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Chapter 15

Lennon

Football and Foot Rubs

A whistle rings out from the football field as Easton and I make our way onto the bleachers in search of my family. I wanted to be here before kickoff, but I was having trouble finding something to wear.

I think it’s safe to say that it might be time to shop for something besides scrubs that will fit for the next six months because there is currently an elastic hair tie holding the button of my jeans together.

The good news, though, is that I hit my second trimester this past Tuesday, and I’m grateful that the return of my energy wasn’t just a myth. When Professor Nelson agreed to let me work ahead, I felt relieved. The thought of having this baby and then going back to school to finish made me want to cry.

I’ve never had a child before, obviously, but I know from the program—and common sense—that the last thing I’m going to have energy for is school after pushing this kid out of my vagina or having a C-section.

The moment I told Easton my plans, though, I could tell he was irritated. In fact, I’m pretty sure that’s why he didn’t say goodbye to me the other morning.

I pissed him off.

Sucks for him, though, because I don’t care. He said he’d support me, and this is what I want to do, so he’s going to have to get over it.

The weird thing is, when he got home the next night, he acted like nothing happened, which is making me feel even more unsettled.

I thought we were slipping into a normal rhythm around each other, but it changes so much from day to day that I feel like I’m getting whiplash.

“I see them.” I point toward the top of the bleachers, just right of the score box, where Mom waves to make sure I see her. As we begin to climb the stairs, I feel Easton’s hand press on the small of my back.

Not sure if he thinks I’m going to fall backwards or something, but I can’t deny that his warmth feels comforting.

Blair and Nora are at the end of a row, followed by my mom, Dad, and James. Several firefighters from my dad’s station are in the row behind them, and Beau is the first to spot us.

“Well, if it isn’t the happy couple!” he says with a grin.

“Beau, I’m tired and hungry, and I can’t button my pants anymore. Don’t start with your shit already.”

I motion for Blair to make room for us. Her eyes widen as she and the boys stand and move one row back.

“Um, anyone want to switch places with me?” Blair asks. “I think Lennon might need some space.”

Rolling my eyes, I slide in next to Nora, leaving just enough room for Easton. But he doesn’t sit right away.

He leans down and kisses me on the cheek before saying, “I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going? We just got here.”

“I’m getting you food before you rip someone’s head off. And I forgot something in the truck.”

I glare at him. “Ha. Ha.”

He laughs before turning and heading right back down the stairs we just climbed.

GVCC is already twenty yards from the end zone, so my brother must be thrilled. I’m looking around the stadium, trying to remember the last game I went to, when Beau opens his mouth again.

“I’m wounded, Lennon. None of us even got an invite to the wedding,” he teases, jerking a thumb toward the group of firefighters.

My father huffs out a laugh. “Welcome to the club, Beau.”

Beau’s eyes grow wide. “You mean you weren’t invited either? Your own parents, Lennon?”

I groan as I watch the football team set up for the next play and then glance over at my parents. “Just how long are you going to hold it over my head, so I can mentally prepare myself?”