by Kennedy Fox
“I just kept thinking how something bad could happen before we could tie the knot because tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us. I’m sure you can understand why I didn’t want to wait...even a month was too long.” Lennon sighs dreamily. “Hunter was okay with having the wedding next year, but I refused. I wanted to start my life with him immediately,” she explains, and I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles in full agreement. If I could give her a standing ovation for her speech, for standing up to her father in a roundabout way, I would. His face softens, and he gives her a small smile, not pushing it any further.
“I can’t believe you’ve been married for a while and gave no hints or anything,” her mother says in a pained tone. Lennon explains how we wanted it to be a big surprise since the trip was already planned. I can’t help but think about Brandon but push the thoughts away. I can’t get into my own head right now because I already feel like shit for the boundaries I’ve crossed.
“So Sophie and Madelyn know, I take it?” her mother asks.
“Of course they do, Mom, but they only found out after the fact. The only person at the ceremony besides us was the one random witness they provided. It was private and super small, but that’s what made it so special to us.”
Her parents give Lennon and me a hug. She shows off her rings, and I think they’re more than impressed when they see the size of the diamond. That wedding set is everything she’s ever deserved.
“Welcome to the family,” Mr. Corrigan says, giving me a firm handshake.
We stand, laughing and chatting, and Mrs. Corrigan excuses herself to the kitchen to grab the coffee, and Lennon follows. The scent fills the room, and I’m actually looking forward to having a cup. I’m left alone with Mr. Corrigan, and he’s exactly how Lennon’s always described—firm and reserved. I sit on the couch, watching him study me, and I try to tuck my nerves away. All I know is I don’t want to be on this man’s bad side.
He’s tall and built for an older guy with salt-and-pepper hair. Lennon’s a combination of her mother and father, but she definitely has his eyes. Though his are a tad more fierce and threatening as he regards me.
Mr. Corrigan speaks, breaking the silence. “I have high expectations for the men who marry my daughters, Hunter. Call me old fashioned, but I expect my future sons-in-law to ask for my daughter’s hand before proposing, so I can make sure they’re worthy of my girls. It’s a sign of respect. But since you disregarded that...there’s nothing I can do about it now.”
“I apologize, sir, I really do,” I say, patiently waiting for him to continue. Lennon warned me he’d probably bring this up, so I somewhat expected it.
“Part of your responsibility as her husband is to be the man of the household and provide for her. I assume you have a decent job, at least?” He pauses, waiting for my response.
“Absolutely. I’m a construction project manager. It pays very well with great benefits,” I respond. “I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty or work hard.”
“Good.” He nods his approval and even flashes a small grin, allowing me to relax a bit. “You both should be attending church each week as well, but most importantly, divorce isn’t something I support, Hunter, so—”
“Mr. Corrigan,” I cautiously interrupt, our easy conversation obviously over. “With all due respect, I love your daughter more than words can describe. I’ll provide for her and make sure she’s taken care of for the rest of our lives. That’s one promise I’ll always keep. Eventually, I want to buy a house for us to grow old in with the white picket fence and wraparound porch. Anything she wants. Lennon means everything to me, sir,” I tell him with confidence. I don’t even have to lie about how I feel or laying it all out on the line. I’d give her everything if she’d let me. Everything I said is the truth, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Lennon is okay, even if all we can ever be is friends.
Her dad smiles. “That’s what I like to hear, son. Though we just met, I can see you two really love each other, and I believe everything you’re telling me. But don’t interrupt me again.”
I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry, but I nod in understanding. “Of course,” I say. Mrs. Corrigan disrupts our man-to-man talk when she enters with four cups of coffee on a tray with sides of cream and sugar. Lennon looks at her dad, then back at me, and I know she’s wondering what he said. I flash her a wink, easing her mind that everything went smoothly, and then pat the spot next to me on the sofa, so she relaxes and sits. We’re each handed a mug, and I blow on it before taking a sip. Caffeine is exactly what I need right now. Too bad it doesn’t come with a side of whiskey to numb the pain for the almost beating I took.
