Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1797

Keaton took a deep breath. Wiping the last of his tears, he looked at Winona with red-rimmed eyes. "Can I at least have the chance to pursue you?"

Before she could answer, he rushed on. "Just consider it a favor to my parents. They adore you!"

"Or a favor to my grandfather, and all my ancestors. After all, you've certainly enjoyed your fair share of their vintage wine."

Winona was utterly speechless.

Keaton pressed on shamelessly. "Do it for the baby, too. I mean, I'm the father. The baby definitely wants us together. You have to at least give it a shot, for the baby's sake."

If the baby could speak, it would probably be thanking him sarcastically for using it as a bargaining chip before it was even born.

Seeing Winona's silence, Keaton laid out his logic. "Think about it. You're just giving me an opening. Whether or not I actually win you over is entirely up to you."

"But later, when the baby grows up and asks why you didn't end up with their dad, or why they didn't get a traditional home..."

"...you can look them in the eye and say that you tried, but it just didn't work out, and you couldn't force it!"

"And I promise, I just want the chance to try. I won't harass you, and I won't do anything to make you uncomfortable. Deal?"

Winona pursed her lips, sighing internally. He had just weaponized his parents, their unborn child, and generations of the Huber family's ancestors. What else could she say?

"Fine. But you can't disrupt my life."

A bright, relieved smile broke across Keaton's face. All he needed was an inch! "Winona, you're the best! You're an absolute angel sent to save me!"

"If it weren't for you, I'd never have a child. I'd never get the chance to be a father, or be a decent son to my parents!"

"Before you, I was just a disappointment and a complete mess. With you, I'm suddenly the poster boy for success in our circle!"

Winona pressed her lips together, but Keaton immediately continued. "Don't doubt it! I bet Booker's and Gale's dads are reading them the riot act right now, telling them they need to be more like me!"

Winona gave him a deadpan look.

Keaton laughed softly. "My mom always said a good woman lifts a man up. You're clearly a good woman."

Winona's cheeks grew warm, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Who's lifting you up? Stop talking nonsense."

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