Deadly Reunion (Hardy Brothers Security Book 20) by Lily Harper Hart Page A

case.”
    “We’ve decided to be the indulgent aunt and uncle,” Mandy supplied. “The kids can come over and swim in the pool whenever they want.”
    “And then go home so we can swim naked in the pool once they’re gone,” James added, earning a playful shove from Mandy. “If there was an accident or something, I’m sure we would adapt. I love my wife so I would love anything that came out of her. As of now, though, we’re happy with the way things are.”
    “And you?” Peter turned his pointed gaze toward Grady.
    “I can’t even get the balls up to ask Sophie to marry me,” Grady said. “We’re nowhere near talking about kids yet.”
    “That’s not what I asked,” Peter said, shaking his head. “And don’t worry about proposing. It will happen when it’s supposed to happen. It’s not like Sophie is freaking out and wondering why you haven’t asked her to marry you yet.”
    “Even though he has a great ring,” Mandy muttered.
    Peter stilled. “You bought a ring?”
    “Thanks a lot, blabbermouth,” Grady snapped.
    Mandy feigned contrition. “I’m very sorry.”
    “No, you’re not.”
    “You’re right. I’m not sorry,” Mandy said. “I want you to ask Sophie to marry you because I think she’s going to make a great sister-in-law. You need to get a move on things.”
    “Mind your own business,” Grady said, rolling his eyes. “Women.”
    “I prefer the way this woman is thinking right now,” Peter said. “You’re already a part of my family, Grady. I’ll be thrilled when you make it official.”
    “See.” Mandy stuck her tongue out and swiveled quickly when Grady reached for her. James slapped down his brother’s hand before he could touch her.
    “Don’t make me thump you,” James said.
    “I see how it is,” Grady lamented. “You’re choosing her over me. I get it.”
    “You won’t get it until you stop being a pussy and propose,” James said. “Until then … you’re lost in a fog of your own making.”
    “Oh, that was profound, husband.” Mandy stroked the back of James’ head. “People say you’re not sensitive, but they’re wrong.”
    “I owe it all to you, baby.”

    “ O KAY , WHAT do you need?”
    Finn reclined on the mattresses Mandy set up on the den floor and stared at James and Emma as they nervously circled him.
    “Are you hungry?” Emma asked. “I can whip up some chicken noodle soup from scratch. It’s your favorite.”
    “Do you want me to turn the television on?” James asked. “I’m sure there’s a baseball game on somewhere. You love baseball.”
    “Are you in pain?” Emma queried. “The doctor said you can’t take your pain medication for another two hours, but I might be able to give you something from over the counter to help you.”
    “Do you need another pillow?” James asked. “That can’t be comfortable. I’ll get more pillows.”
    Finn worked his jaw but no sound came out. Finally he turned to Mandy, who held Avery in her arms and swayed back and forth as she watched the show with a bright smile on her face. “How can you find this funny?”
    “Because I’m usually the one hurt and having people hover over me,” Mandy admitted. “This is downright adorable when you’re not the one hurt.”
    “Now I know how a goldfish feels when a little kid wins it at the carnival and loves it to death for forty-eight hours,” Finn complained.
    “Just hope they don’t overfeed you and then forget you under a bright light,” Mandy said. “They’ll chill out after a few hours. You just need to relax and let them dote on you.”
    “You know we’re right here, right?” James challenged. “We can hear what you’re saying.”
    “And we don’t like it,” Emma added.
    “Ooh, Mommy and Uncle James are crabby,” Mandy said, widening her eyes to get Avery to laugh. “You’re going to be a neurotic mess if this keeps up.”
    “He’s going to be a neurotic mess no matter what,” Finn said, grimacing as he held an