“Do you even love Ryan?”
“Of course not,” Ava said. “I was going to go to an island with him and convince him we were going to be happy forever. Then, when he wasn’t expecting it, I was going to take all of the money and run.”
“You’re a real princess.”
“I know, right?” Ava was also deluded. “Now we’re stuck with no merchandise and a desperate need for money. That’s where you come in.”
“James isn’t going to give you a million dollars as ransom,” Mandy said.
“I think he’s willing to do just about anything to save you,” Ava said. “I didn’t believe men actually married women for love until I saw you two together. He’ll pay.”
“He’ll kill you both is what he’ll do.”
“I guess we’ll have to wait and see,” Ava said. “Now, come on. We need to get going. I’m already behind because of the mafia stud outside.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“Unfortunately, I thought you would say that,” Ava said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a taser. “You’re either going to come with me willingly or I’m going to shock you and then drag you out. I’d rather not do that because you look heavy, but I don’t have a lot of time. What’s it going to be?”
Mandy made up her mind quickly. “I’d rather die than help you.”
“So be it.”
“I KNEW this was going to happen,” Ryan whined, rolling across the filthy motel room floor and clutching his chest. “I told her this was going to go south and we should just run. Did she listen to me? Of course not.”
“Who are you talking about?” Grady asked, nudging Ryan with his foot. Ryan ignored him.
“This is going to be the worst Christmas ever!”
James and Grady exchanged a look.
“Ryan, who are you working with?” James asked, tugging on his limited patience so he wouldn’t kick Ryan harder to get answers. “You need to answer me.”
“The love of my life,” Ryan wailed. “We’ll never get our happily ever after now.”
“I have a hard time believing anyone would get a happily ever after with someone as pathetic as you,” Peter said. “Tell us who you’re working with.”
“The most beautiful woman in the world.”
“We don’t have time for this,” James grumbled, reaching over and grabbing Ryan’s shoulder, digging his fingers in until the man cried out. “Who are you working with?”
“Ava!”
James released Ryan, drawing back so he could think about the man’s admission. “Ava?”
“She’s pregnant with my baby,” Ryan said. “She wanted to force my father into paying child support, but then she realized that wasn’t going to work so we decided to rob the store. Your sister ended that dream.”
“She’s good like that,” Jake said.
“Then we found out you did a background check on me,” Ryan said. “I figured it was only a matter of time before you ran one on Ava. It wouldn’t be long before you discovered we were in contact with one another. We checked out your financials and realized you could finance our escape.”
“And you went after my wife,” James hissed.
“We’re not going to hurt her,” Ryan said. “I promise. Ava just wants to hold onto her until you pay us.”
“Wait … why are you talking about this in the present tense?” James asked. “You already failed to get Mandy.”
“Ava said if she wanted it done right she was going to have to do it herself,” Ryan said. “She won’t hurt her. She’s probably already got her.”
“Sonovabitch,” James cursed, striding toward the door. “I have to get home.”
“I’ll take care of Ryan,” Peter said. “I’m calling Sven now.”
“If that bitch lays one hand on my wife … .”
“She’s pregnant,” Ryan yelled to James’ retreating back. “Don’t hurt my baby!”
“You’d better hope no one has laid a finger on my baby,” James snarled. “I will burn this town down if that witch touches her!”
“I’M NOT afraid of you,” Mandy said, moving around the corner of the pool table. “On the list of people who have threatened my life, you’re not even in the top ten scariest.”
“Maybe that says something about you,” Ava said, holding the taser out as she moved around the far end of the table. “What are you doing?”
“Walking around the table.”
“Why?”
“I don’t think I’ve gotten enough exercise lately,” Mandy replied, forcing a bright smile on her face. “As you said, I weigh too much. I need to work some of my breakfast calories off.”
“I don’t understand why you have to make this so difficult,” Ava whined. “I am on a timetable here. Don’t you care about that?”
“Not at all.”
“I’m really starting to hate you,” Ava muttered.
“That’s funny, because I hated you on sight,” Mandy spat.
Ava lurched forward, the taser aimed for Mandy’s heart. Mandy telegraphed the move and dodged to the side, grabbing the cue ball off the tabletop and whipping it at Ava’s head. The ball hit its mark, causing Ava to drop the taser and grab her eye – howling as she weaved back and forth.
“You bitch! Do you have any idea how much that hurt?”
“Actually, no,” Mandy said, grabbing the taser and circling the table. “My husband knows how much this hurts, though. How would you like a taste of it?”
“You can’t electrocute me,” Ava wailed. “I’m pregnant. You’ll hurt the baby.”
Mandy’s mind drifted to Emma’s stomach and the soft fluttering she’d felt there. She hated Ava, but the woman was right. She couldn’t do that to a baby. Mandy switched the taser off and took a step back. “You’re going to jail, Ava. I hope you have a plan for making your new life fantastic and lucrative.”
Ava didn’t get a chance to respond because the saloon door flew open. James stood in the entryway, his chest heaving as he scanned the room. Grady stood behind him, although he seemed amused by the situation.
“Baby, are you okay?”
