laguna. Somehow, despite Brandt’s furious pace, his baby sister was already ordering at the counter. Alyssa turned with a smile, which disappeared when she noticed Brandt.
Nick hugged her, and after ordering their drinks, they made their way to a little Mexican-tiled wrought-iron table on the outdoor patio.
“Soo…what’s up? What’s the big news?” She leaned in toward him.
Brandt ignored them both and stared off in the direction of the ocean.
Showing was better than telling so Nick whipped out the black velvet box, opened the lid, and placed it on the table in front of Alyssa. She snatched up the box and squealed. “Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod. No way. I can’t believe it!”
She vaulted up from the table, and dragged him into a bear hug, her face glowing with joy. “I’m so happy for you. I knew you and Sophie were perfect for each other. I told you that. Ohmygod.”
Brandt dropped his head into his hands and groaned. “Okay, okay, crazy Morgan family, you’re making a scene. Sit down.”
Alyssa glared at him. “Since when do you care about making a scene?”
“Whoa, kids, let’s all sit down. What’s up with you two?” Nick looked between them––what was with the tension crackling in the air?
Alyssa angled away from Brandt and focused on him. “Nothing. There’sabsolutely nothingbetween us. So, when are you asking her? Does she have any idea? Are you planning on getting married soon?”
“The way things are going, yes, I’ll do it soon. Why wait?” A jolt of adrenaline spiked through his veins.
Brandt snorted. “Yeah, what possible reason would make you wait to propose marriage after weeks of knowing someone?”
“Have you even met her?” Alyssa snapped her head toward him, her eyes narrowed.
Brandt threw up his hands. “Hell, it’s only been a few weeks—when would I have? This is nuts.”
His buddy had a point. “I know it’s fast. And I want you to meet her. Maybe we can all grab dinner later? Dude, you’ll love her. She’s incredible.”
Brandt shrugged a shoulder. “I’ve got plans tonight. You remember that hot little redhead who works at the smoothie bar…”
“You never change. You’re such a pig.” Alyssa pushed back from the table.
“Hey, you two, cut it out. What’s going on? This is my celebration, remember?” What the hell was up with his sister and his best friend?
Brandt turned toward him, a crease between his dark brows. “Sorry, man. Sure I want to meet her. Maybe later this week?”
“Cool. We’ll make it happen.”
Alyssa rose and hugged him. “Nick, I’m so happy for you, but I’ve got to run back to work.”
His heart warmed. “Thanks. But if you see Sophie, don’t breathe a word.”
“Of course not. Let me know when it’s a done deal.” Without sparing a glance at Brandt, she sauntered away.
When they returned to the car. Nick took the wheel and glanced over at Brandt. “What’s up, man? Didn’t you and my sister used to be friends? Why are you being such a dick?”
“Sorry, man, nothing’s up with Alyssa. We just don’t really run in the same circles these days. Just getting used to the idea of the Player of Laguna taking on the ball and chain.” He shifted his gaze out the passenger window.
Whatever. Brandt and Alyssa were adults––he wasn’t going to stress over it. His own life was changing at breakneck speed and that’s all he could handle. Sophie was spending the evening writing, so he had time to plan out his next steps.
Now he’d made his move and bought a ring, he needed to figure out how to give Sophie the most romantic night of her life. He swallowed down a flash of nerves––it wasn’t too soon to propose, was it?
