A Life Worth Fighting by Brenda Kennedy Page A

forget, sign this card for Bethany and Kyle. We picked up a few things for her engagement.”
    “Oh, I didn’t know they did things like this.”
    “It’s a new trend.”
    “When I got engaged, I was lucky to get a ring,” Jo says, laughing.
    “Yeah. Me, too.”
    I get the cash drawer set up, and when I return, Robert and Jo are sitting on the couch and having coffee.
    “Ace, you take more breaks than any employee I have.”
    He smiles and says, “I was fired yesterday, remember?”
    Jo laughs and stands up. “You kids remind me of Carl and me many years ago.”
    I’ll take that as a compliment. “Rushing off so soon?” I ask.
    “Yes, Carl and I have some errands to run, then I might let him take me to lunch.”
    “I need to go, too, Sweets. I’ll be here at 6:00 p.m. to help close up.”
    “All right, I’ll call you if I need you. Be careful and I love you.”
    “Always and I love you, too.”
    Robert walks Jo to the door as Bethany walks in. She hugs Jo and then Robert before walking over to me. Robert walks Jo out to her car before leaving. I smile.
    “For someone as big and macho as he is, you wouldn’t think he has such a tender side,” Bethany says, watching them.
    My heart swells with the compliment. “Thank you. He really is a gentleman.”
    “His mother should be proud,” Bethany says as she starts to straighten up the pillows on the couches.
    “Yes, she is.”
    I watch through the picture window as Robert watches Jo leave before he takes off for his 15-or 20-mile run.
    “Here, we got you something,” I say as I hand Bethany her basket of engagement goodies.
    “Oh, Leah. You didn’t have to.”
    “We wanted to. It’s not every day my girl gets engaged.”
    “Thank you.” I watch as she looks at the bottle of champagne, the champagne glasses, the bridal magazine, and the box of dark chocolates. She reads the card and starts to cry. “Thank you,” she says as she hugs me.
    “You’re welcome.”
    “You and Jo are the best.”
    On Saturday, Robert doesn’t fly out to D.C. early. He drives me to the shop and helps me open it like he has the last several days, He is still very adamant about me not lifting or carrying anything heavy. My dad, his dad, and Gus are all flying out for the fight with him. He has been training like a mad man and I wonder if it’s because of the fight or if it has to do with me being pregnant and he is releasing some built-up stress. Just before Bethany pulls in, Gus, Dad, and Walter pull up to pick up Robert. I get a feeling in my belly and I know it has nothing to do with my pregnancy. I hate when he leaves and I hate that he fights. I put on a smile so he can’t see my fears.
    “Looks like your entourage is here,” I joke.
    “I’ll call you when I land. Have fun with the coloring contest for Brooke’s posters.” Today Brooke is coming over to help with the poster-coloring contest. We have a day filled with activities and fun for the kids and their parents. Jo is coming to help as is my mom and Robert’s mom. Gus’ wife, Bethany, is also coming to take pictures.
    “Thank you and we will.” I walk him outside so he can get his duffle bag from my car. My dad walks over to me and hugs me. “Take care of him for me,” I say.
    “I will, don’t worry.”
    “That’s easier said than done.”
    “He’s better than he ever was,” my dad says, and I know it’s to put me at ease.
    I watch as Robert puts his bag in the back of Gus’ SUV. Robert hugs me and kisses me one last time. “Stop worrying and I love you.”
    “I’ll try and I love you, too.”
    “Take pictures. I want to see the posters the kids make.”
    I smile when I think about the big day we have planned. “I will.” I wave to them as they leave.
    Mom, Margie, Bethany, and Brooke all come in early to help set up the tables and the craft items. Emma comes with Raelynn, who is carrying a bag.
    “Miss Leah, look what I brought,” an excited Raelynn says.
    I kneel down and look in