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 then 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 pat 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 whisky to numb the pain for the almost beating I took.
Lennon adds sugar and cream to hers but holds it tight 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 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 says, slowly enunciating the word, and 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 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. There’s so much we need 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 preparing and reading all the baby books, 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.