Dragon Dreams: Book 2: Prophecy of the Dragons by E.J. Krause

her parents, who were close to getting themselves back under control. She rolled her eyes, which brought back Ben's giggles, and realized her breakfast looked appetizing again.
    Once everyone's laughter had played out, Ben looked to her parents. "Oh, we forgot to tell you, Rico says you two should be ready for your task soon. Like ours, it has something to do with dreams, and will help in the big quest all four of us have to go on."
    "Did he say anything else?" Mom asked.
    "No. When I tried to get more info from him, he said he didn't know any more yet."
    "And he seemed to be afraid of Ben when he said it," Andi added.
    "Interesting," Dad said. "I've never known him to show any fear."
    "He was pretty much afraid of me that whole time when we came back. I think it had to do with disintegrating the captain's soul. I wonder if that's the only way he can be hurt or killed?"
    "I don't know the answer to that," Dad said, "but it's a possibility."
    Mom stood up and started clearing the table. "Okay, I think we've had enough doom and gloom for a Christmas morning. How about a happier topic?"
    "Yes," Heidi said, instantly perking up. She reached under the table and pulled out a small festive gift bag, which she placed between Andi and Ben. "For both of you."
    "What is it?" Andi asked. "I thought we did the presents yesterday." She looked at Ben, but his emotions spelled out that he was as mystified as her. The way the adults grinned meant this would either be a great gift or a super uncomfortable one.
    "Open it, Alexandria," Dad said.
    "Isn't it Ben's, too?"
    Trent chuckled. "It is, but it's mostly yours."
    Heidi elbowed him in the ribs and told him to knock it off.
    She glanced at Ben again, and when he shrugged, she reached for the bag. She pulled out a gift card to The Jewelry Emporium. Her jaw dropped open when she saw it was for $5000, and she wasn't quite sure what to think. The confusion encompassing Ben skyrocketed.
    "For engagement rings," someone said, but her head was swimming and she wasn't sure who said it; she didn't even know if it was one of the moms or dads. Both moms squealed in delight and came around the table to engulf them in hugs, while the dads sat smiling.
    "Thank you," Ben managed to squeeze out, and when she tried to say the same, tears came pouring out. Instead of halting the festivities, the adults reveled in her tears. Ben reached out and caressed her hand, but since he would feel her extreme happiness, there was no need for him to comfort her.
    "Since you two are still in high school, you might want to wear them on your right hands," Heidi said.
    "Or get necklaces or bracelets instead," Trent added.
    "Why are you guys adding me in this?" Ben asked. "Aren't engagement rings for girls?"
    "Oh no," she said, her voice back under control. "You're getting one, too. You're going to look extra hot with something shiny on."
    The adults, even Dad, laughed.
    "Go put that with the rest of your stuff," Mom said. "We'll figure out later when we're going jewelry shopping."
    "But why so much?" Andi asked as they stood. Not that she was complaining, but still. Mom and Dad rarely threw their money around like this.
    "You're a dragon," Mom said. "You'll want one with extra sparkles, and those cost a bit more." Ben's parents chuckled at that, and Dad shrugged and nodded.
    She smiled and was finally able to say, "Thank you."
    As they headed for the stairs, she was glad Ben's confusion was gone and was replaced by happiness. She wondered what she felt like to him. She was so ecstatic she thought her head might blow off. She also hoped no one expected them back too soon because she was so making out with him when they got to her room.
    *****
    Andi and Ben sat on a comfortable wooden bench in Grammy's Koi Garden, a patch of green grass and colorful flowers surrounding a small fish pond, his arm around her and her head on his shoulder. It was a tiny space on the side of the house, and it was so peaceful. She'd visited Grammy and