Page 38 of Deadly Conflicts

“Mandy fought off Pritchard and killed him behind the old bar,” Jake replied. He was already knee-deep in the story. He figured he might as well finish it. “It was a bloody mess and we weren’t sure if Mandy was alive when we got here. James found her behind the bar and … well … they spent a week at a hotel.

“During that week Grady took it upon himself to gut and renovate this place,” he continued. “He knew she would never be able to enjoy it again if it constantly reminded her of Pritchard. So he moved a few things and built a booth. It looks nothing like it did before by design.”

“Well, that’s quite the story,” Louis said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I think I will take that drink now.”

Jake nodded as he got to his feet to retrieve another glass and some ice. “I’m sure they didn’t tell you because they didn’t want to worry you.”

“That seems to be the status quo with my children,” Louis agreed. “Still … poor Mandy. How did she handle it?”

“It was rough for everyone for a little bit,” Jake answered. “James coddled her and she couldn’t go into the guesthouse for weeks. When she finally did and saw what Grady had done … .”

“She’s resilient that one,” Louis said. “She always was. What about James? He had to blame himself for leaving her.”

“He did, but they worked through it,” Jake said. “I swear everyone is okay now.”

“I hope that’s true,” Louis said, accepting the drink from Jake. “What about you and Ally? Is everything okay with you?”

“Everything is great between us,” Jake said, clearing his throat as he sat again. “In fact, I’m kind of glad you followed me out here. There are a few things I want to discuss with you.”

“If this is about the pink robe … and what you two were doing this morning … don’t worry about it,” Louis said, waving off Jake’s concern. “I know Ally isn’t a baby. She’s still my youngest child and only girl. I’m a little protective.

“My sons think the world of you, though,” he continued. “They refer to you as if you’re another brother. I have faith in all of them. They would never let anything bad happen to Ally.”

“I would never let anything bad happen to Ally either,” Jake said. “As long as I have the power to protect her, I will. I would die for her.”

“Without a second thought, too, I’m guessing,” Louis said. “Son, I think you’re a fine man. I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t prefer my daughter married rather than shacking up, though.”

Jake smirked. He couldn’t help himself. “It’s funny you mention that,” he said. “I was standing out here by myself because I was trying to figure out a way to convince you to give me your blessing to ask Ally to marry me. I didn’t think you would after what happened this morning.”

Louis snickered. “I wasn’t thrilled with the scene, but it was fairly entertaining. Now it will be a funny story to tell.”

“So … that’s it?” Jake cocked an eyebrow. “Are you giving me permission?”

“You haven’t asked yet.”

“Oh.” Jake’s cheeks reddened. “Mr. Hardy, I love you daughter more than anything. I didn’t know it was possible to love a woman as much as I love her. I would be honored if you would give me your permission to marry her.”

Louis’ eyes grew misty at the man’s earnest expression and he opened his mouth to answer. He didn’t get a chance, though, because Mandy picked that moment to barge in with James on her heels.

“I knew it!” Mandy crowed, slapping James’ hand away when he tried to silence her. “I knew you were going to propose. I could feel it!”

“Keep your voice down, wife,” James chided, glancing back toward the patio before shutting the door. “Do you want to ruin the surprise for Ally?”

Mandy stilled. “You knew.”

James immediately started shaking his head. “No.”

“Liar,” Mandy hissed, extending a finger. “You knew and you didn’t tell me.” She stalked behind James as he hurried toward the bar and reached for the bottle of whiskey. “I can’t believe you lied to your own wife.”

“It wasn’t a lie,” James said, swigging from the bottle and making a face as the liquid burned going down his throat. “It was an omission. There’s a difference.”

“That wouldn’t fly if I omitted telling you something,” Mandy pointed out.

She had a point. James was caught, and he knew it. Instead of immediately responding he slid a look in Jake’s direction. “Are you sure you want to put up with this? They’re mean when they want to be.”

Louis chuckled as Mandy planted her hands on her hips.

“I’m sure,” Jake said. “Although … Mandy, I need you to keep this to yourself for a few days. I need to get the perfect ring and plan the perfect night. You can’t tell Ally.”