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After the baby was born, they finally got married in May in an intimate ceremony in Utah, where I met Mr. and Mrs. Corrigan for the first time. They didn’t hate me, so that was a plus, but today will only be the second time I’ve been around them, and it makes me nervous. Even though I don’t need it, I want their approval for Sophie’s sake. When Sophie announced we were engaged, they were speechless—literally.
Shortly after the wedding, Hunter and Lennon bought a house outside of Sacramento, and since their parents are visiting for a couple of weeks, they decided to throw a party for everyone. Sophie thinks the party is to keep their mom and dad occupied so Lennon and Hunter can have a break from entertaining them.
“Hey, guys. Come in.” Hunter moves to the side and frowns when Maddie steals Aaron from him.
“It turned out to be a beautiful day for a barbecue,” Sophie says, giving Hunter a side hug. We’ve been to their house several times, before they even bought it, but Lennon’s gone crazy decorating it for the event. “Ooh, I love what she did with this foyer.”
“Yeah? It cost five hundred bucks, so just a warning,” Hunter says, giving me a pointed look.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sophie nudges him. “It’s your home; it’s supposed to be nice!”
“Let me guess, Hunter’s complaining about how much money we spent?” Lennon walks toward us with a shit-eating grin. She scowls at Hunter, which is hilarious, considering they still act like they’re in the never-ending honeymoon phase. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Lennon was pregnant again.
“I’d never, babe,” Hunter says before either of us can respond. “I love what you did.” He cups her face and silences her with a kiss.
She pulls back laughing. “I might have mom brain, but I’m not that dense.” Lennon rolls her eyes. Sophie and Maddie snicker while I give Hunter a shoulder smack of support. “So where’s the Hulk? He bail on us?” Lennon asks, crossing her arms.
“No, his flight got delayed. He said he’s coming right from the airport, though,” I tell her. Once I checked my phone after our shower, I got his message about it.
“Well, come in and say hi to Mom and Dad. They’re playing with Allie outside on her new swing set,” Lennon says as she leads us into the kitchen.
“A new swing set?” Maddie squeals. “Is there a baby swing for Aaron?”
“Of course!” Lennon answers.
Sophie gives me a kiss before following Lennon and Maddie out the back door.
“Homeownership looks nice on you,” I tease Hunter after he hands me a beer. “Husband, dad, homeowner. Who knew?”
“I knew,” he states proudly. He was so in love with Lennon long before they were together.
“So, Liam’s flight really got delayed?” he asks, searching my face. “Or did he get ‘held’ up again?”
* * *
Sophie
Lennon, Maddie, and I talk with my parents and play with the kids outside while Mason and Hunter chat inside. The food is all ready to go, but I know they’re waiting until more people show up. Liam could arrive at anytime, so we’ve learned not to wait for him anymore. He doesn’t usually mind either since he gets held up a lot.
When my parents follow Allie to the teeter-totter, I stand next to Maddie who’s pushing Aaron in the infant swing. It’s not a regular baby swing, so he’s able to lie down and not have to worry about his head falling back.
“So any idea where Liam is?” I whisper loud enough so only she can hear me. “Have you talked to him since he left?”
Liam flew out on Thursday and was supposed to be back early this morning. He said it was a quick two-day job max, but he’s been acting very strange lately. I found that casino receipt in his pants pocket six months ago, and when I asked him about it, he brushed me off and said he stopped for a quick trip on his way to a job. However, I could tell he was lying, and I’ve been suspicious ever since, especially when I overheard him telling Mason he would be late with his portion of the rent a couple of months ago. Either he’s not making as much money as he lets on, or he’s gambling it all away. Whatever it is, I’m worried as hell about him.
“He told me he had to pick up a fugitive in Nevada,” she says. “We talked the morning he left, but that’s the last time. Why?”
I snicker, knowing she has no idea that I saw them that morning.
“What?” she asks.
“So you’re saying you haven’t spoken to him since before he left?”
“That’s right.”
I purse my lips, wondering if she’s going to tell me or not. When she doesn’t continue the conversation, I figure she’s not, and since he’s coming home today, we need to have this conversation now.
