Page 51 of Deadly Forever

“I don’t like it,” James said after a beat. “I didn’t even realize when I asked them to do this what it would really entail. I want Mandy to always wear her rings. She’s … mine.”

Jake smirked. “I wouldn’t worry about it,” he said. “She doesn’t want to be anything but yours.”

“That’s true,” James said, forcing himself to relax as he watched Mandy and Ally work over Kaspar. Grady sat at the end of the bar and pretended not to be looking in their direction, but James knew he was close should things get out of hand. “I love that woman so much it hurts sometimes.”

“I know the feeling,” Jake said. “I’m so excited to be able to call Ally my wife that I’ve woken up shortly after midnight every night this week. Each time I check my finger for a ring. I’m convinced I’m going to somehow miss it.”

James snickered as he locked gazes with his friend. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to Ally. I’m not going to lie. I was against her hooking up with you in the beginning. I didn’t think you wanted to settle down and I knew that’s what she wanted most.

“You proved me wrong, though,” he continued. “You’re loyal. You’re a diligent worker. You’re also a good man and one of the best friends I’ve ever had. You’re going to be a wonderful husband to Ally. I have faith that you’ll get one of the greatest happily ever afters on record, second only to Mandy and me.”

Jake barked out a laugh. “Thank you for saying that, but Ally is the best thing that ever happened to me,” he said, his expression somber. “I wasn’t a complete person until I had her.”

“I know the feeling,” James said. “Mandy and I have been together for two years, but I can’t remember being without her. I don’t even want to think about that life.”

“Then don’t,” Jake said. “Think about your future. Think about the hot sex you’re going to have when you get her home and can take advantage of that dress you seem to be fixated on. Heck, think about the prom.”

James’ smile was whimsical. “She’s all I ever want to think about.”

“Then focus on that,” Jake said. “We’re stuck here until they manage to steal his glass. After that, we’ll finally have something to focus on.”

“I’m looking forward to that,” James said, turning back toward his wife. He growled when he realized Kaspar was looking down her dress, the guidance counselor not realizing he was being watched. “I’m still going to kill her.”

“We’ll kill them both,” Jake suggested. “Then we’ll give each other alibis.”

“That sounds like a plan … except I can never live without her.”

“I know the feeling,” Jake said, wistful. “I guess we’ll just have to put up with them.”

“Forever.”