Mandy nodded, her demeanor calm. “I threw a pool ball and hit Ava in the eye.”
“That sounds fun,” James said, taking a step toward his wife. “Does she have a weapon?”
Mandy held up the taser. “I was going to shock her with it but … well … she’s pregnant. I’m mean, but I’m not that mean.”
James laughed, the sound taking Mandy by surprise.
“Are you laughing at me?”
“Baby, I just raced across six different cities because I was convinced you were in trouble,” James said. “When we got to the house, we found Sven rubbing his head on the back porch. He’s really pissed, by the way. You’re lucky he doesn’t hit women, Ava.”
“Yeah, I feel really lucky,” Ava deadpanned.
“I ran to this guesthouse and I was sure you were going to be hurt … or about to die … or even crying,” James continued. “Instead, you already won what turned out to be a non-existent fight and you disarmed your enemy.”
“She wasn’t much of an enemy.”
“You amaze me, my baby,” James said, grabbing Mandy and pulling her into his arms. “I love you so much.”
“You people are so annoying,” Ava complained.
Grady moved toward her. “You’re coming with me,” he said. “We’re transporting you to the sheriff’s department.”
“I don’t suppose you’d settle for sex on the pool table and letting me go, would you?” Ava asked hopefully.
“Oh, honey, you don’t hold a candle to my girl,” Grady replied. “There’s nothing you could offer me to let you go.”
“What is it with you people?” Ava groused. “You can’t possibly all love each other this much.”
“You be surprised how much we love each other,” Grady said, grabbing her by the elbow. “You just don’t understand it because you’re not capable of love.”
“Is that
supposed to be an insult?” Ava sneered.
“That’s supposed to be a … you know what? Shut your mouth,” Grady snapped. “I can’t even look at you.”
“Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you,” Ava shot back.
Mandy smiled as she watched Grady lead Ava away. “It looks like Christmas is going to be merry this year.”
“Baby, our life is going to be merry … and happy … and eternally wonderful,” James said, kissing her deeply. “Our life is going to be spectacular. Don’t you ever doubt that.”
Twenty-Four
“Good morning, baby,” James murmured, tightening his arms around Mandy’s naked back and snuggling her close. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.”
James was in no hurry to get up. They’d celebrated with the family late into the evening, enjoying some wine, stories, and love before separating for the holiday. Mandy presented Sophie and Emma with their portraits, both women squealing with delight while the men in their lives merely shook their heads.
“At least I don’t look whipped,” Grady muttered.
They enjoyed a big dinner and Skyped with Rose and Louis Hardy over the computer, Ally enthusiastically catching them up on all the happenings. Everyone watched as Finn felt the baby kick for the first time and was overwhelmed to the point where he shed a few tears. They exchanged gifts and hugs, and then everyone went on their merry way.
Upon retiring to their bedroom, Mandy and James shared their own brand of love and welcomed Christmas like only they could. For now, James was perfectly happy cuddling his wife for the entire day. He knew that wouldn’t happen, though. She was too anxious to get her gifts.
“It’s snowing,” Mandy said, glancing out the bedroom window. “We should make a snowman later.”
James snorted. “You want to get all bundled up and hang out in the snow after your ordeal? That sounds … so annoying.”
Mandy rolled her eyes until they landed on his face. She leaned forward and rubbed her nose against his stubbled chin and then lightly kissed it. “It’s not fair you look so hot in the morning.”
“Baby, you’re smoking hot and you know it,” James said. “If I thought I could convince you to fornicate instead of opening presents, I would tie you to the bed and keep you here all day.”
“We’ll do that later,” Mandy said. “I was thinking we could get in the hot tub. With the snow falling like this, it will be beautiful.”
James stilled. “Do you want to get back in the hot tub?”
“I always want to get in the hot tub as long as you’re there,” Mandy said. “Don’t worry about it, James. I’m not going to have some wicked flashback. I love the hot tub. I love you. Don’t get all … weird … on me.”
“Fine,” James said, pinching her bare rear end. “What do you want to do first? Do you want presents or breakfast?”
“What do you think?”
“Presents it is,” James said, grinning. “I need to go and collect yours from my office.”
“Ally helped me move yours into the closet downstairs last night,” Mandy said. “I’ll meet you in the living room in ten minutes.” She moved to roll off of him, but James held her tight.
“Give me a kiss first,” James ordered.
“You’re so bossy,” Mandy said. She slammed her mouth against his, letting her tongue wander until she managed to connect it with his. After a few moments, she pulled away. “How was that?”
“You might have just convinced me to make that snowman later,” James said. “Get your cute little butt moving, wife. It’s going to take you hours to unwrap everything I bought you.”
BY THE time Mandy and James hauled all of the gifts into the living room, it looked as if Santa’s sleigh crashed landed in their living room.
“This might be a little sick,” Mandy said, glancing around.
“Yeah, we need to set a limit next year,” James said, nodding. “I’m sending out another big check to some charities, too. I … we are really irresponsible consumers.”
“We could take some of it back,” Mandy offered, although James could tell her heart wasn’t in it.
“Sit down and start opening,” James instructed, tossing a small package toward her. “Start with that one.”
