Travis's Gift (Riley's Pride #3)- Sandra R Neeley Page 0,24

hanging from a limb of a Christmas tree by his trousers that were pulled down and showing the crack of his ass. The saying across it was, “Have a half-assed Christmas.”

Libby reached out and accepted the mug from him. “Why did we ever think this was funny?” she asked. “Inappropriate Christmas gag gifts,” she said.

“Because it is!” Travis insisted, chuckling.

Libby smiled then, before she started laughing. “Yeah, it is. But, there’s a chance we could be a bit warped.”

“It’s all good. I’ll take warped with you at my side any day,” Travis answered, as the coffee pot finished making its first pot.

“Ahhh, it’s ready,” he said, taking the pot in hand and reaching for her mug.

Libby handed Travis her mug and he poured coffee into it, but before handing it back, he walked over to the refrigerator and took out half and half, topping it off before stopping at the sugar bowl and putting in two teaspoons of sugar.

“Here. Exactly the way you like it,” he said, holding it out to her.

Libby didn’t take it right away. She just looked at him.

“What? Don’t tell me you’re on one of those stupid diets and don’t want the half and half and sugar,” he said.

“No,” she answered.

“Good, ‘cause you’re perfect,” Travis said, holding the mug out to her again.

“Thank you,” Libby said, taking the mug from him and watching as he made his. Black with one sugar, just like always. “You remembered how I take my coffee,” she said.

“Of course, I do,” Travis said. “I remember everything, Libby.” Travis looked around before looking back at her. “I know you don’t eat this early, so, want to sit on the porch for a little bit while we have our coffee before getting to work on the decorations?”

“Yeah, that’d be nice.”

Libby followed Travis, pausing right behind him when he stopped beside the recliner to pick up the very same Goodwin Weavers throw blanket she used to cover with while napping in the recliner when Travis had been overseas, and she’d been watching over Scotty.

Travis winked at her and walked to the door, holding it open for her to walk through. Once on the porch he set his coffee down on the railing and lifted the throw blanket to wrap around Libby’s shoulders. He kept her wrapped tight until she was seated, then arranged the blanket around her legs to keep her warm.

“You don’t want a blanket for you?” she asked.

“Nah, feels good to me. Shifter blood,” he said, taking his coffee from the railing and sitting in the rocker beside hers. “Is it too cold for you?” Travis asked.

“No, I love it. Warm, soft blanket, hot coffee, and cold December morning. Nothing more perfect,” Libby said, sipping her coffee as she looked off in the distance.

“It was your favorite blanket, I think,” Travis said.

“It is. It’s hard to find anything by Goodwin Weavers anymore. I’ve looked and looked and can only find used ones,” Libby said. “Well, I should say, I can’t afford the new ones. I can only afford the used ones.”

“They were my mom’s favorite, too,” Travis said.

“I remember,” Libby answered.

The front door opened and Scotty stuck his head out. His eyes widened at finding Travis and Libby sitting on the front porch having coffee in the early morning. “Wow. I think I’m dreaming,” he said.

Travis chuckled.

“You’re not dreaming. I came over to help get all the decorations done and the baking started,” Libby said.

“Yeah, but you’re both sitting there — being nice to each other,” Scotty teased.

“We can be nice,” Libby said defensively, but with a smile on her face.

“Yes, we can,” Travis answered, standing up and being careful to get his balance on his prosthetic. “ I need another coffee. You?” he asked Libby, holding out his hand for her mug.

“That’d be great,” she said, handing him her cup.

“I’m gonna grab something to eat, then I have to get to school,” Scotty said, disappearing back inside the house.

Moments later Travis was back with their second cups of coffee, and had taken his seat next to Libby again. “This is nice, isn’t it?” he asked.

“It is. I could get used to this being a morning ritual,” Libby said.

Travis smiled, but made a mental note to have coffee ready for her and her favorite blanket ready for her to snuggle in every time she was at his house.

About ten minutes later the front door opened again and Scotty walked out of it with his book bag slung over his shoulder. “Okay. Who’s