Page 21 of Deadly Conflicts

James scowled. “I’m sorry,” he said. “You took me by surprise. I know how Mandy’s body feels against mine and I thought … .”

Ally waved off his apology. “I get it,” she said. “I would hope Jake would do the same thing.”

“Okay.” James studied her for a moment. All of the Hardy siblings boasted the same high cheekbones, brown hair, and chocolate eyes. Even Ally, who had delicate features and most closely resembled Grady, couldn’t be mistaken for anyone other than James Hardy’s sister when they were standing together, though. “Why did you hug me?”

“Because I love you, although I often forget why,” Ally replied, irked. “Can’t a sister just hug her brother?”

James shrugged. “I guess.”

“You guess?”

“I don’t know, Ally,” James replied. “This conversation is making me really uncomfortable. What’s going on?”

“Nothing is going on,” Ally spat, her notorious temper coming out to play. “I just thought you might want a hug and to hear that … um … I love you.”

James furrowed his brow. “Have you been talking to Mandy?”

“I have and you’re lucky to have her,” Ally said, not missing a beat. “She’s one in a million.”

“She is one in a million,” James agreed. “You’re also one in a million … although not in the same way for me because that would be gross.”

Ally giggled, her eyes somber. “I wanted to apologize.”

“Oh, geez.” James pinched the bridge of his nose. “I love my wife, but she is such a busybody.”

“She is, but she’s also a good friend,” Ally said. “She pointed out that I might’ve treated you poorly when that whole Vince thing went down.”

“Ally, that was years ago,” James said. “We don’t need to rehash it.”

“I just want you to know that I appreciate what you tried to do for me back then,” Ally said. “I know you were trying to protect me and I was too young and stupid to see it. You’re a good brother … and I love you.”

James pursed his lips as he regarded his sister. He wasn’t one for mushy pronouncements and exchanges, but he couldn’t ignore the earnest expression on her face. “I love you, too. What happened back then was just … our family finding its footing. We’re okay. We’ve moved on and you’ve picked a much better guy this go around.”

“I have.” Ally bobbed her head up and down. “Still, I never apologized for yelling at you. I waited until Vince ran out on me and then raced to your doorstep so you could slap my life back together. It was … wrong.”

“It wasn’t wrong,” James argued. “You’re my sister and that’s my job.”

“Well, I still think I owe you an apology,” Ally said. “So … I’m sorry.”

James didn’t want to laugh because it was a serious moment, but he couldn’t help himself. “Should we hug?”

Ally nodded as she stepped into his embrace, taking a moment to bask in his warmth before retreating. When the siblings separated, things were a bit awkward.

“So, um, where is my wife?” James asked finally. “She created all of this trouble so I figure she has to be watching from afar.”

“She’s picking out a bracelet for you from one of the kiosks over on crafts row,” Ally replied. “It has a shark charm and is woven and you need to pretend to like it no matter what.”

“I don’t have to pretend,” James said. “I’ll wear whatever she gives me.”

“I know you will.” Ally’s smile was so soft and pretty it almost hurt James to look at her. “You turned out to be the best husband in the world. You know that, right?”

“That’s because I have a wonderful wife,” James said. “You know … .” He broke off, unsure how to proceed. He would never ruin Jake’s surprise, but he had no doubt that Ally would make just as wonderful of a mate for Jake as Mandy did for him. “You’re going to make a wonderful wife and mother, too. I hope you know that.”

“I know that,” Ally said. “I just wish Jake would get off his butt and propose. I’m ready for a baby. Every time I see Avery my ovaries hurt.”

James smiled at the mention of his nephew. He had no doubt Ally and Jake would have a multitude of beautiful kids to add to the family one day. “Something tells me you’ll get your wish,” he said. “I’m happy for you no matter what, though. You deserve to be happy.”

“So do you.” Ally impulsively hugged her brother again. “I love you, James. You married my best friend and made her happy. You always take care of her and me even when we’re pains. You’re my hero.”