Mandy caught the box in mid-air. It was the same size as a jewelry box, so she had at least an idea of what was inside. “Is this my big gift?”
“You’re not getting the big one until the end.”
“Wow, there are so many dirty ways I could go with that statement,” Mandy said, her eyes sparkling. She’d slipped into a satin robe while collecting gifts, and even though James would prefer her naked for the entire day – he didn’t complain. They had days to celebrate. They could take their time. He planned to enjoy every second.
“Open your gift,” James ordered, sliding onto the couch so he could watch her.
Mandy tore open the wrapping paper and flipped the box open, grinning when she saw the sterling silver earrings sitting in the middle of the velvet box. They were shaped like sharks. In fact, they matched the shark charm James gave her on the day of their wedding almost perfectly. “I love them.”
“You don’t wear a lot of jewelry, but I figured you would like those.”
“I do.”
Mandy surveyed the pile of gifts at James’ feet and pointed. “I want you to open that one first.”
James grabbed the oddly shaped, rectangular box. “Is this my big gift?”
“You don’t get that until the end,” Mandy shot back.
James opened the box, furrowing his brow as he studied the brochure inside. “What is this?”
“That is the finest snow blower money can buy,” Mandy replied. “It’s out in the garage. Grady snuck it in there yesterday. It’s under the tarp in the back. I didn’t want to risk you seeing it.”
“You bought me a snow blower?”
“You complained about your back hurting for two straight days after shoveling,” Mandy reminded him. “Christmas can be both practical and fun.”
“I hate to say it, baby, but this is probably the best gift you could’ve gotten me. Thank you.”
“I got it for me, too,” Mandy said.
“How so?”
“You’re no good to me if you can’t move.”
“You’re lucky I love you,” James muttered, wagging his finger. “Otherwise I’d be throwing you in the snow bank and turning you into a snowman.”
Mandy giggled. “What next?”
They took turns pointing out gifts to one another, enjoying the morning. Mandy squealed at the Shark Week collection. James laughed when he saw the shark-themed boxer shorts she bought him. Mandy immediately put all the Pandora charms he purchased on the bracelet while James studied the expensive Nikon camera with a look of puzzlement.
“I like the camera, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not sure what I would use this for,” James admitted. “I’m not taking a gift you got me out on a job.”
“It goes with your big gift,” Mandy explained.
“What is that?”
Mandy smiled. “Is everything else done? Are the big gifts all we have left?”
James nodded, curious. “You have to give me the big gift now. It’s going to drive me crazy if you don’t.”
“Hold on,” Mandy said, jumping to her feet and disappearing into the kitchen. She returned a few minutes later with an envelope, handing it to her husband expectantly and then shuffling from foot to foot as she waited for him to open it. “Well?”
“Why are you so nervous?” James asked. “Are there sex coupons in here?”
“Sex coupons?”
“You know, sex coupons,” James pressed. “Vouchers I can turn in whenever I want something … specific.”
“Do I ever turn you down for those things?”
“No.”
“It’s not sex coupons,” Mandy said. “Maybe for Valentine’s Day. I still think that’s a little weird – especially knowing that you t
hought you were going to take photos of it.”
“We’re setting a limit for Valentine’s Day,” James said. “This is … unhealthy.”
“We’re probably out of things to buy anyway,” Mandy said. “Come on. Open it.”
James opened the envelope, taking the time to read the heartfelt card inside. Every word touched him. Every proclamation of love rolled his heart. He would never tell her, but out of everything she’d purchased for him, the thing he loved most was the card. “I … .”
“Don’t get schmaltzy,” Mandy warned. “I meant every word, but … if you cry, I’m going to cry. I don’t want to cry on Christmas.”
James snapped himself out of his reverie. “No crying on Christmas,” he agreed. He pulled the sheet of paper from inside the card and opened it, scanning what looked to be a travel itinerary. “I … is this what I think it is?”
Mandy broke into a wide grin, her excitement practically swallowing her lovely face. “It’s not until late in the fall,” she cautioned. “I got us a trip to New Zealand, though, just like we talked about. I used some of the money from the inheritance I got from my dad. We can see hobbit holes and everything.”
James smirked, the mere idea of her excitement at seeing the hobbit holes thrilling him. “This is great, baby, but … can you get two weeks off from work in the fall?”
Mandy licked her lips as she regarded her husband. “That’s part of your present, too,” she said. “By October, whether I’m making money with my art or not, I’ve decided to leave the courthouse.”
James’ heart flopped. “Seriously?”
“I need a few more months,” Mandy cautioned. “You have to put up with that. I … need those months to get things in order. I need those months to at least try to sell my art.”
“Baby, you can have as much time as you want,” James said, giving in to his tears. He reached for her, pulling her close as she settled on his lap. “I didn’t need anything this Christmas but that.”
“Aren’t you excited about the trip?”
“I’m thrilled about the trip,” James said. “Two weeks of you, me, and hobbit holes sounds … spectacular.”
“I’m so relieved,” Mandy admitted, sighing as she snuggled closer to him. “It’s really a gift for both of us.”
Deadly Christmas Page 19
