Travis's Gift (Riley's Pride #3)- Sandra R Neeley Page 0,89
ahead and go.
Travis got in the driver’s seat of her jeep and turned on the engine, then instead of backing out, he just sat there.
“You forget something?” Libby asked.
Travis shook his head. “No. But, I feel this is the time.”
“For what?” Libby said, looking confusedly at him.
Travis shifted in his seat to face her better, then took her hand in his. “I was going to do this tonight, but I find that the closer it gets, I don’t want to share the moment with anyone but us. I don’t even want to share it with Scotty.”
“I don’t understand,” Libby said.
Travis let go of her hand and reached into his jacket pocket. He opened the small velvet box and held it out for her to see.
Libby’s eyes got huge and started filling with tears.
“I love you, Libby. Always have, even though for some of it I denied it even to myself. I’ll never love anyone else. I’ll never even accept anyone else. You’re it for me. I want a life with you. I want a family with you. I know we’re mated, but I want to marry you, too, if you’ll have me. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Libby’s lip trembled as she looked from Travis’s eyes to the one carat, pear-shaped diamond set on a diamond covered, white gold band.
“My god, Travis!” she whispered.
“If you don’t want to, or need more time to be sure, I understand. I know that mating doesn’t mean to humans what it does to us, so if you want more time to decide if you want to marry me, I do understand. I was a dick,” Travis said.
Libby reached out, placing her finger over his lips to stop him from talking. “Of course I’ll marry you. I love you. You’re everything to me, Travis. Everything,” she repeated.
Travis pulled her in and kissed her passionately. Then he removed the ring from its box and slipped it onto her finger. He pressed his lips to the ring and smiled at her. “I love you. You’re all I need in this life to be happy.”
Libby pulled him in for another kiss. “You make me so happy.”
“Feel like I want to take you inside and make love to you, but, Scotty would come looking for us if we’re too late,” Travis growled, nipping her lip.
“Yes, he would,” she agreed. “We can always celebrate when we get home tonight.”
“Let’s go ahead and get there, then,” he said. “The quicker we’re done, the quicker we’re home.”
~~~
Everybody was inside when the rumble of an unfamiliar truck could be heard coming up the drive toward the house. “Who’s that?” Lazarus asked.
“That’s Scotty’s new ride,” Riley said.
“I’d heard Travis and Libby bought him a truck,” Lazarus said, trying to hide his disappointment that it wasn’t Alex.
“It’s nice, dude. Dodge Ram, dark blue with chrome and a lift kit,” Richie said.
“I’m gonna take a look at it before he leaves tonight. Been thinking of getting myself something,” he said.
“You should. Three of you sharing a truck can’t be convenient all the time,” Riley said.
“I don’t mind. But, I was thinking since I set down roots, I’d go ahead and plant ‘em deep. Invest in some things I need to make my life more stable, you know?” Lazarus said.
Riley nodded, his eyebrows raised in surprise. “Yeah. I do know. I think it’s a great idea.”
“Roman?” Darcie asked, coming back into the living room.
“Yeah, baby?” he answered.
“Will you be on my team for the gingerbread house making contest?” she asked.
“Of course!” he answered.
“And look! Aunt Renata found me in the kitchen, and she gave me a necklace!” Darcie said, lifting the tiny golden chain from where it lay beneath her shirt.
“Oh my goodness!” Roman said animatedly. “It’s beautiful!”
“She said it was an official welcome to the family. And she said that I can get a picture of my Mama and put it on one side, and I can put a picture of me, or you or whatever I want on the other side. Do you think we can do that?” Darcie asked.
“I know we can do that,” Roman answered.
“I like Aunt Renata and Uncle Base. And Kaiser is funny,” Darcie said.
A knock on the door interrupted them.
“Come in!” Lucas said, walking over to the door.
Scotty waited until the door was opened, then he stepped through with his arms full of gifts. “Merry Christmas!” he called out.
“Merry Christmas!” Lucas answered. “Need some help?” Lucas asked.