A weight on my chest reminds me I need to distance my heart, not get attached, and remember this is not real life. I know this. But playing this part comes way too naturally and easy, causing the tension to course through me. If I’m not careful, Lennon’s going to see right through me.
“You okay?” Lennon asks when we’re finally alone again.
“Absolutely. You?”
She releases a breath, her shoulders relaxing. “Yeah, surprisingly. This is going well, almost too well.”
“You look like you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop,” I say, studying her.
“Kind of. Maybe. I don’t know.”
I grab her shoulders, then tilt her chin to look up at me. “Stop thinking that way. Do I need to remind you stress isn’t good for the baby?” I smirk, getting a smile, then release her. “I was thinking I should join one of these sport activities.”
Lennon’s brows snap up. “You wanna play?”
Shrugging, I say, “Why not? Gotta impress my in-laws and all their friends. And not to mention, my hot, pregnant wife.” I flash her a wink, and she blushes.
When she reacts to my words, I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe she feels what I feel. Part of me knows it’s selfish to keep pining for her after what she’s been through while the other part feels like the worst fucking human ever, considering she was my best friend’s girlfriend. Either way, I know it’s not right to get excited about it.
Doesn’t mean my heart actually listens.
“Trust me, everyone’s plenty impressed. But if you want to, I say go for it. Just don’t get yourself hurt.”
I give her a pointed look as she rakes her eyes over my body.
“On second thought, don’t you hurt anyone else.” She laughs, and I catch her biting her lower lip, which I love.
“I’m gonna sign up for the Rugby game,” I tell her, then grab her hand to take her with me. “Can’t be much different than football.”
“Are you crazy?” She stares at me.
“Yes.” Most definitely. Crazy because I’m in love with her, and she doesn’t even know it.
Once I’ve signed up, we walk back to her parents and are introduced to another handful of people.
“Do you have any pictures of the wedding?” one woman asks.
“Oh my gosh! Do you?” Lennon’s mom looks between us.
“No, it was just the two of us,” she reminds her mother. “But I do have an Instagram with a bunch of pictures if you want to follow for bump updates and stuff.” Lennon easily gets their mind off wedding photos and clicks on her Instagram app to show them all the fake posts.
“You two are just seriously so adorable,” the woman squeals. “I’ve known Lennon for most of her life…” She directs her comment toward me with a wide smile. “And I’ve never seen her happier.”
A knife in my gut twists at her words, the ones I wish were true, could be true if Lennon and I were actually together.
“I’m the one who’s never been happier in my entire life. She’s made all my dreams come true,” I tell the woman with my arm wrapped around Lennon’s waist, holding her tighter.
“And now grandbabies?” the woman now turns toward Mrs. Corrigan. “You must be so excited.”
“I am! In fact, Lennon…” Her mother turns toward her. “We should do a shopping trip tomorrow before you guys leave. Buy some baby stuff!”
“You don’t have to do that, Mom…” Lennon starts to argue, but her mother cuts her off.
“I want to!” It’s hard not to smile right along with Mrs. Corrigan’s excitement.
“I think it’s a great idea, baby.” I squeeze Lennon’s hip. “You two should have some quality time together anyway.”
Once that’s settled, the group walks to the field for the first Rugby game. Mr. Corrigan goes back to the car to grab folding chairs and blankets so they can watch.
I meet up with the guys on my team, and we decide on positions. Having no idea who these men are, I introduce myself as Lennon’s husband, and a few of them give me disapproving looks. They’re about my age and look as if they’re sizing me up. Part of me wonders if it’s jealousy, making me smirk at the thought. I’m not against showing off how lucky I am.
Right after the team has a gameplan, I walk to Lennon and wrap my arm around her body. I know a dozen pairs of eyes are on us, so I don’t hesitate to cup her face and crash our mouths together.
“Wish me luck.” I smirk, reluctantly moving away.
“Uh, good luck.” She blinks up at me. “No showing off.”
I reach around my neck to grab my shirt, then pull it off. Handing it to her, I flash her a wink. “I’d never.”
Lennon smiles and rolls her eyes as I walk backward with a grin. As soon as I’m on the field, I spin around and join the team.