Travis's Gift (Riley's Pride #3)- Sandra R Neeley Page 0,86

it until after Christmas.

She handed a cup of coffee to another customer, and smiled as best she could. It came off as more of a grimace, but still, she tried.

“Libby?” Constance said, walking over to the table she stood at.

“Ma’am?” Libby said, looking at Constance.

“Why don’t we trade tables. Or, better yet, why don’t you go inside and lie down. I can accept payment for everything at the same time I’m selling coffee and cakes,” Constance said.

“No, I’m fine. Why would you think I need to lie down?” Libby asked, trying to laugh it off.

Constance pursed her lips and shook her head. “Because I’ve watched you for the last three days try to stand here and pretend you don’t want to throw up. By the end of the day, you’re fine. If I’m right, you’re lightheaded in the morning, too, because you brought out a stool to lean on while you’re out here. The sipping on Sprite nonstop is another giveaway.”

“Giveaway for what?” Libby asked, giggling nervously.

“You haven’t told him, have you?” Constance asked.

“Told him what? Told who?” Libby said, playing dumb.

“Travis. That he’s going to be a father,” Constance said bluntly.

A horrified look came over Libby’s face and she pressed her finger to her lips quickly. “Shhh! Don’t say that!”

“It’s true, isn’t it?” Constance asked, daring Libby to deny it.

Libby looked around to be sure no one heard Constance before answering her. “I haven’t told anyone.”

“Why not? This is a blessing. It’s to be celebrated!” Constance said, the happiness in her face showing that she was telling the truth.

“No, it’s not! He ran from me when I was just me! Now, he’s gonna freak. It’s not just me anymore. I’m barely making him understand that he’s everything I see. This is too soon, it’s not the way we planned,” Libby said, her eyes filling with tears that she quickly blinked away.

Constance hugged Libby to her tightly. “Mija, he’s not who you dealt with for the last couple of years. He’s grown, he’s changed. Your love did that. He’s confident now and knows how powerful he is. Have faith in the male you love.”

“It’s not the right time,” Libby said.

“It is the right time. God has decided that it’s the right time. And tell me, was there ever really a plan here, or was it just, love each other for all we’re worth?” Constance asked.

“I know, I just…” Libby said, at a loss for words.

“You’re hesitant because of how long he pushed you away. I know. But, he’s not that male anymore. Have faith, Libby,” Constance said.

Libby nodded. “I’ll try. But, please, don’t say anything to anyone.”

“Of course not, mija. This is your news to share. You let me know if you need me to do anything at all.”

“I will,” Libby promised.

~~~

“You about ready?” Roman called out.

“Yes, sir,” Darcie answered, as she walked down the hallway, trying to turn on the flashing Christmas necklace she wore. It was made to look like a strand of Christmas lights, and the lights all flashed off and on.

“That’s a pretty, fancy necklace,” Roman said.

“Yes, sir, it is. Thank you for buying it for me,” Darcie said, smiling at him.

“You’re welcome,” he said, checking his pocket for his keys, and his phone. He never left home without his phone now, and it was always fully charged. “Get your coat, and I’ll get the presents, and we’ll go on over,” Roman said.

“Okay,” she said excitedly, hurrying to get her bright red, puffy ski jacket off the hook by the door. Roman had placed a hook low enough for her to be able to reach it. He’d also put one in her bedroom beside the desk he’d bought for her room. He figured when she started school, she could hang her schoolbag there. “I’m ready!” she said.

“Let’s go then,” he said, walking out onto his small porch and waiting while she joined him. He pulled the door closed and locked it before slinging the bag of presents over his shoulder with one hand, taking Darcie’s hand in the other, and starting toward Riley’s across the road.

“Is everybody coming?” she asked, looking up at him as she skipped along beside him.

“Yep. Everybody. Even Mr. Travis and Ms. Libby, and Scotty, and Richie and Yvette. I heard Ms. Constance say that even Mr. Moe was going to come over,” Roman answered.

“And are Mr. Lucas and Mr. Lazarus coming, too?”

“Yep. They might be over there already. And Uncle Base and Aunt Renata and Kaiser and Summer are coming. And