Page 55 of Deadly Conflicts

“You’re a pig,” Mandy said, slapping his arm. “You didn’t hear me squealing.”

“I did so,” James argued. “A bunch of people turned and stared. I told them not to worry because that was your happy voice.”

“You’re definitely a pig.” Despite the admonishment, Mandy rested her head on James’ chest as he slipped his arm around her waist. “Clint took Heidi out to dinner on Saturday and proposed.”

“Oh, yeah? How did he do it?” James asked. “Did he make a big deal out of it?”

Heidi bobbed her head up and down. “He took me to a romantic seafood dinner and a walk on the beach. Then he got down on one knee.”

“Heidi almost passed out,” Mandy supplied.

James smiled. He loved seeing Heidi so excited, and his wife by extension. “When is the big day?”

“When is what big day?” Even though her office was tiny, everyone scooted around to make room for the arrival of Heidi’s fiancé. For his part, Clint looked confused as everyone smiled and James clapped him on the back. “What’s going on?”

“Congratulations,” James said. “I think you’re going to love married life.”

Instead of reacting in a positive manner, Clint shook his head and gave Heidi a dirty look. “I thought you said we were going to tell everyone together?”

“I’m sorry,” Heidi sputtered. “It’s just … I had to tell Mandy. I’ve been dying to tell her for days.”

“I told her she should’ve called me,” Mandy said.

“I wanted to see your face,” Heidi protested.

“You could’ve stopped by the house,” Mandy said. “James’ parents are staying with us anyway. We had a barbecue every day this weekend. You would’ve been more than welcome.”

“Well, next time,” Heidi said.

Clint cocked an eyebrow. “Next time? Are you planning on announcing another engagement I don’t know about?”

“No,” Heidi said, giggling as she fanned her face. “I’m sorry. I’m just so flustered.”

“You’re excited,” Mandy said. “I remember when James proposed to me. I couldn’t wait to tell you, too.”

“I remember that,” Heidi said. “You started crying before you got the words out.”

James’ smile slipped. “You cried? Why?”

“They weren’t sad tears,” Mandy replied. “I just … got overwhelmed.”

“See, I don’t get that about women,” James said. “When you said yes I called my brothers and they congratulated me. We celebrated by going to the bar and getting drunk. You and Ally spent hours crying over a bottle of wine. It’s odd.”

“I think it’s a woman thing,” Clint said, giving James a knowing look. They weren’t exactly the best of friends – mostly because James was convinced Clint had a crush on Mandy when he first hooked up with his future wife – but they were much closer now than two years before. James even encouraged Clinton on rare occasions when he agreed to double date with the couple.

“Yes, women are definitely strange and mysterious creatures,” James agreed, giving his wife an affectionate squeeze. “Even though I don’t always understand them, I couldn’t imagine living without this one.”

“I know the feeling,” Clint said, slinging an arm around Heidi’s shoulders. “We’re all going to be married soon.”

“Thankfully not to each other,” MacIntosh said, smiling as he glanced at James. “Not that I’m not glad to see you, Mr. Hardy, but I’m curious why you’re here.”

“Actually I was in the area because I had to do a work chore and I thought I would give Mandy an update on a case she’s monitoring with me before she goes into the morning session,” James said. Mandy knew right away it was only a half-truth but she didn’t call him on it because they had an audience. “Then I heard squealing when I got off the elevator and had to know what that was about.”

“Just think,” Heidi said. “In a few months you won’t ever stop in here again because Mandy will be gone. Won’t that make you sad?”

James pursed his lips. “No.”

Heidi widened her eyes. “How come?”