78

I thought back to that night in Jackson just over a year ago and shook my head once, If I told you that, I’d have to kill you.
The salesman chuckled as Darrell’s face paled and quickly tried to cover my slip up, He’s joking.
I met Darrell’s eyes and smirked, Am I ?
Well, the salesman took a breath and regained his composure. As he glanced between Darrell and I he continued, I can’t really help you if I don’t know something about the lucky lady.
Darrell and I both looked at each other and then to the salesman as we spoke in unison, She’s an annoying little shit.
Again the salesman chuckled as he made a note, O. K. What else ?
Once more the next words slipped out before I could stop them, Putting a bullet in her would have been a hell of a lot simpler.
The salesman paused as confusion washed over his face, Um. O. K. What else ?
Darrell scolded me with his eyes, warning me to be careful of my words as he answered, She’s feisty and a damn good cook.
The salesman laid his pen down and glanced between the two of us again, his brow arching as he watched us carefully, Which one of you are asking her to marry you again ?
I crossed my arms over my chest, my glare deadly as I retorted, I am. Why ?
Darrell leaned against the wall and spoke up before the salesman could reply, Only technically Carter. You get the benefits of sleeping with her, I spun on Darrell as the salesman’s face tinged pink. The rest of us in the house have to put up with her nagging like she’s our old lady as well.
You all could always leave, I pointed out for the hundredth time since Lea had decided to come back to us.
Yes we could, but where would the fun in that be ? he stated bemusedly.
I sighed and scanned over a different set of rings and pointed to one that looked similar to the tracking pendant Lea still wore.
Let me see that one.
Darrell looked over my shoulder and as he spoke, I knew he was thinking the same thing I was, If anyone didn’t know any better, they would think it was a matching set.
It’s perfect.
And what size it the young lady’s finger ? the salesman asked as he pulled the ring from the case.
I looked to Darrell, I don’t know.
You idiot, how do you not know her ring size ?
I shrugged my shoulders, It never came up in any of our conversations.
Maybe if you would actually converse every once..
I took a threatening step toward my best friend. Be very, very careful of what you say next.
Darrell put his hands in the air, No need to get all defensive Boss. I was just stating a simple, yet honest fact.
HM, MM, the salesman cleared his throat, If I may ask, what size clothing does the young lady wear ?
I reached across the counter and grabbed the salesman by his collar, pulling him to me, Why. Do. You. Want. To. Know. Her. Clothing. Size ? I growled out each word.
Carter, let him go. Darrell eased between me and the man, I’m sure he has a very good explanation for asking that, Darrell looked over his shoulder to the salesman, don’t you ?
Uh, ye, yes of, of course, he stuttered out. I dropped the man back to the floor and watched agitatedly as he straightened himself out. By knowing what size clothing she wears, I can pretty much determine her ring size.
Really ? Darrell looked at me then back at the salesman, How can you do that ?
There is a general guideline we go by, it’s not one hundred percent, but it is pretty accurate.
Darrell looked back to me, It wouldn’t hurt to give it a try Carter.
I glared at both men as I growled out Lea’s size. The salesman took the information and compared it with a chart he had. He then picked the ring up and turned it over in his hand before holding it out to me, Looks like you’re in luck Mr. Stephens. This should fit her perfectly.
I jammed one hand into my pocket and slugged Darrell’s shoulder with the other as he sent his signature smirk my way, How much ?
The salesman’s eyes widen at the stack of bills I had began to count out. After keying in the price of of the ring, he looked up with a satisfied smile on his face, It will be three thousand seven hundred fifty-five dollars and sixty nine cents with tax.
I handed over the an even four grand and directed the salesman to keep the change as I continued to glare at Darrell. I thanked the man and tucked the small box into my pocket as I headed for the doors. I was due to pick Lea up in a hour’s time.
Let’s go.
Darrell and I made it to the house with five minutes to spare. Lea was dressed in a soft peach colored evening gown, ready to see the showing of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, and was pacing the main room as Mahalia tried to calm her.
I was immediately on high alert, What”s wrong ?
You’re late. Lea threw her hands on her hips as the members of the house gathered around us.
No, I’m not Lea. Your just ready early.
For once, Lewis hissed as he walked up with the rest of our guards and the members of the house.
I had Darrell called Darrien and Tony, informing them to gather everyone in the main room while we drove home.
Lea twirled in place and let out a breath, going wide eyed as she realized we were no longer in the company of only Mahalia and Darrell and threw her hands in the air, Oh God, what now ?
I dropped to one knee and pulled out the box, opening it as Lea slowly turned back to me as several of the members drew in deep breaths.
I looked into Lea’s eyes, Lea Mason.
Oh holy hell, Lea’s face paled as she looked me over. What the freaking hell are you doing, Carter ? Get up from there.
I shook my head and held Lea’s glistening glare.
Lea, from the first day I laid eyes on you, I started feeling things that no one else had ever been able to make me feel, things I didn’t think were possible for a man like me to feel.
When I pulled you from that theater and threatened your life, you held your own against me. Anyone else would have cowered away, but you were defiant and never once begged for your life.
You annoy the shit out of me, but at the same time, you manage to continue to intrigue the piss out of me. Putting a bullet in you all those months ago would have been a hell of a lot simpler, but my life would not.
You have challenged me straight from the start and drove me mad more times than I care to recall. You have cost me round upon round of ammo and many nights of restless sleep. But through it all, you have taught me how to live and how to love. And you taught me how to overcome the monster I once was so that I could be a better man.
You have accepted every part of me and loved me when I was undeserving. You have shown me what it is that I truly want and need in life. You bring light to my darkness and make me laugh when I don’t want to.