Page 63 of Deadly Forever

Now it was Mandy’s turn to frown. “I don’t want to distract from the wedding.”

“It’s not a distraction,” James said. “It’s a cool thing. It’s a wonderful thing. It’s still in the planning stages, though, so it’s hardly a distraction.”

“Oh, now I’m dying to know,” Grady said. “I’m practically salivating here.”

“There’s no practically about it,” Sophie said, making a big show of wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth. “You love it when you sense an opportunity to mess with James and Mandy. It must be that unspoken competition thing between big brothers and middle brothers. I don’t get it.”

“You’re an only child … and mature,” Peter said. “You can hardly be expected to understand Grady’s nature when it comes to his brothers.”

“Ha, ha,” Grady intoned, wrinkling his nose. “I just want to know what you guys have planned. If it’s not a big deal, then why hide it?”

“It is a big deal,” James said. “I don’t know why she’s being so shy. She was a little nervous when talking to me about it earlier – which upsets me some because I have no idea why she thought I wouldn’t get behind her on it – but it’s a really cool idea.”

“Well, now I have to admit that I’m curious, too,” Peter said.

“I definitely want to know,” Emma said. “If you’re excited about it, we all want the opportunity to be excited with you.”

“And you know I don’t like it when people keep secrets from me,” Ally added. “I’ll pinch it out of you if you’re not careful. You’ll have bruises all over your arms by the time I’m done and I happen to know you love the way your shoulders and arms look in your bridesmaid dress so those bruises will be a distraction, not an enhancement.”

“If you pinch her, I’m going to pinch you right back,” James warned, extending a finger. “I am excited to see the dress, though. She won’t let me see it. She locked it in her closet and threatened me with great bodily harm if I look.”

“Just tell us, Mandy,” Finn prodded. “You can’t have this much buildup and then let it go.”

Mandy blew out a shaky sigh and stared at her hands as they rested on top of the table. “It’s really not a big deal.”

Annoyance bubbled through James’ chest as he stared at her. “Stop selling yourself short,” he chided. “It’s a huge deal. It’s a wonderful idea and it shows what a giving heart you have. This is that martyr complex we talked about. Tell them … or I will do it for you.”

Mandy scorched her husband with a dark look before clearing her throat. “I want to open a shelter for victims of domestic violence,” she said. “I want to institute programs and help people with legal efforts. I want to be able to help them get on their feet and keep them protected while that’s happening. I’m interested in the building next to the security office.”

The table fell silent for a moment and Mandy worried she cast a pall over the dinner, which was exactly the opposite outcome of what she intended. Then everyone started speaking at once.

“That’s a great idea,” Emma said. “I want to help. Can I help?”

“I think that’s smart,” Grady said. “You know the ins and outs of the court system and can offer a lot of advice to people in precarious situations. We also know a lot of people who can offer their services for a program like this.”

“I would definitely like to volunteer finances and personnel for whatever you might need,” Peter said. “I think this is an absolutely phenomenal idea.”

Mandy lifted her eyes, surprised. “Really?”

“Of course, stupid,” Ally said, her eyes twinkling. “We all want to help. I think this is a great idea. I’m sick of working in a law office. I’ll bet we could work it out in a way where I could help you full-time.”

Mandy pressed her lips together as she fought off tears. The Hardy family’s capacity for love and acceptance was often overwhelming. “I was thinking that, too.”

Mandy watched and listened as everyone excitedly started throwing out ideas. She was lost in her own little world until James leaned closer and kissed her cheek.

“See,” he whispered. “I’m not the only one who thinks you’re a genius.”

“You’re still in trouble,” Mandy said. “I’m going to punish you later.”

James’ lips curled into a seductive smile. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“SO WHAT’Sthe deal with Kaspar?” James asked an hour later, tugging Mandy onto his lap as he got comfortable in one of the outdoor wicker chairs. “I saw Marge was here, by the way. I was momentarily worried she would lose her mind and try to kiss me, but she didn’t even bother coming outside.”

Sophie snorted as she rested her head against Grady’s shoulder. It was a beautiful evening and even though she was in the middle of a big story, she had no inclination to leave the warm embrace of her almost husband. “She was a little jealous when she saw the way you grilled,” Sophie supplied.

“How do I grill?” James furrowed his brow. “I know I look manly while doing it, but I don’t think I particularly stick out or anything when I have tongs in my hand.”

“No, but you do have a blonde attached to your hip when you do it.”