When I admit to being Lennon’s husband, her parents become eerily quiet. Lennon’s mentioned her strict and traditional upbringing, and their stunned reactions are the first hint of that. They sit like statues in complete shock. I pull Lennon closer to me, and she lets out a nervous laugh before looking at me. For a second, I think I see panic flash in her eyes, so I lean over and place a sweet lingering peck on her lips, hoping to once again pull her out of her head and back to me. Kissing her feels so damn natural that I have to remind myself it’s all pretend even though I feel her shiver against me.
She’s clearly freaking out, and the hard news—telling them about the pregnancy—hasn’t even come out yet. Their response will determine if she talks about the baby now or later when things have calmed down. We never discussed when we’d tell them the news, but it’s why we’re here after all. If my head is slightly spinning, I know theirs are too.
“Surprise!” Lennon finally speaks with a sheepish grin and turns toward her parents. I quickly grab her hand, and her mom notices our rings.
When I meet her father’s gaze, he looks as if he’s chewing rocks, and I watch his jaw clench. I’m almost scared he might kick us out on our asses, considering it’s one of Lennon’s biggest fears. The room in the air seems to evaporate, and I’m not sure what else I should say or if I should speak at all. Lennon’s parents care deeply about her, that much was obvious the moment we arrived. However, right now, they’re completely unreadable. Her mom and dad look at each other, holding a silent conversation. Lennon sits quiet, waiting patiently for them to say something, so I follow her lead and stay still too.
Mrs. Corrigan smiles and shakes her head. “I’m sorry, I’m just a little surprised. It seems so...quick. How did this all come about?” I can’t tell if there’s judgment in her tone or just curiosity. It might be a combination of both. I try to be understanding and put myself in their shoes. If my daughter brought a random man home and told me they were married, I’d be shocked too.
Lennon squeezes my hand so tight she might break my fingers off. I rub my thumb across her knuckles to remind her I’m here and that we’re in this together, and I feel her slightly relax.
Starting from the beginning, Lennon tells them what we rehearsed verbatim, but it sounds so natural coming from her. When she explains how we fell in love and couldn’t be without one another, Lennon glances over at me and smiles so damn sweetly. For a moment, I almost believe it—want to believe it. I swallow down those emotions because she has no idea how I wished it were all true, and she really was my wife—mine.
Mr. Corrigan watches Lennon closely as she speaks about the details of our relationship and marriage. I wonder if he senses our lies, but she’s speaking so effortlessly that I highly doubt it because even I’m buying the story she’s selling.
“When you find the person you’re meant to be with, you just know,” she tells them, squeezing my hand as her blue eyes meet mine. For a moment, we’re the only two people in the room, and her breath hitches when she looks at me. Did she just feel an electric current too? I’m brought back to the first night we met at the bar and how I knew how special and amazing she really was then.
As she continues to talk about us, I study her with a smile playing on my lips. Lennon’s so goddamn beautiful without even trying, and the urge to kiss the fuck out of her takes over, but I hold it back. Chuckling, Lennon grins wide as she talks about how she feels like she’s known me forever and how we’ve been friends for years.
She even mentions how much I love her singing, comfortably improvising and sharing parts of our real story.
“Right, Hunter?” She glances over at me, shaking me out of my thoughts as I listen to her talk about us.
I nod, pulling her closer, wishing I could scoop her up onto my lap. “Absolutely. The best way to start my day.”
“You both seem very much in love,” her father states robotically, looking back and forth between us.
“You do,” Mrs. Corrigan agrees, grinning. “If you’re happy, that’s all that matters, Lennon. While we wish you would’ve told us sooner, I somewhat understand why you didn’t, considering the past few months. I’m glad you were able to find someone after losing Brandon. I know how much you loved him, and I can’t even begin to imagine how hard that must’ve been for you, for both of you.” She looks at us with sadness in her eyes.
“Even so, you should’ve gotten married in the church,” Mr. Corrigan says. I can’t tell if he’s disappointed or upset, but it’s obvious he doesn’t agree with us eloping to Vegas.
Lennon’s prepared for this response and begins her explanation without waiting for a beat. “I know, Dad. It was a decision I didn’t make lightly. Planning a wedding, flying back to Utah, doing everything from afar with school starting soon and having to get ready for all of that, on top of grieving—it was too overwhelming. Especially after everything I have—we have—already been through.” When she looks at me, I see tears welling in her eyes, but she doesn’t let them fall.
