Checking the clock, I see it’s almost time for Hunter to get home, and the thought excites me. I’ve actually grown to miss him when he’s working because it gets lonely here.
However, Sophie and Maddie are coming over tonight, and we’re going to look through baby name books. We try to get together at least once a week, and though it can be hard with everyone’s schedule, we’ve somehow been able to make it work.
I grab the stack of books and sit on the couch. As I flip through one of them, I start thinking about my parents again and what their reaction will be. A tear slides down my cheek when the front door opens. Hunter immediately notices, and his face contorts.
“Everything okay?” he asks, setting down his work bag that’s stuffed full. He comes over and sits beside me on the couch.
I shrug and wipe my cheeks. “Yeah, I’m just thinking about my parents and taking that trip to Utah during the Fourth of July. I’m so fucking scared about what they’re going to say or do.” My voice cracks at the end, showing just how nervous I am. “But I know it has to be done.”
He stills as he studies me.
“I’ll go with you, Lennon.”
Wait, what? I’m almost shocked. “Hunter…”
“I don’t want you to have to tell them alone. Plus, I have a few vacation days I can take.” He shrugs as if this is no big deal, but to me, it’s huge.
I shake my head. “You can’t always be there for me, Hunter.”
He gives me a soft smile. “Yes, I can, and I will.”
We sit in silence for a moment, both of us in our heads, until he notices the books stacked high. “Still searching for baby names tonight with your sisters?”
I burst into laughter. “Of course. They’ll be here in thirty minutes.”
“If Sophie’s driving, it’ll be fifteen.” He stands, shooting me a smirk. “Gonna take a shower. It’s hot as fuck outside, and I’m sweaty.”
“Well, I wasn’t gonna say anything but…” I tease even though he smells as good as always to me.
“Hilarious.” He walks backward, giving me a pointed look. “Just think about it, Lennon.”
“Okay,” I tell him, then he turns around and walks toward the bathroom.
I think about how he’d give me the confidence I need to face my parents. He’s supported me so much that when he’s around, I feel as if I can actually do scary things—like telling my parents I’m pregnant out of wedlock.
Leaning my head back on the couch, I hear the water turn on and remember seeing him naked, which is the absolute last thing I should be thinking about right now. I squeeze my legs together, trying to get ahold of my thoughts, and am so thankful for Sophie and her knowledge of adult toys. She got me this clit vibrator thingy, and it basically has me singing to the heavens. Luckily for me, it’s also waterproof.
Soon, I’m pulled back by a knock on the door. When I answer it, I see Maddie, who’s still wearing her dance clothes. As I look past her, I see Sophie climbing up the stairs, who obviously couldn’t keep up, and it makes me laugh a little.
“There’s my favorite sister,” Sophie says, and Maddie lights up, both of them walking inside and making themselves at home.
“I love being your favorite!” I kid with Maddie, who playfully narrows her eyes at me.
“Tell her,” Maddie demands. “Soph, you know I’ve always been your number one.”
Sophie snickers as they funnel into the living room. “You both are.”
The bathroom door swings open, and Hunter walks out with a towel wrapped around his waist before going to his room. Our eyes meet, and the only thing that pulls me away is Maddie’s gasp.
“Oh. My. Damn.” She releases a breath as if she’s actually affected and then glares at me. “How are you not even aroused by that man?”
I roll my eyes and look at Sophie who, not surprisingly, agrees.
“You two better stop it,” I warn, pointing at them to emphasize my point. “And neither one of you is allowed to gawk at him.”
“Because he’s only yours to drool over?” Maddie jokes, and I’m half-tempted to slap that silly grin off her face.
Sophie, knowing I’m getting annoyed, leads Maddie to the couch. “Don’t start with her. She’s hormonal and may gouge your eyes out.”
“Exactly,” I agree with a fake glare. I sit between them, and they both immediately attack me, rubbing their hands over my belly and trying to feel the baby.
“C’mon, baby, kick!” Maddie orders.
“It’s too soon, you weirdo.” I snicker. “She’s the size of a lime.”
“She?” Sophie squeals.
I look down at my bloated stomach and rub a palm over it. “I think it is, but I don’t know for sure yet. Just feels like a girl.”