Page 41 of Deadly Conflicts

“You do that,” James said. “I would be lost without her.”

Jake grinned. “I know the feeling.”

“SO, WHATcan I do for you?”

The woman at the jewelry store was bubbly, bright, and excited when Jake and Mandy walked through the door. She immediately set Jake’s teeth on edge while Mandy happily moved forward.

“We’re looking for engagement rings,” Mandy replied. “We need something classic and beautiful.”

“Oh, how wonderful,” the woman cooed. “My name is Janet and I would love to help you and your fiancé.”

“He’s not my fiancé,” Mandy said. “He’s going to be my best friend’s fiancé.”

“Oh, that’s fun,” Janet said, moving down the counter and stopping in front of a large display case. “I’m guessing he needs a woman’s opinion to pick out the perfect ring.”

“I just want my Ally to have the ring she’s always wanted,” Jake said, licking his lips. His voice was low and he was clearly out of his element. “I’m not sure what her dream is.”

“Well, we have a lot of choices,” Janet said. “What kind of budget are we working with?”

Jake and Mandy exchanged a quick look.

“I’m honestly not sure,” Jake replied finally. “What are my options?”

“Well, that’s kind of a loaded question,” Janet answered. “It depends on the kind of ring you want to get your girlfriend. There are things like cut, clarity, and gold type to consider.”

“We want a princess cut with no side adornments and a platinum band,” Mandy said.

Jake had no idea what that meant, but Janet obviously did because her smarmy smile widened, if that was even possible.

“Okay, it sounds as if you have a good starting point,” she said, opening the door beneath the case and pulling out a display stand. “There are quite a few rings here to choose from.”

Jake’s eyes widened as he studied the twinkling gems. “Wow. I … which one should I choose?”

“It all depends on how much you want to spend,” Janet said. “She is going to be your wife, after all, so I’m thinking bigger is better.”

“Uh-huh.” Jake’s mouth went dry as Mandy shot the sales clerk a dark look.

“Don’t pressure him,” Mandy warned. “He’s already panicking. Jake, it’s okay. Ally is going to love anything you pick out. Any of these rings would be fine.”

Jake didn’t believe Mandy for a second. She was working overtime to soothe him, a job that was not supposed to belong to her today. “How much is that one?” Jake pointed to a mid-sized ring in the center of the display.

“Oh, that’s a nice choice,” Janet said, retrieving the ring. “With sizing, this one would cost sixteen thousand.”

Jake’s eyes widened to saucer-like proportions. “Seriously?”

“If that’s too much, we have other options.” Janet said the words, but her tone said otherwise as her enthusiasm waned.

“I didn’t say it was too much,” Jake argued. “It’s just … is this what she wants?” He turned to Mandy, a desperate look on his face.

For her part, Mandy was unsure of Jake’s financial situation. She knew James paid him well, but that didn’t mean he could afford to spend a small fortune on an engagement ring. She worried she could bankrupt him if she wasn’t careful.

“She’ll love whatever you pick out,” Mandy repeated, helplessness coursing through her. “She just wants to be with you, Jake.”

Jake hated the conflicted look clouding Mandy’s features. “Mandy, I’m not asking you to protect me and tell me what you think I want to hear. I’m asking you to point out the ring that will make all of Ally’s dreams come true.”

Mandy smiled, love for Jake bubbling up. He was so earnest and determined she couldn’t help but adore him. “Ally’s dreams are going to come true when she marries you,” Mandy said. “The ring is nice and it’s a symbol of your love, but you’re the thing that will make her dreams come true.”

“That’s very sweet,” Jake said. “Now stop pussyfooting around and lay it on me. I want Ally to have every single thing she’s ever wanted. That includes the right ring. Why do you think I brought you? I could let this one hoodwink me if I didn’t need your guidance.”