Page 107 of Between Hate and Desire

I give her a wink, easing her mind that everything went smoothly, 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 care for them.”

I grab Lennon’s hand and intertwine our fingers together, knowing she’s about to deliver the news she’s been 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 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 through Lennon as her parents congratulate us.

“I didn’t expect to find out we’re going to be grandparents today,” Lennon’s dad says, grinning proudly. 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 about her health and how she’s been feeling. “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 wanted to tell you in person because I love you both so much.”

“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 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, forus. 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 relieved 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 one of my own with Lennon. Can’t wait to give her and our baby the world.”

So damn happy, her parents are 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.

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