Page 46 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"Wow!" Dad exclaims, taking in the space. "This is really nice—charming and organized."

"This is the reception area where the kids will get checked in," I explain, walking up to the tall counter with a computer, a stack of forms, and name tags.

"Yeah," Dad agrees, nodding. "It's practical and inviting."

As we walk further into the room, I continue, "We have two separate spaces. This first one is dedicated to younger kids. What do you think?"

"You did a great job," Dad replies, his voice brimming with pride as he takes in the surroundings. "The space is impressive."

We walk through the space, and I point out the soft, colorful furnishings and the murals I painted in each classroom. The first is a vibrant garden scene with a treehouse, slide, and swings surrounded by plants and flowers. The second mural features the alphabet and numbers in bold fonts, accompanied by book covers, blocks, and various toys—all painted by hand. I drew inspiration from Noah’s garden and Davey’s playroom.

Other walls are adorned with educational posters to stimulate learning.

"The reading nooks in each room are my favorite," I say, guiding Dad to a cozy corner with a comfortable chair, a bookshelf brimming with books, and a thick, plush rug where the kids can curl up and lose themselves in stories.

"I like the tables for arts and crafts," Dad replies, following me into the kitchen at the back of the building. It’s well-equipped, modern, and clean, with ample counter space and storage.

"Ooh, nice kitchen!" he exclaims. "Are you going to be preparing meals for the kids as well?"

"Meals and snacks," I confirm. The kitchen features three tables with chairs to accommodate about twelve children at once.

We finish the tour by visiting the child-friendly bathrooms, which are decorated with vibrant tiles and playful accents.

"How are you affording all this, Mija?" Dad asks, his tone curious. "Your monthly allowance isn't nearly enough to support yourself and fund all this."

"Well, I had a job up until two months ago," I explain. "I used that income to support myself, and I poured the allowance you send me into the business. I also took out a business loan so I can pay the three employees I hired, and I secured an investor."

"Who?" Dad asks, raising a thick eyebrow. "Noah Linder?"

"No, Dad," I say, a bit defensively. "My investors are a very sweet couple. Close friends of the Linders. The daycare was their idea. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. They were going to do this with or without me."

"Okay, Mija," Dad says with a warm smile, throwing his arm around me. "You did good. You did really good. I'm proud of you."

"Do you want to go next door to say hello to Zoe?" I ask, remembering how Dad took Zoe out on a date the last time he was here.

He smiles sheepishly. "No, that's okay. I don't think she'd want to see me."

I laugh. "I know! She said you never called her again."

"What can I say," he adds, shrugging, "your mother was my one and only."

"You should look for someone to settle down with," I suggest, glancing at him. "Don't you want someone in your life to love and take care of?"

"I'm a lover, but not a caregiver," he confesses.

"Well, at least you can admit it."

"I wasn't made to be with just one woman," he says, a note of candor in his voice. "But… if Lisa’s available, maybe I'd reconsider."

Ignoring the mention of Lisa, I counter, "If you couldn’t master monogamy when you were married to Mom, what makes you think Lisa could change that?"

A shadow crosses his face, his voice turning somber. "I regret it—my infidelity. It destroyed our marriage."

I hesitate before saying softly, "She always claimed it was because you didn’t want to leave Mexico. She never mentioned anyone else."

"Then how do you know?" he asks, his eyes heavy with a remorse.

"Because I know you, Dad. When you showed me who you truly are, I believed you."

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