Page 108 of Between Hate and Desire

“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 TWENTY-SEVEN

LENNON

I’mon 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 almosttooconvincing. 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 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.

Hunter and I go on a walk so I can show him where I grew up. I 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 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. I figured they’d be interested.” Hunter shrugs nervously, but his confidence quickly returns when his gaze falls to our interlocked fingers.

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 ours 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 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. 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 use the bathroom, brush my teeth, and change clothes. By the time I’m done and go back to the room, Hunter’s already under the covers, halfway off the bed.

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