Page 41 of Between Regrets and Promises

When Hunter returns, we chat about baby prep and different facts he’s learned about pregnancies. It’s obvious how much he cares about Lennon and the baby, and I’m happy she has Hunter. Although they hated each other in the beginning, it’s clear they’ve formed a close relationship now. Grieving the loss of Brandon together has brought them closer. I’m happy she has him, and that he’s been so willing to do anything for her, even if she doesn’t quite see what the rest of us do. He’s so in love with her, and a part of me wonders how long it will be until she realizes it too.

Soon, Lennon has dilated enough to push. Seeing how much Hunter protects, comforts, and loves her through it all makes me respect him on a totally different level.

When I meet my niece for the first time, happy tears form in my eyes. Watching the birth of my niece quickly becomes one of the highlights of my life. We snap pictures, saving the memories that’ll last a lifetime. Maddie and I refuse to leave Lennon’s side until she’s rolled into the recovery room.

“You were taking photos?” she asks, yawning through her words. “Will you send me some?”

Maddie instantly begins to airdrop the two hundred photos she took to Lennon, and I send the few I captured too. I’m sure she’s texting a picture to our mother because that’s how she is, even after our mom hurt her. When she announced the baby’s name, Alison—after the singer who sang Lennon’s favorite song, “Baby Mine”—my emotions begin to take over.

She holds Alison so tight to her body as if she’ll never let her go. After the baby is fed, we decide to give Lennon some alone time and promise to come back later. Maddie and I are still riding the high of the new baby when we leave the hospital. The happiness I feel for Lennon is indescribable.

Once I’ve dropped Maddie off, I go to the apartment and practice the rest of the day until I return to the hospital that evening.

Seeing Lennon become a mother and watching Hunter right by her side give me hope that maybe one day I’ll have that too—a family.

It’s been a few days since the baby was born, and I’ve spoken to Lennon every day. I’ve gone to their apartment because I can’t get enough of my niece. I’m trying not to be the overbearing aunt, but I can’t help it. Alison is adorable, and I love her so much.

I spent most of the day rehearsing with my quartet because we have to perform at a wedding toward the beginning of the year. It’s one of the things I do to make extra cash on top of playing in the orchestra and teaching kids during the school year. Once we’ve practiced until we can’t go any longer, I head home and take a shower because I’m supposed to meet Weston tonight. As soon as I walk inside and set my violin down, I get a text.

Weston

Thinking about you, beautiful.

A blush covers my cheeks.

Sophie

Me too. Excited about tonight.

Weston

Same. It’s so weird how we haven’t known each other for that long, but it feels like I’ve known you for a lifetime.

I’ve thought the same thing since the first time we met. Things were so easygoing between us with no downtime or awkwardness.

Sophie

I feel the same way.

Weston

Can’t wait to see you I’m gonna start dinner soon.

Dating and being with a nice guy are all new territory for me. In my past, I’ve dated nothing but douchebags, and I can tell Weston’s different. He’s proven that to me each day we’ve spoken and even more since we met for brunch.

After I get out of the shower, blow-dry my hair, and put on some makeup, I slip on some jeans and a sweater because it’s chilly outside. I check the time and realize I need to get going. Weston offered to pick me up, but I’d much rather drive myself so I can leave when I want to leave, which I doubt will happen. Things are too easy with Weston.

Before I leave, I send a text to let him know I’m on the way, then I call Lennon.

“I’m leaving for my date!” Excitement coats my tone.

“Oh, awesome. Going somewhere special?” She’s talking low, and I’m sure it’s because she doesn’t want to wake Allie.

“To his house. He made dinner, and we’re watching a movie,” I explain, feeling my nerves bubble to the surface.

“You’re gonna have fun, Soph. I’m excited for you. Let me know how it goes, ’kay?”

We chat about Allie, then I let her go as I turn on Weston’s street. I slow down, searching for his house in a quiet and quaint neighborhood with perfectly trimmed lawns and bushes.

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