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“I know,” she says, glancing down at my mouth again.

I can’t resist pressing my lips to her temple, even though there are a few more places I’d rather put them. But I don’t want to kiss her like this, not when she’s feeling unsettled. “Let’s get dressed and grab some dinner, okay? You’ve got to be hungry.”

Nodding, she wipes under her eyes. “Can we go to Melvin’s?”

“Of course.”

“Thanks. That brisket seems to be one of the only things this baby wants right now.”

“Then our baby already has good taste.”

Lennon’s smile forms again as I turn around and give her privacy to get dressed.

But my insides are at war…

Because it kills me that I have to pretend this is real when all I can wonder is: What if it were?

Chapter 13

Lennon

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Hormones

I’m shoving my books into my bag, resting on a bench along the edge of the lake in the center of campus, trying to organize them so they’re not poking me in the ribs just as Patty comes rushing over to me.

“Lennon?”

My head snaps up. “Hey. What’s up, Patty?”

“Is it true?”

I glance around us, even though the other students are walking right past as if we don’t exist. “Uh, is what true, Patty?”

“That you and Easton got married?”

My eyebrows shoot up, even though they shouldn’t. It’s been two weeks since our wedding and word has definitely spread around town. I’ve just been trying to ignore the gossip.

My mind has been preoccupied with getting my work experience hours done and then rushing home to pass out. The first trimester exhaustion is real, and I’m hoping that in a few weeks when the second trimester hits, I’ll feel the rush of energy all of the online and textbook resources assure me is coming.

One can only hope at this point.

After the discussion with my advisor this morning, I’m going to need that extra energy now that I’ve officially decided to finish the program early.

“Yes, it’s true,” I reply, watching Patty’s brows lift before a smile spreads across her lips.

“Well, congratulations, honey. That boy is a catch, and so are you, of course.”

That’s what’s so endearing about Patty. She isn’t afraid to spout the truth because underneath her boldness is just a woman who wants the best for everyone, especially around this campus.

“Thanks, Patty.”

She weaves her arm through mine, motioning for us to sit down on the bench. “You know, if you ever need any marriage advice, I’m here.”

“I appreciate that.”

“And pregnancy tips,” she says as her eyes dip down to my stomach.

“What?”