Page 4 of His Secret Gift

“Oh, right.” With the exciting news, I forgot the whole point of this conversation. However, after the reminder, I panic because it’s pretty clear that I have to follow through with those plans.

Again, my bubble is pretty small, and the idea of traveling around the world terrifies me.

“Kayla?” Collin says like it wasn’t the first time he tried to get my attention.

“What?” I ask after jumping back out of my head.

“Aren’t you meeting Molly?”

“Ah! Yes. Yes, I am.” I grab my scarf and throw it around my neck. “Congratulations again. Please give my love to Claudia.”

“Will do. Do you mind if I finish up eating here?”

“Of course not.”

He chuckles, crosses his arms, and widens his stance. “Thanks. The food wouldn’t make it far past the front door if I brought it home. The pregnancy cravings and everything.”

I laugh along. “Right. Well, please just make sure you lock up,” I say while turning to leave.

“Got it. Have a fun night. Call me if you need a ride.”

“Collin.” I face him again.

“What?” He’s gripping either side of his mouth with his thumb and pointer finger.

“I’m old enough to know how stupid it is to drink and drive.”

He then raises his hands up as if in defense. “Okay. I’m just saying…”

From the day our father died, he’s made it his mission to protect his darling, baby sister. But soon, he’ll have a child of his own to look after.

“I appreciate it. But I’m good.”

I spin around again.

“See ya,” he calls from behind me.

“See you. I love you, Collin.”

“I love you too.”

Chapter 2

Follow Through – Kayla

“Ababy?” Molly exclaims when I tell her about my niece or nephew.

Since it’s a weekday, the bar is quiet. So, I’m sure the other patrons, although there was only half a dozen around, could hear her.

“Yep,” I replied after looking around and seeing them engaged in their own conversations.

She sets her beer bottle down and grimaces. The bouncing brown curls spouting from the top of her head move with her head.

“What?”

Taking another swig, she says, “Don’t get me wrong. I love Collin. But picturing him… having sex.”

I cover my ears. “La, la, la.” It’s not something I enjoy thinking about either.

---