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Lennon frowns, which is the opposite of what I was expecting. “That’s a big commitment from someone who can’t commit to the same pizza place.”
“That’s different,” I tell her. “Not to mention, I like a variety of pizza.”
“And what happens when you’re ready for a change?”
“Then I order Chinese food instead.”
“Hunter!” She bursts out laughing. “You know what I mean.”
“Do you trust me?” I ask her again, just as I did last night. She nods, keeping her lips tight. “If we’re pulling off a fake marriage, then don’t you think my wife should be on the rental lease?”
“Who the hell is going to check that?”
“I don’t know, you tell me,” I mock.
“Pfft. It’s my apartment, remember? So I actually added you to my lease when we got married.” She snickers. “Except you didn’t think of this plan until a week ago.”
“Lennon,” I warn. “Drop it.”
Thankfully, she does, and we go back to eating in silence. Once I’m done, I rinse my plate and load the dishwasher. Then I make a cup of coffee, and Lennon glares at me.
“You can’t hate me for drinking caffeine,” I tease.
“No, but I can still scowl about it.”
I smile as I take another sip. “You can have one cup, Lennon,” I remind her. “If you want.”
“Of course I want, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. The last thing I need is a hyperactive toddler running circles around me.” She places a hand on her little bump.
“I don’t think it works that way, but suit yourself.” I wink. “Let me know when you’re ready to finish those notecards.”
She takes her last bite, then slides her plate next to mine. “Thanks for breakfast.” She smiles at me. “I’m gonna shower, then I’ll be ready to play wifey.” She groans, rolling her eyes, and frowns.
“You sure know how to make your husband feel good,” I say as she saunters off.
Lennon stops before leaving the kitchen. “Oh sorry, did I bruise your inflated ego? Figured that was impossible.” She makes a face at me, then walks down the hallway.
“Pretty sassy for a pregnant woman!” I holler so she can hear me, but I can’t stop smiling as I drink my coffee.
Deciding I better take this opportunity to call Hayden since we’ve only randomly texted over the past few months, I grab my phone. I haven’t filled him in on the details of what’s been going on since Brandon’s death. Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin. He texted me a few days ago, and it totally slipped my mind to call him when I got off work. I wait until I hear the water running and Lennon singing before I dial his number.
“Hey, bro,” he answers. “I was wondering when I was gonna hear from you again.”
“Shit, I know. I’m sorry. Lots going on,” I tell him, walking into the living room.
“I bet,” he says with insinuation in his tone. I ignore it and decide not to call him out on it. “Well, I’m glad you called either way. I have some news.”
I pause and wait. “Well, you gonna say it, or do I have to guess?”
Hayden laughs. “Sav and I are officially getting hitched! I popped the question, and she said yes!” he announces, loud and proud.
“I told you she would!” I’m smiling so wide, my cheeks hurt. “About goddamn time! I was wondering when you were gonna do it, considering you picked that ring out two months ago.”
He laughs, and I can hear how happy he is. “I know. I just wanted the proposal and everything to be perfect and special for her. Donny helped me plan it actually. It’s still soon, but I think we’re gonna get married in California next summer so everyone can make arrangements and be there.”
“Wow, that fast?”
“It’s been over ten years, Hunter.” He chuckles.
I roll my eyes at his exaggeration. They haven’t been together for ten years, but them finally getting engaged has been a decade in the making.
“I’d get married tomorrow, but she wants her parents there and the whole big fancy white wedding, which is understandable. So I’m going to do whatever she wants because her happiness is all that matters to me.”
“Well, I’m excited as fuck for you guys. Seriously.”
“Thanks, man. If you would’ve texted my ass back, you would’ve known the day it happened…” He doesn’t finish his sentence, but he doesn’t have to for me to know what he was going to say.
“I know. I’ve been preoccupied. I’m sorry. Congrats to you both, though! I’m really glad you two are finally gonna tie the knot.”
“I get it. I really do,” he sympathizes. “And thanks. Sav’s pretty fucking thrilled.”
Since we’re chatting about our lives, I decide to spill my own truths. “Well, then there’s something I need to tell you, but you can’t judge me.”
“Hunter, what’d you do?”
