Mikes coming with me to get Scarlet something, I blurted, remembering my line.

What? she asked.

Umm. He didnt tell me what to say. Lingerie. I couldnt think of anything better.

Mike glared at me, giving me a look that clearly said, youre a moron..

Oh okay. Cassandra didnt seem to find it odd. She gave Mike another kiss. You better get me some too then.

I definitely will, he said.

Ill see you at the apartment? she asked.

Youre going straight to my place, right?

Im going to swing by my apartment and get a few things.

No. His voice sliced through the air. Ill go with you when Im finished here.

I can manage on my own. Her voice was confrontational.

She reminded me of Scarlet.

He stood his ground. We can talk about this later. Do as I ask.

Cassandra put her hand on her hip, giving him attitude. Do as you ask?

Just this one time. He gave her a desperate look. Please. I hardly ask you to do anything and you know that.

She loosened up. Fine.

I wont be long.

Okay. She cupped his face and kissed him before she walked out.

I leaned back in my chair. Its like you two were never apart.

You ready to hit the road?

I grabbed my phone and keys and left the office with him. She has the same attitude as Scarlet.

Yeah. I love it, Mike said with a smile.

That made two of us.

We left the office then headed to the garage.

My car or yours? I asked.

My car is better.

My car is more expensive.

Well, my dick is bigger.

This could go on for a while. Lets just take yours.

Pussy. Mike smiled as he unlocked all the doors.

We left the garage then drove a few blocks. Mike stopped when we reached Tiffanys. I stared at the store and noticed the teal boxes they had in the window. It was their companys biggest marketing tool and platform. What are we doing here?

He turned to me. Im getting Cassandra a ring.

My heart accelerated. What?

He nodded. I want you to pick it out with me.

A full minute passed and thoughts swirled in my head. Whoadont you think this is a little soon? Youre rushing this.

No, Im not, he said calmly. I know we both want this.

But youve only been together for a few months And you knew Scarlet for ten years. That makes you look worse. You should have married her the moment you saw her, not wasted years of your life being a fucking idiot.

I knew he wouldnt change his mind about this. Youre sure?

A hundred percent.

I stared out the window before I turned back to him. Then Im happy for you.

Good. He left the car so I stepped out as well.

We walked inside and the women behind the glass counters immediately noticed us. I saw their instant attraction to both me and my brother. I had a large white gold wedding band on my finger. It was pretty damn hard to miss. I wish people respected it more. I hated to imagine how many guys still stared at Scarlet, hoping she wanted to have an affair. I tried not to think about it so my rage wouldnt get to me.

Mike looked down at the rings. They were all shiny, big, and expensive. But that wasnt a problem for the Prestons. What do you think?

What does she like? I asked.

I dont know. Shes not picky.

Then get her something simple. Scarlets ring is pretty ordinary, but thats what she wanted. If I got her a huge rock, shed chuck it at my head then reject my proposal.

How romantic, he said sarcastically. I hope Cassandra and I are as happy as you someday.

Lets see if she even says yes first, I teased.

If we werent in the store right now, Id punch you.

And Id punch you back.

He shook his head then looked at the rings again. How about that one? He pointed to one in the corner.

Its nice, I said. But how about that one? It doesnt have diamonds in the band, but it is a princess cut.

Princess cut? Mike asked.

Its what Scarlet has.

He clearly knew nothing about rings. I just want something nice.

I can help with that. The sales associate came to us. She was blonde and young. What does your girlfriend like?

Shes pretty simple, Mike said.

She opened the case and took out a few. This is really popular right now. It has two rings, one with diamonds in the band and one with just the ring.

He shook his head. Thats too much bling for her.

Bling? I asked with a laugh.

He ignored me. What do you recommend?

She pulled out a plain band with a single diamond in the center. This diamond isnt huge by any means, but its of the highest clarity and its an exceptionally rare diamond. Thats why the price is so high. Its clean and sleek, so its simple but nice at the same time. One look at that diamond and all her friends will know how expensive the ring was"if youre looking to pay that much.

Mike picked up the ring and inspected it. Rainbows flashed in my eyes every time it moved. It definitely was high clarity. How much? I asked.

Thirteen thousand.

Pocket change.

Mike stared at it for a long time. Ill take it.

Her eyes widened slightly but then her reaction faded. Excellent choice, sir. Ring size?

Umm He looked to me for help.

Scarlet and Cassandra are about the same size, so I would go with a size six.

Okay, she said. Anything else?

Yeah. Can you engrave it? Mike asked.

Sure. What do you want it to say?

Mike blurted out a date.

I raised an eyebrow. Whats special about that day?

Its the day I fell in love with her"the day I met her.

I smiled. Thats awesome but youre still a pussy.

He smiled. I dont care. I love being a pussy.

The woman looked uncomfortable by our choice of words. After you purchase it, you can pick it up tomorrow.

Can you take care of that for me? Mike asked. I dont want her to suspect anything.

Of course.

Mike paid with a credit card and we walked back to the car.

I suddenly realized something. Why didnt you want to bring Scarlet? I thought you turned to her for everything? She would have been perfect for this. I wasnt offended he preferred my wife over me. I let it go a long time ago.

Youre my brother. I wanted it to be you. He gave me a serious look then started the car.

My heart squeezed at his words. The last time we got mushy-mushy was when he protected Scarlet and risked his own life to keep her safe. Everything that he did to me in the past was forgotten. And now he did it again. That means a lot to me.

I know I act like I hate you all the time, but actually, II love you. Most of the time.

I love you too. I clapped his shoulder. And congratulations.

Thank you. Now Cassandra and I will be two idiots in love just like you and Scar.

The four of us are a recipe for disaster.

You can say that again.

Scarlet had dinner on the table when I got home. What did Mike want you for?

My dad was sitting at the table, and he looked at me as he waited for a response.

Mike didnt tell me to keep it a secret, but he didnt even know Mike and Cassandra were back together. I assumed Mike wanted to break the news to him. He wanted me to help him pick out new rims for his car.

Didnt he just get new ones? my dad asked.

I shrugged. You know Mike. Hes always changing his mind. I grabbed Scarlets waist and gave her a kiss. I like your apron.

She smirked then glanced down. You like catfish?

I like you.

I think she looks cute in it, my dad said.

She looks cute in anything, I said.

We sat down together and ate quietly.

Dad, I have good news. I inhaled my spaghetti then wiped my face with a napkin.