Page 106 of Between Hate and Desire

As she continues to talk about us, I study her with a smile playing on my lips. Lennon’s so goddamn beautiful without even trying, and the urge to kiss the fuck out of her takes over, but I hold it back. Chuckling, Lennon grins wide as she talks about how she feels like she’s known me forever and how we’ve been friends for years.

She even mentions how much I love her singing, comfortably improvising and sharing parts of our real story.

“Right, Hunter?” She glances at me, shaking me out of my thoughts as I listen to her talk about us.

I nod, pulling her closer, wishing I could scoop her up onto my lap. “Absolutely. The best way to start my day.”

“You both seem very much in love,” her father states robotically, looking back and forth between us.

“You do,” Mrs. Corrigan agrees, grinning. “If you’re happy, that’s all that matters, Lennon. While we wish you’d told us sooner, I understand why you didn’t, considering the past few months. I’m glad you were able to find someone after losing Brandon. I know how much you loved him, and I can’t even begin to imagine how hard that must’ve been for you, for both of you.”

“Even so, you should’ve gotten married in the church,” Mr. Corrigan says.

I can’t tell if he’s disappointed or upset, but it’s obvious he doesn’t agree with us eloping to Vegas.

Lennon’s prepared for this response and explains without waiting for a beat. “I know, Dad. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly. But planning a wedding, flying back to Utah, doing everything from afar with school starting soon and having to get ready for all of that, on top of grieving would be too overwhelming. Especially after everything I have—wehave—already been through.” When she looks at me, I notice tears welling in her eyes, but she doesn’t let them fall.

“I 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 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 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.

“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 my feelings. 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 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.”

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.

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