Page 155 of Between Hate and Desire

“Oh, you two must be so excited for a Christmas baby!”

I wrap my arm around Lennon and pull her into my side. “We sure are.”

Lennon looks up at me with a curious smile. When I wink, she relaxes against me.

A woman named Jessie introduces herself and explains how the tour will work, and if we have any questions, now is the time to ask. She talks about birth plans and how having them set up with the doctor before going into labor can be beneficial for both the mother and the baby. Even if the plans don’t go as expected, it’s good to know the options.

Just as she’s leading us down a long hallway, she tells us we’re waiting for one more couple to arrive, and she’ll get started as soon as they come.

“Did you make a birth plan with Dr. Potter yet?” I ask Lennon.

“Uh…get the baby out safely?” She shrugs. “Considering I have five weeks left, I guess I better discuss it with her.”

I chuckle lightly. “Mission: Get baby out.”

“Easier said than done.” She groans. “I know I want Sophie and Maddie in the delivery room with me. I’m also pro pump all the drugs they can into me.”

Before I can respond, I see my worst nightmare behind Lennon, and everything inside me tenses.What the fuck?

And she’s not alone.

Lennon notices. “What is it? Your jaw is about to snap.”

I blink and shake my head. “Lennon, I’m so sorry.” This should be a fun time for her, and now Jenna is going to ruin all of that. No way in hell she’ll keep her smart-ass comments to herself.

“Oh lookie, my baby daddy decided to show up after all. Wasn’t sure since youblockedmy number.” Her tone is anything but sweet, and I know the others overheard.

“Cut your shit, Jenna,” I hiss between my teeth. “Quit causing a scene.”

“Better watch your mouth,” the guy standing next to her warns. He’s a big dude, whoever he is, but not bigger than me, so I stand taller and let him know his intimidation tricks won’t work.

“And who the hell are you?”

“This is my brother, Jacob,” Jenna says. “Since you’re here now, though?—”

Lennon turns around and glares. “He’s here with me.”

Jenna’s face hardens as her eyes gaze down to Lennon’s belly. “Why? I alreadyknowhe’s not the father of your child.” She folds her arms over her bump. “But I’m willing to bet you’re the reason he’s denying our baby boy. It’sher, isn’t it? Why you kept running…”

Lennon’s eyes flick to mine. “Boy?” Her voice is just above a whisper, but everything’s so quiet around us that Jenna overhears.

“That’s right. It’s a boy,” Jenna replies smugly.

Lennon snorts. “Congrats, but Hunter’s not the father. So it’s time to move on and leave him alone.”

“Heisthe father.” Jenna takes a step forward as if to make her point and threaten me. “Sorry,princess. Hunter’s not the guy you think he is, and I’m going to prove that as soon as the baby’s born.”

“Jenna.” I’m ready to drag her away so half the floor doesn’t hear our business.

“No, let me.” Lennon holds up her hand to stop me, then flashes a smug grin. “You may think you won with your detective skills involving me and my parents, but you only did me a favor. So, thank you. Your little stunt allowed me to stand up to my overbearing mother. If I’ve learned anything since getting pregnant, it’s that I’m sick and tired of people like you thinking they can control and manipulate others. I’m about to be a mom and protecting my child is my main priority, so I know why you’re acting like this—to protect your baby too—however, you need to grow up and face reality. If Hunter thought there was even the slightest chance of being the father of your baby, hewoulddo the right thing and step up because that’s the kind of man he is. He’s done everything to help me get through my boyfriend’s death. So you can try to sabotage our lives, but in the end, he’ll prove to you once and for all that you have the wrong man. So I suggest you tell the right guy and let them know you’re having his baby because Hunter can’t have kids.”

Damn. Badass Lennon is sexy as fuck.

Jenna’s eyes widen as her body straightens in surprise. “What?” She shakes her head with an eye roll. “You’re lying. I don’t believe you.”

Jacob stands next to his sister, looking at her as if he’s thinking the same.

Lennon glances at me with soft eyes, and I give her a head nod to continue, knowing she’s asking for permission.

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