“I just kept thinking how something bad could happen before we could tie the knot because tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us. I’m sure you can understand why I didn’t want to wait...even a month was too long.” Lennon sighs dreamily. “Hunter was okay with having the wedding next year, but I refused. I wanted to start my life with him immediately,” she explains, and I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles in full agreement. If I could give her a standing ovation for her speech, for standing up to her father in a roundabout way, I would. His face softens, and he gives her a small smile, not pushing it any further.
“I can’t believe you’ve been married for a while and gave no hints or anything,” her mother says in a pained tone. Lennon explains how we wanted it to be a big surprise since the trip was already planned. I can’t help but think about Brandon but push the thoughts away. I can’t get into my own head right now because I already feel like shit for the boundaries I’ve crossed.
“So Sophie and Madelyn know, I take it?” her mother asks.
“Of course they do, Mom, but they only found out after the fact. The only person at the ceremony besides us was the one random witness they provided. It was private and super small, but that’s what made it so special to us.”
Her parents give Lennon and me a hug. She shows off her rings, and I think they’re more than impressed when they see the size of the diamond. That wedding set is everything she’s ever deserved.
“Welcome to the family,” Mr. Corrigan says, giving me a firm handshake.
We stand, laughing and chatting, and Mrs. Corrigan excuses herself to the kitchen to grab the coffee, and Lennon follows. The scent fills the room, and I’m actually looking forward to having a cup. I’m left alone with Mr. Corrigan, and he’s exactly how Lennon’s always described—firm and reserved. I sit on the couch, watching him study me, and I try to tuck my nerves away. All I know is I don’t want to be on this man’s bad side.
He’s tall and built for an older guy with salt-and-pepper hair. Lennon’s a combination of her mother and father, but she definitely has his eyes. Though his are a tad more fierce and threatening as he regards me.
Mr. Corrigan speaks, breaking the silence. “I have high expectations for the men who marry my daughters, Hunter. Call me old fashioned, but I expect my future sons-in-law to ask for my daughter’s hand before proposing, so I can make sure they’re worthy of my girls. It’s a sign of respect. But since you disregarded that...there’s nothing I can do about it now.”
“I apologize, sir, I really do,” I say, patiently waiting for him to continue. Lennon warned me he’d probably bring this up, so I somewhat expected it.
“Part of your responsibility as her husband is to be the man of the household and provide for her. I assume you have a decent job, at least?” He pauses, waiting for my response.
“Absolutely. I’m a construction project manager. It pays very well with great benefits,” I respond. “I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty or work hard.”
“Good.” He nods his approval and even flashes a small grin, allowing me to relax a bit. “You both should be attending church each week as well, but most importantly, divorce isn’t something I support, Hunter, so—”
“Mr. Corrigan,” I cautiously interrupt, our easy conversation obviously over. “With all due respect, I love your daughter more than words can describe. I’ll provide for her and make sure she’s taken care of for the rest of our lives. That’s one promise I’ll always keep. Eventually, I want to buy a house for us to grow old in with the white picket fence and wraparound porch. Anything she wants. Lennon means everything to me, sir,” I tell him with confidence. I don’t even have to lie about how I feel or laying it all out on the line. I’d give her everything if she’d let me. Everything I said is the truth, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Lennon is okay, even if all we can ever be is friends.
Her dad smiles. “That’s what I like to hear, son. Though we just met, I can see you two really love each other, and I believe everything you’re telling me. But don’t interrupt me again.”
I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry, but I nod in understanding. “Of course,” I say. Mrs. Corrigan disrupts our man-to-man talk when she enters with four cups of coffee on a tray with sides of cream and sugar. Lennon looks at her dad, then back at me, and I know she’s wondering what he said. I flash her a wink, easing her mind that everything went smoothly, and 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 really care for them.” She wrinkles her nose as if she’s just tasting it.
I grab Lennon’s hand and intertwine our fingers together, knowing she’s about to deliver the news she’s been so damn 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 just 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 over Lennon as her parents congratulate us.
“I didn’t expect to find out we’re going to be grandparents today,” Lennon’s dad says with a wide grin. 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 overload about her health and how she’s been feeling. “So 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 I wanted to tell you in person because I love you both so much,” Lennon says.
“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 just 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, for us. 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 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 a family of my own with Lennon. Can’t wait to give her and our baby the world.”
So damn happy, her parents are totally 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.
“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.”