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Lennon’s grip tightens around my hand. “Yes, please.” A flood of emotions fills me.

I wish this kid was mine—part me and part Lennon.

But even though they’re not, I’m still going to love them and protect them with all that I have. The father might not want anything to do with them, but I won’t walk away from this baby or Lennon.

Ever.

Dr. Monogan turns off the sound, interrupting the thump of the heartbeat that made my own pound harder, and then prints out a few grainy black-and-white pictures, handing them to Lennon as I help her sit up.

“The goal right now is to keep stress to a minimum, drink lots of water, rest, and eat a balanced diet. Call us if you have any spotting or bleeding so we can advise you. Heavy bleeding, severe pain, faintness, or anything that feels urgent means the ER. Otherwise, we’ll see you in four weeks. Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” I say as the doctor exits the room—because if I thought the protectiveness I felt for Lennon was strong, I feel like it’s paling in comparison to what I feel for this little baby.

Lennon doesn’t say anything as she stares at the pictures in her hands.

“Are you okay?”

When she lifts her head and our eyes meet, hers are full of unshed tears. “I’m having a baby.”

I bend down to her level so our eyes are straight across from one another. “You are,” I say, holding her gaze. “And I’m right here with you.”

“Easton…” Her eyes dip down, holding still on my mouth as I dart my tongue out to lick my lips.

Fuck, I want to kiss her right now, to quell every emotion she must be feeling.

But is that what she wants?

Would crossing that line without witnesses confuse her and me?

“What do you need, Lennon?” I grate out, practically panting as I wait for her response.

She lunges for me, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Thank you for not letting me do this alone.”

I close my eyes, sighing as I blow out the breath I was holding. “You’ll never be alone.”

“I don’t deserve a friend like you,” she continues, twisting the knife even further into my chest.

Friend.

“Yes, you do.” She shakes her head against me but doesn’t argue. “You deserve someone who is going to make you and this baby the center of their world.”

I feel a sob rack her body. “He didn’t want us.”

The baby’s dad.

Fuck, she’s thinking about him right now.

Not me.

Not us.

Him.

I push my own anger and turmoil aside to reassure her. “He’s a fucking coward, Lennon. He doesn’t deserve you or the baby.”

“I know,” she says through a shaky breath. “But…”

“No. Don’t make excuses for him, and don’t dwell on what-ifs.” Reaching down, I place my hand on her stomach. “I’ve got you two, and I promise, I won’t ever let you doubt how important you both are to me.”