Lennon adds sugar and cream to hers but holds it tightly in her palms. Since the day she found out she was pregnant, she’s refused to take even the smallest of sips of coffee, regardless of how many times I’ve told her one cup a day is perfectly fine for the baby. She’s stubborn but protective, which I can’t blame her for considering what she’s been through.
Lennon’s mom sits and does the same to her coffee, then takes a drink. Mr. Corrigan chats about the church and what they’ve been doing this summer for their congregation.
“The big Fourth of July celebration is tomorrow. Did Lennon tell you? We’re so glad you’ll be coming with us. Are you two excited?” Mrs. Corrigan asks, but before either of us can answer, she continues. “Why aren’t you drinking your coffee, Lennon? Is it too bitter? I tried some new beans this time, and now I’m not sure I really care for them.” She wrinkles her nose as if she’s just tasting it.
I grab Lennon’s hand and intertwine our fingers together, knowing she’s about to deliver the news she’s been so damn nervous about since the moment she found out. Letting out a deep breath, she smiles. It’s go time. I look at her, and when she rewards me with a sweet grin, I know she’s going to make the announcement.
“Actually…” She slowly enunciates the word as she sets her mug down on the table.
Her mother watches intently, waiting for a response, but I’m willing to bet it won’t be the one she’s anticipating because it has nothing to do with coffee.
Lennon looks at them and releases a nervous breath. It feels as if time stands still until she says her next words.
“I’m pregnant,” she announces with a shaky voice, the confidence in her tone slipping. I’m here for her and refuse to let her do this alone, so I get ready to play the happy husband, soon-to-be father role.
“Oh my gosh,” her mother squeals, sliding to the edge of the chair, and I’m worried she’s going to fall right off.
“We found out just a couple of weeks after the wedding,” I tell them. “It’s a blessing getting pregnant so soon, and we couldn’t be more excited to start a family right away.”
“Some women have a hard time and struggle, but we were so fortunate.” Lennon grins, and my stomach turns at her words. I know she’s thinking about Jenna and the conversation we had right before we got here, but it’s the last thing I want her thinking about right now. We have so much to talk about, but it’ll have to wait until we’re back home.
“We’re going to be grandparents,” Mrs. Corrigan cries with joy. Her dad is just as elated about the news. Relief flashes over Lennon as her parents congratulate us.
“I didn’t expect to find out we’re going to be grandparents today,” Lennon’s dad says with a wide grin. He stands and pulls me into a side hug. “Congrats, son. It’s going to be a lot of responsibility and—”
“Dad,” Lennon interrupts with a laugh. “He’s reading all the baby books to prepare, so he doesn’t need your speech right now.” I silently thank her with my eyes for interrupting. Though her dad obviously loves her, he’s intimidating as hell.
“Okay, fine. Sorry.” He grins. “ I just remember when I first found out I was going to be a father...” He places a hand on his wife’s shoulder, and she turns and smiles. “It was one of the happiest times of my life. I’m sure you feel the same way, Hunter.”
With a relieved chuckle, I agree with him, though it hurts like hell—more than they’ll ever know—that she’s not actually carrying my baby.
Lennon wraps an arm around my waist, pulls me close to her, and kisses me so damn sweetly she nearly steals my breath. I cup her cheek, wanting to deepen the kiss, but then I remember this isn’t real.
Her happiness is contagious, and I smile as we break apart. We did it. We really did it. And they bought it.
Lennon sits and gives them information overload about her health and how she’s been feeling. “So I stopped drinking caffeine and am following everything by the book. Before you start with more questions, I didn’t want to say anything until I was out of the first trimester, but I wanted to tell you in person because I love you both so much,” Lennon says.
“I think this calls for a celebration,” Mrs. Corrigan announces. “A big one!”
