Page 147 of Between Hate and Desire

“I don’t feel that way.” I laugh, then press a hand to the top of my bump so they can get a better look through the baggy fabric. “Trust me, she’s in there.”

Hunter grins as he passes me the sonogram photos. We sit as I pass them out.

“Oh goodness.” Mrs. Locke gasps, covering her mouth. “Her little nose.”

“Looks just like Brandon,” Hunter adds.

“She looks a lot like him already,” I say with tears in my eyes.

They inform me they have a lawyer for Brandon’s case and plan to sue the person who hit and killed him. It’s painful to hear the details of the accident and see how this is weighing on them—on all of us. Mrs. Locke tears up when she says the civil suit could take months, if not, years, but if they can get a wrongful death win or life insurance money, they’ll save it for me and the baby. It’s completely unexpected, but I thank them anyway.

We chat for close to an hour before they make their way to the door. I give them a few pictures to keep, wanting them to have some. I’m so relieved by their reactions and feel bad for waiting to tell them.

“Thank you, Lennon. You have no idea how this will help us cope and give us some closure. We miss him every single day, but knowing he’s going to live on through your child gives me hope that life can go on.” Mrs. Locke tears up as she gives me a hug, and I never want to let go but, eventually, do.

Mr. Locke pulls me into a hug, and I promise to keep them updated. Once they leave, I walk to the living room where Hunter is sitting on the couch. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I rest my head on his chest as he rubs a hand over my back. I need some kind of comfort after that emotional meeting because the heartache is almost too much to deal with.

“You okay?” he asks softly.

I nod.

“That went well,” he says.

I nod again, thinking about everything that was said tonight.

We stay like this for a few minutes before I pull back and look at him. My vision is blurry from the tears threatening to fall. “Thanks for being here.”

“Of course.” He brings his thumb to my cheek and wipes away a rogue tear. “I knew they’d be happy.”

“She’s probably going to be the most spoiled kid ever,” I say with a halfhearted laugh. Brandon was the Lockes’ only child, so this will be their only grandchild.

“Oh I can bet on that,” Hunter agrees with a laugh. “Not just them, though. She’ll be spoiled and loved by everyone around her. You’ve impacted more people in your life than you even realize, Lennon.”

My heart thuds hard in my chest, his words casting a spell that has my emotions magically suspended.

I wish I could kiss him right now.

If only things were different.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

HUNTER

The past tenweeks have come and gone, and the temperature is starting to drop. The leaves are changing, and soon it’ll be Halloween. The major project at work finished last month, and we were well under budget as I had hoped and planned. My boss even gave me a nice bonus and has already pre-assigned me to a few large jobs that’ll kick off next year. At the moment, I’ve been asked to help with projects that have fallen behind. I’d much rather be in charge, but I can’t complain too much because less responsibility equals less stress. It allows me more time to focus on Lennon and the baby.

As I’m sitting at my desk, getting ready to answer a few emails, I receive a call from Tracie, the lobby secretary who checks people in and out of the building.

“Someone’s waiting for you up front with lunch,” Tracie says in a whispered tone, which is odd.

“Who is it?”

“She won’t tell me her name, but she’s pregnant. She wanted it to be a surprise,” she tells me.

I shake my head, wondering what Lennon is up to. I look at the clock and realize it’s right around her lunchtime, so I bet she ran a quick errand and brought me something. Though I already ate one of those shitty protein bars I keep in my desk drawer, I won’t refuse a hot meal. “Alright. I’ll be right there.”

I try to hold back a smile as I walk down the stairs and open the door that leads to the lobby. As my eyes land on Jenna, I have no words. I know Tracie is watching us, so I try to act normal even though I’m shocked as hell. I haven’t spoken to her since she threatened me with her lawyer. If I act indifferent, she won’t make a scene. I don’t need anyone at work knowing my business.

“Hey there, Daddy!” she says loudly as if she wants the whole building to hear, and I cringe.

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