Page 61 of Deadly Conflicts

“It’s too late,” Jake said, licking his lips. “I knew it was a mistake to tell you. I just … crap!”

“I want to know why no one told me,” Grady said. “I’m trustworthy and I don’t have a huge mouth like the women in this family.”

“I don’t have a huge mouth,” Mandy argued.

“Oh, you’re a regular blabbermouth,” Grady said.

“I am not!”

“Baby, you just blabbed to the entire room,” James pointed out. “As for standing up for you, I did that a few minutes before you showed up. Jake’s mood has matched yours all afternoon. You’re quite the pair.”

“I … .” Mandy felt helpless. “I didn’t mean to do it.”

“It doesn’t really matter now, does it?” Jake asked, pushing himself to his feet. “This was supposed to be the best day ever for Ally. I wanted it to be special.”

“Oh, you’re such a woman,” Grady muttered.

“You’re just upset because this means you’ll be the only one who hasn’t proposed,” James snapped. “Suck it up and get a move on.”

“You’re going to propose, too?” Rose looked thrilled. “This is like the best day ever.”

“This is like the worst day ever,” Jake countered, stalking toward the driveway. “I need a few minutes to think. I’ll be back.”

“Take your time,” James said, his eyes somber as they locked with Mandy’s. “Are you happy?”

Guilt and worry rolled into a ball and sat in the pit of Mandy’s stomach. She felt terrible. “No.” Her voice cracked and James’ expression softened.

“Baby, we’ll figure it out,” James said. “Mom isn’t going to say anything to Ally. I promise. We’ll fix this.”

Mandy pressed her lips together and mutely bobbed her head.

“Go upstairs and change, Mandy,” James said. “We’ll figure out dinner while you’re up there. Just … take a deep breath and relax. It’s going to be okay. I’ll fix it.”

Mandy wasn’t sure. “I’m sorry.”

“I know you are,” James said. “You have to understand that he’s been dreaming about this for a long time. He wants it to be perfect. He’s really not upset with you.”

That’s not how it felt to Mandy. “I’m going to take a bath.”

“I’ll come get you when dinner is settled. It’s going to be okay.”

Mandy didn’t believe that for a second. She’d screwed up … and she had no idea how to fix it.