Page 154 of Between Hate and Desire

She scoffs. “You’re overreacting, Lennon. You aren’t thinking clearly.”

“No, Mom. I’m thinking clearly for the first time when it comes to your demands. If you and Dad no longer want to be in my life or be in your granddaughter’s life, then that’s onyou. That’s something you’ll be forced to live with for the rest of your lives. I’m going to be a single mother soon, and my sole responsibility will be to protect my child. What you’re essentially asking me to do is total bullshit, and I’m not going to do it so you look good to the church. I don’t care what they think about me. I no longer care whatyouthink about me either. So if you flew all this way to give me ultimatums, then you can leave.” Years worth of frustration spill out of me, things I should've said ages ago, but I’m relieved to get them off my chest now.

Glancing at Hunter, he looks uncomfortable, but also proud. He gives me a little head nod of encouragement.

When I look at my mom, I can tell she’s not happy with me. She’s downright furious. “That’s how you really feel?”

There are two sides to my mother. The one Hunter met, who’s sweet as cherry pie, kind, and accepting. And then there’s this one—critical, judgy, and condemning..

“I am not continuing the perpetual lie. I refuse. As you said, all actions have consequences, and I’ll happily face mine. The baby is Brandon’s. I’m not married to Hunter. My baby isn’t coming into a world based on lies so everyone else feels better about my situation. It’s my life, and I’ll do what I please going forward. And either you’ll be there to support me and the baby, or you won’t. I can’t force you to do anything just like you can’t force me. Not anymore.” I firmly shake my head, licking my lips that have gone dry.

“Excuse me one moment.” Hunter slides his chair out and walks to the hallway. I hear the bathroom door shut, knowing he’s purposely giving us privacy, which is the last thing I want right now. When there’s an audience, she’s forced to be on her best behavior because appearance is everything.

“Young lady,” she hisses. “Remember you’re the one who got yourself into this predicament. You’re the one who had sex before marriage, who ended up pregnant, and decided to lie to me, your dad, and the congregation about being married to a man who’s not even the father of your baby. You live in an apartment with him as well, which I’ve also discovered Brandon lived here too. The internet is powerful, and all of your lies can easily be uncovered, Lennon. What I’m asking you to do is make it right, to do what your heart is telling you to do anyway. The way you look at each other, there’s nothing fake about it. Nothing. He looks at you like you’re his entire world, and I see it in your eyes too. Now, you can deny it. You can say it’s not true or whatever you need to because you’re emotionally unstable, but that relationship you two portrayed, everyone believed. I know everything he said to me and your father was coming from his heart, and that he’d take care of you and the baby in a heartbeat. He loves you, Lennon. And you know what? You love him too.”

I don’t have the energy to deny her allegations or try to make sense of how she can possibly know all that even before I did, so I don’t argue it. She grins and takes a sip of her coffee, but I know this is far from over.

I lower my voice so Hunter doesn’t overhear. “I will deal with that in my own time when I’m ready,” I snap, tired of everyone telling me how I feel and what I need to do about it. This baby is my only priority right now. Hunter and I will handle everything else when the timing is right.

“You were lucky enough to find love once in your life, Lennon. Don’t let the second time slip through your fingers. All I’m asking is for you to think about it.”

Her words rip straight through me. I let out a ragged breath as she finishes her coffee in silence. Once she’s done, she stands and places the cup in the sink.

“Thanks for dinner and the lovely conversation.” She grabs her purse and walks to the door, not giving me a second glance or a goodbye before leaving.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

HUNTER

It’s beenthree weeks since Lennon’s mom popped in unexpectedly. There was so much I wanted to say, to do, but I knew Lennon needed to speak her mind. As much as I always want to protect her, she needed to handle this on her own.

I was so proud of the way she stood up for herself. It was a long time coming,, but I know Lennon well enough to see how it’s affecting her. All she’s ever wanted is a family and for her parents to be proud of her. From the stories she and her sisters have told, they grew up super close, not always agreeing with their overbearing parents’ rules but loving them nevertheless.

Lennon waits every day for a call from her parents, and each night when it doesn’t come, I know she’s disappointed. She doesn’t want to admit it, but I know it weighs on her. However, today is a special day, and I want to do everything I can to cheer her up.

“You ready, Baby Mama?” I tease as I peek into the bathroom where she’s still messing with her hair.

“Just about, Big Papa.”

I snort at the random nickname. “That’s a new one.”

“Hey, you started it with One Hump Llama.” She glares at me through the mirror.

Unable to hide my smile, I laugh and shrug. “Still funny.”

Lennon rolls her eyes, then unplugs her curling iron. “You’re worse than Maddie.”

“But you’re a cute llama. Can’t even tell you’re pregnant from this view.” I scan my eyes down to her ass, which still looks hot as ever.

Lennon clears her throat, forcing my attention back up before she faces me. “I’m not carrying her down there.” She crosses her arms, which rest on top of her bump.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” I purse my lips, then lean back on my heels. “Time to go or we’ll be late.”

Lennon sings to the radio as I drive us to the hospital for a tour of the labor and delivery ward. I’m not quite sure we need to spend an hour to see it all before she delivers, but Lennon insisted, so here we are.

Once we’re signed in, we head to the fourth floor and meet with a few other couples also taking the tour. I already know they’re assuming we’re a happy couple, and when one woman asks when we’re expecting, neither of us bothers correcting her.

“December twenty-third,” Lennon says.

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