“No, no, Mom. I don’t mind if people know, but I don’t want a special party or anything,” Lennon insists. “I just want to spend time with you, Dad, and Hunter.”
Her mother frowns, then flashes a toothy grin. “Okay, sweetie. But the ladies at church are going to be so excited for you, for us. How far along are you? Do you have a good doctor in California? Are you showing? Let me see!” Her mother asks fifty questions, and Lennon’s shoulders relax with a laugh.
“Kay, don’t bombard her,” Mr. Corrigan states, placing his hand on the small of her back. They’re so thrilled about the news, and it seriously couldn’t have gone any smoother. A heavy weight lifts from my shoulders, and by Lennon’s actions, I know she’s relieved too.
When Lennon yawns, her parents tell us to take her old bedroom upstairs and rest before dinner. Before I carry our luggage up, her parents stop me.
“Welcome to the family, Hunter,” Mrs. Corrigan tells me as Lennon watches us.
“Thank you, I truly appreciate that. I’m excited to be a part of it and am thrilled to be starting a family of my own with Lennon. Can’t wait to give her and our baby the world.”
So damn happy, her parents are totally buying our story, though I’m not lying when I talk about the life I want to give her. As I walk toward Lennon, she locks her fingers with mine, then I dip down and place a kiss on her lips while her parents watch.
“You’re really impressing them,” she whispers just loud enough for me to hear. As we pull apart, her eyes flutter open.
I smile, her lips so close I could kiss them again, but then remind myself we have an audience and pull away. “I meant every word.”
Chapter Four
Lennon
I’m on a complete high from the past two hours. Finally telling my parents the news has lifted a huge weight off my chest. I never should’ve doubted Hunter for a second because he freaking nailed his part. In fact, he was almost too convincing. I had to remind myself several times we were acting.
“My parents adore you,” I tell him once we’re in my old room with our luggage.
“I told you,” he singsongs. “Parents love me.”
I snort and roll my eyes. “My sisters were right. You sure know how to charm people.” I rummage through my suitcase and look for some comfy clothes. I can’t wait to change into them after dinner and sleep for twelve hours. With Hunter lying next to me, I probably could.
“Only when I need to,” he corrects.
“Actually, I don’t think I’m going to nap. Do you want a tour of the house? We can take a walk around the neighborhood, and I’ll show you all the ways we tried and failed to sneak out,” I say with a laugh.
Hunter leans against my old desk with his arms crossed over his chest, looking at me so intently. “Sure, I’d love that.”
Once I’ve organized my clothes and unpacked my toiletries, I lead Hunter around the house and relive childhood memories. My mom busies herself in the kitchen while my dad works in his office. Though he just gave a sermon this morning, he’s already working on the next one. He cares about his members, and his devotion to their needs often means staying late at church. Considering tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and the volunteers at the celebration will include members of the congregation, I know my parents have a jam-packed day for us.
I take Hunter on a walk and point out the elementary school my sisters and I attended, the park we used to hang out at, and the walking trails we’d meander along with our friends on the weekends. Going down memory lane brings feelings of nostalgia. Even though I somewhat wish I could raise my child here too, I’m happy with my life in Sacramento even after all the heartbreak I’ve endured.
By the time we return, I’m beyond exhausted and ready for food and sleep. Mom makes a fuss, so we sit in the formal dining room as she serves roast and potatoes. While we eat, we talk more about our “relationship” and how excited we are to become parents. I stand to show off my belly, then make a joke about how bloated and big I am for only being a few months along. Mom reassures me it’s normal since she started showing early with each of her pregnancies and was always asked if she was carrying twins.
Crisis averted.
For now, at least.
Hunter answers questions about his job, and I can’t help but notice how he lights up when he talks about it. He’s definitely passionate about his work, and my parents eat it up. They love how he’s driven and has a career, and considering the rings he bought, it’s safe to say I didn’t realize just how good of a living he makes.
