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“Even so, you should’ve gotten married in the church,” Mr. Corrigan says. I can’t tell if he’s disappointed or upset, but it’s obvious he doesn’t agree with us eloping to Vegas.
Lennon’s prepared for this response and begins her explanation without waiting a beat. “I know, Dad. It was a decision I didn’t make lightly. Planning a wedding, flying back to Utah, doing everything from afar with school starting soon and having to get ready for all of that, on top of grieving—it was too overwhelming. Especially after everything I have—we have—already been through.” When she looks at me, I see tears welling in her eyes, but she doesn’t let them fall.
“I just kept thinking how something bad could happen before we could tie the knot because tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us. I’m sure you can understand why I didn’t want to wait…even a month was too long.” Lennon sighs dreamily. “Hunter was okay with having the wedding next year, but I refused. I wanted to start my life with him immediately,” she explains, and I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles in full agreement. If I could give her a standing ovation for her speech, for standing up to her father in a roundabout way, I would. His face softens, and he gives her a small smile, not pushing it any further.
“I can’t believe you’ve been married for a while and gave no hints or anything,” her mother says in a pained tone. Lennon explains how we wanted it to be a big surprise since the trip was already planned. I can’t help but think about Brandon but push the thoughts away. I can’t get into my own head right now because I already feel like shit for the boundaries I’ve crossed.
“So Sophie and Madelyn know, I take it?” her mother asks.
“Of course they do, Mom, but they only found out after the fact. The only people at the ceremony besides us was the one random witness they provided. It was private and super small, but that’s what made it so special to us.”
Her parents give Lennon and me a hug. She shows off her rings, and I think they’re more than impressed when they see the size of the diamond. That wedding set is everything she’s ever deserved.
“Welcome to the family,” Mr. Corrigan says, giving me a firm handshake.
We stand, laughing and chatting, and Mrs. Corrigan excuses herself to the kitchen to grab the coffee, and Lennon follows. The scent fills the room, and I’m actually looking forward to having a cup. I’m left alone with Mr. Corrigan, and he’s exactly how Lennon’s always described—firm and reserved. I sit on the couch, and he looks at me as if he’s studying me, and I try to tuck my nerves away. All I know is I don’t want to be on this man’s bad side.
He’s tall and built for an older guy with salt-and-pepper hair. Lennon’s a combination of her mother and father, but she definitely has his eyes. Though his are a tad more fierce and threatening.
Mr. Corrigan speaks, breaking the silence. “I have high expectations for the men who marry my daughters, Hunter. Call me old fashioned, but I expect my future son-in-laws to ask for my daughter’s hand before proposing, so I can make sure they’re worthy of my girls. It’s a sign of respect. But since you disregarded that…there’s nothing I can do about it now.”
“I apologize, sir, I really do,” I say, patiently waiting for him to continue. Lennon warned me he’d probably bring this up, so I somewhat expected it.
“Part of your responsibility as her husband is to be the man of the household and provide for her. I assume you have a decent job at least?” He pauses, waiting for my response.
“Absolutely. I’m a construction project manager. It pays very well with great benefits,” I respond. “I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty or work hard.”
“Good.” He nods his approval and even flashes a small grin, which makes me relax a bit. “You both should be attending church weekly as well, but most importantly, divorce isn’t something I support, Hunter, so—”
“Mr. Corrigan,” I cautiously interrupt, our easy conversation obviously over. “With all due respect, I love your daughter more than words can describe. I’ll provide for her and make sure she’s taken care of for the rest of our lives. That’s one promise I’ll always keep. Eventually, I want to buy a house for us to grow old in with the white picket fence and wraparound porch. Anything she wants. Lennon means everything to me, sir,” I tell him with confidence. I don’t even have to lie about how I feel or laying it all out on the line. I’d give her everything if she’d let me. Everything I said is the truth, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Lennon is okay, even if we can ever be is friends.
