Page 31 of When Love And Destiny Collide

He looks at me, his eyes softening. "I'm crazy about you, Sweetheart."

"Really?" I murmur, smiling but still unsure.

"Yes," he replies, a broad smile spreading across his face. "I don’t know if you’ve realized it yet, but I’m falling. I’m falling hard."

"Me too," I admit, letting my guard down completely and opening my heart to this man.

When he hugs me, I sink into his arms and breathe in the familiar scent of his cologne, letting it mingle with the sigh of relief that escapes me.

I glance into his eyes, searching for any sign of uncertainty. Finding nothing but warmth and assurance, I rise on my tiptoes and kiss him. It's a slow, rhythmic kiss that quickly builds in intensity as if we're both trying to convey everything we've been feeling in this perfect moment.

He gently pulls away after a few seconds. “Let me walk you home,” he murmurs breathlessly.

I hesitate, searching for the right words to express my feelings. What would he say if I told him I don't want to go, that I want to stay here with him?

The coward in me stays silent, so he walks me home, our hands entwined the entire way. At the door, he kisses me gently and reassures me once more. "I'll talk to Marian in the morning. Don't worry, Davey's little and just needs to be reassured."

"Okay," I say. He starts to turn away, but I keep hold of his hand. "Noah, I had a great time tonight."

He brings my hand to his lips, pressing a tender kiss to it before letting it go. "Me too. Goodnight, Sweetheart."

I walk into my house, relieved to see it free of daycare furniture and supplies. The space feels open and welcoming again. I flop onto the couch and grab my phone to call Loren, the only person who knows everything.

"Loren," I say, my voice betraying my distress.

"What's wrong?" she asks.

I explain everything, my emotions spilling out as I speak. By the time I finish, I’m almost in tears.

"Take a breath, Lily," she says softly. "It’s going to be okay."

"Loren, if Davey doesn’t like me—"

"He likes you," she says, her voice certain. "I talked to him on the phone the last time Noah called. He couldn't stop talking about you."

"I think that was before today," I say. "When Noah and I got back, he—"

"That's right," she says. "How was your date?" Her voice is brimming with curiosity.

"It was perfect," I say, smiling as I speak. "Loren, I’m crazy about him."

"I'm happy for you both," she says, her voice warm and sincere. "You two are perfect for each other."

"You really think so?" I ask, needing to be reassured.

"Absolutely," she replies, her enthusiasm unwavering. "You deserve to be happy, Lily. You've been through a lot."

A familiar ache tugs at my heart. The truth is like a shadow, creeping in when I least expect it.

"I haven’t told him," I confess, my voice trembling. "I’m terrified, Loren—terrified that it’s too soon, or that I’ve waited too long, and that when I finally do, he won’t want me."

"You have nothing to worry about," she says, her tone steady. "He’ll understand, and it won't change anything, I promise."

"I hope you're right," I whisper, praying she's right.

After I get off the phone, I make some chamomile tea, hoping it will calm my nerves and ease the lingering anxiety.

I take a slow sip of my tea, then reach for the autographed copy of Noah’s book. It’s hard to believe so much has happened sincehe signed it for me. The special moment is still fresh in my memory, and the words he wrote are forever etched in my heart.

---