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“Nothing you can say or do will make me want you out of my life, Lennon. You got that? You aren’t leaving. I’m not leaving. This is our home, and we’re going to make it work. I don’t give a fuck about my old lifestyle. Trust me. It wasn’t what you thought anyway, and I have no desire to return to it. You can yell at me, make your assumptions about me, and call me an asshole all damn day, but I’ll still be here for you. Nothing’s going to change that, so you better get used to it.”
I suck in my lips at his blunt honesty. It’s the last thing I expected from him, but if I’ve learned anything these past several weeks, it’s that Hunter isn’t anything like I thought. He’s more unpredictable and has proven that to me over and over.
“I’m sorry.” I swallow hard. “I hope you know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. This has nothing to do with our rocky past, Hunter. It’s ancient history now.”
He nods, keeping his gaze tight on mine. “Good. So you’re staying?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Yes. I’m staying.”
Hunter wraps his large arms around me and kisses the top of my head. “You’re going to get through this, Lennon. You always do.”
Chapter Eighteen
Hunter
After finding out about Lennon’s pregnancy last night, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions—happiness, anger, excitement, and even bitterness. The truth is, I don’t know what or how to feel because I’m in complete shock. Part of me is happy Brandon left a piece of himself behind, but it also breaks my fucking heart that he’ll never know he and Lennon created a little miracle. He would’ve been overjoyed about the news, so damn happy and proud. I have no doubt he would’ve been a great dad too. When I close my eyes, I can almost imagine his exact reaction, and I try to find peace in that, though it’s just another reminder that Lennon will always be Brandon’s girl.
My thoughts are all over the place as I get ready for work. I meant every word I said to her. She’s staying, and I’ll help her any way I can during her pregnancy and once the baby arrives. I have no clue what I’m doing, just like a new dad wouldn’t, but I’m going to try to prepare the best that I can.
The apartment is dark, and since Lennon is still sleeping, I try my best to keep quiet. As I pour coffee into my to-go mug, I think about the news. Her being pregnant makes so much sense—the mood swings, loss of appetite, nausea. Combined with the stress and sadness of losing Brandon, though, no wonder she didn’t notice. But it explains so much. I’m surprised I didn’t think of the possibility sooner.
Before heading to work, I walk to her room and crack open the door to check on her. She’s sleeping soundly, and I can hear her light snores. On the bedside table, I see one of her romance books, and it makes me smile knowing she’s still invested in them. I quietly close the door and leave for the day.
I spend most of the morning going back and forth between the jobsite and the office. We’re finally pouring the foundation for the condos and seeing the footprint of the buildings blows my mind. Sure, we mapped it out, and I’ve studied several schematics, but actually standing in front of it is almost unbelievable. We have four more months to go on the build and then this project will be over. As long as no disasters happen, I’ll be moved to another one. The hours pass quickly, and as I’m loading shit into my bag, I get a text from Lennon.
Lennon: Do you have plans tonight? :)
The smiley face is perfectly placed at the end because she knows damn well my world revolves around her right now.
Hunter: Just hanging out with my wang out.
Lennon: OMG! Could you keep your wang in? I invited my sisters over for dinner. I need to tell them the big news. It’s not something I want to text or do over the phone. Would you be here with me, please?
A smile touches my lips, one that she causes because she wants me there with her. If someone would’ve told me six months ago this would be my life, I’d have called them a fucking liar to their face.
Hunter: I’d be honored.
Lennon: Thank you. I just can’t do it alone, you know?
Hunter: I’ll always be there for you, Lennon. No matter what.
And I mean every single word I text her.
Lennon: I’m so thankful for you. I know Brandon would be too.
Another punch straight to the gut.
There’s so much I want to say to her, but instead, I keep it short. It’s better this way.
