“Travis let his knees give way, sending her tumbling to the floor.“Ouch!” she squealed, looking up at Travis.“America’s a friend of mine. You need to find another lap, Lex.”

“Travis tapped my apple with his fork. “You gonna eat that, Pidge?”“No, you can have it, Baby.”Heat consumed my ears when America’s head jerked to look at me.“It just came out,” I said, shaking my head. I peeked up at Travis, whose expression was a mixture of amusement and adoration.”

“I am begging you.” My arm lowered and tugged as he fell to his knees. “I’m begging you, Abby. Don’t do this.”“Let me go, Travis.”Travis was on his knees, palms flat on the pavement.The sight of him on the ground made the tears I’d been holding back rush down my face.”

“America glanced at Travis before shoving the Honda into gear. “Look at him,” she said, shaking her head. “Travis Maddox: Mr. Mom.”

“You should know by now that it takes patience and a forgiving attitude to be friends with Travis. He’s his own universe.”I shook my head. “That’s the Travis everyone else sees…not the Travis I know.”

“Look at him,” she said, shaking her head. “Travis Maddox: Mr. Mom.”

“Her hand covered mine, and she spoke softly. “Travis needs work. Trust me, I understand any and all reservations you have about him, but look how much he’s already changed for you. Think about the last two weeks, Abby. He’s not Mick.”“I’m Mick! I get involved with Travis and everything we’ve worked for…poof!” I snapped my fingers. “Just like that!”