When Mom passes out slices of homemade apple pie, my father asks Hunter about his family. Reaching under the table, I take Hunter’s hand and pull it on my lap for support as he tenses.
“He isn’t close with his parents,” I tell them, so he doesn’t have to explain.
“It’s okay, Lennon,” he says, looking at me as his gaze falls to our interlocked fingers. “I figured they’d be interested.” Hunter shrugs, but his confidence quickly returns when he looks at me. I nod, and he turns to my parents.
He tells them about Hayden and how close they are. Then he directly dives into his childhood, and how he grew up in a political household but had nothing to do with that once he left home. He speaks so effortlessly, opening up to my parents without a second thought. It’s amazing to watch him be so candid.
“Well, you’re a part of our family now, Hunter,” my father says after, and my heart pounds with a mixture of pride and guilt. We’re deceiving my parents, and for a minute, I think about revealing our hoax and telling them the truth, hoping they’ll accept what is, but then my father continues, reminding me exactly why I can’t. “We know your lives are in California, but we hope you’ve found a place of worship that follows our beliefs. Teaching you and your sisters the right way—God’s way—was important, and my grandchild’s life will be easier if the written word is taught and followed.”
My stomach drops. He’s being entirely too preachy, and it almost makes my skin crawl. I’ve heard it my entire life—go to church, get an education, date with the purpose to find a husband, get married, then have children.
Having a job was never forced, and being a stay-at-home mom was considering the norm. My sisters and I wanted careers we were passionate about and left to pursue them in California. None of us dreamed of being a homemaker like my mother. She was “the wife of the pastor” and in charge of bake sales and getting us to our extracurricular activities. Mom loved it, and I know plenty of other mothers in the church who did, but that life wasn’t for me.
“I can assure you we’ll raise the baby together and make those decisions as we go,” Hunter answers, saying enough to make my father happy.
Yawning, I get my mother’s attention, who luckily changes the subject. “You kids should get to bed after such a long day. Tomorrow’s going to be a blast!” She claps excitedly. “Did Lennon tell you all about it? Oh my gosh! All the church ladies are going to die over your handsome husband.”
Hunter clears his throat, sitting straighter. “Yes, ma’am, she’s told me some. Though I have a feeling I’m going to be
in for quite the surprise.” He smirks, making my mother melt.
“It’s tradition,” I tell him. “Trust me, there’s no getting out of it.” I snicker, giving him an apologetic smirk.
Hunter wraps his arm around my shoulders and leans in closer. “Can’t wait.”
After we say good night to my folks and head upstairs, I go to the bathroom to brush my teeth and change clothes. Once I’m done and go back to the room, I see Hunter already under the covers, halfway off the bed.
Chuckling, I look at him and bite my lip. “Gonna be snug, huh?”
As if he could be any sexier, he puts his arms behind his head and stretches out. “Yeah, I don’t know where you’re gonna sleep,” he says with a smug smile.
“Ha-ha, funny. I warned you.”
“Yeah, but we ‘practiced’ in a big bed, and now I’m realizing just how ridiculous this is gonna be.”
I stop at the edge of the bed and frown. “I’m sorry. I know this isn’t ideal.”
“Lennon.” His face drops as he pulls back the covers. “Get in.”
My feet stay frozen to the floor, unable to move as I take in Hunter’s large frame and notice he’s only in his boxers. It’s hot as hell up here, and my parents never turn the central air below seventy degrees. It’s why I’m only wearing a pair of mesh shorts and a tank top.
Swallowing, I nod and finally snap out of it.
I will not stare at him.
Hell, who am I kidding? I’m gawking so hard I’m surprised my eyes haven’t popped out by now. I turn off the lamp on the nightstand and inhale.
I can do this.
We’re snuggling because we have to. If we don’t, one of us will literally fall off the bed. Hunter’s huge, which means he can’t help but take over two-thirds of the small mattress.