Danger II // J.N

Chapter 26

Jace's POV:

The windows in my apartment are cracked open to let fresh air through, while airing out the smell of the chicken cooking on the stove. My small dining room table is set up for three, while Sean and Corey hangout on the couch with a beer. I finish steaming the carrots, peas, and corn in a pot next to the pan with the cooked chicken breasts. "Alright guys, foods looking pretty good right now. I think we're ready to feast," I chuckle as I turn off the burner for the vegetables. Sean and Corey stand up, Sean rubbing his hands together and making his way to the table to grab his plate.

"Feast? Bro, you don't ever say that. What's got you in such a good mood?" Corey asks as he follows Sean. "He's been real giddy all night," Sean adds.

I smirk and scoop up vegetables from the pot and put them on each of their plates. They each grab a chicken breast from the pan. "I got something I'd like to show you guys."

While they walk back to the table and set their plates down, I quickly walk to my bedroom and open the dresser drawer. I take out a small, velvet box and bring it out to them. They look over as I enter the room, each eyeing the box. Their faces widen. I open the box and show them the diamond studded ring.

"You really are going to marry her," Sean says. I nod. "I was out shopping for her Christmas gift. I wasn't planning this, by any means. I know we left the last conversation about marriage on an iffy note."

"But you still got a ring?" Corey asks. I gently rub my thumb on the ring, looking at it and feeling complete relief and love. "I don't know if it'll be anytime soon. It'd be a perfect Christmas gift, that's for sure. But I just feel happy with her, giving her everything she deserves. I think she deserves this."

Corey and Sean stare at the ring, with shocked expressions. Sean coughs and picks up his fork and knife starting to cut into his chicken. Corey takes a swig of his beer. I close the box and walk back to my room, tucking it into my coat pocket.

"I think you're doing the right thing, Jace," Corey states as he sets his beer down. I put together of plate of food for myself and sit down at the table. Sean nods. "It just seems sudden, you guys lost a lot of time and now you're back together so quick. I mean to us it doesn't seem unhealthy, but to others-"

"It doesn't matter. I don't even care. I don't know why people keep trying to bring my past and her past and everything into what's happening right now. It's different, I like what we have now!" I snap, slamming my finger on the table.

"That wasn't even brought up, Jace, chill out. We get it! We understand your points behind everything just chill out," Corey argues.

I nod and let out a sigh. "Sorry, I'm just thinking about a lot," I state. "I got her other jewelry too, and a new Michael Kors handbag."

Sean purses his lips and nods. "I'd be good with that," He chuckles. Corey and I smile. "To be fair, I haven't even thought of what to get Chelsea, so you're ahead of me in the game," Corey says. We all laugh.

We finish eating dinner and cleaning up the table. Sean helps clean the dishes from cooking off and puts them away for me. While Sean and Corey put away dishes, I sit on my couch and open up my messages. One coming from an unknown sender.

Unknown: It's been a while, I'm gonna need your help.

I squint my eyes, quizzing the anonymous message. I know this has to be Peyton. He always messaged me this way when he needed backup.

Jace: P?

Unknown: I got a buddy you know still behind bars. I think it only makes sense you help me out.

My eyebrows raise, I know exactly who his buddy is.

Alex.

"Guys!" I shout. Corey and Sean turn around quickly. "What?" Sean asks.