Page 47 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"You still love me?" he asks, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

"I do," I reply, offering him a small, reassuring smile. "I love you, Dad."

"And at my age, that’s all that matters," he says, his voice soft but resolute.

"Dad, can I ask you for a favor?" The tone in my voice makes him look directly at me.

"Of course. Anything."

"Stay away from Lisa."

"For you, Mija, I'll keep my distance. I promise."

"Thank you," I say, relieved.

***

After lunch, Dad drives me home and takes my car so he can have a vehicle while he's visiting.

"Dinner's at six," I say, giving him a kiss on the cheek before climbing out of the car.

"See you then, Mija," he replies. "That gives me time to go for a hike. It’s one of the things I appreciate most about Cold Spring—the hiking trails are breathtaking."

"Have fun, Dad. I'll see you later," I call out as I watch him drive away.

Turning, I head into the house, looking for my boys. I find them in the backyard, engrossed in a game of catch with a football.

"Have you two been out here this entire time?" I ask, my breath catching as I lock eyes with Noah.

"Hi, Lily," Davey's little voice interrupts the moment between Noah and me. "Where's your daddy?"

"He went home," I reply. "He'll be here tonight for dinner."

"What are we having for dinner?" Davey asks, looking curious.

"Your daddy is making spaghetti," I say, smiling as I glance back at Noah. "Have you two eaten lunch? I can make something."

"We just finished eating," Noah says. "We made grilled cheese sandwiches."

"Did you help?" I ask Davey.

"I put the cheese on the bread," Davey replies proudly, "and Dad let me flip them in the pan."

"That's great, Davey," I say. "A man should know his way around a kitchen."

"I'm not a man," Davey chuckles. "I'm only five."

"You're a little man," I say bending down to hug him. "What else have you two been up to?"

"Ava came over and played with me," Davey replies. "I want her to be my sister."

The sudden jolt of pain in my heart nearly brings me to tears, but I manage to hold it together. Noah catches my eye briefly before turning to Davey with a reassuring smile. "All your cousins will be home on Friday," he says. "There will be plenty of kids for you to play with."

"I thought my cousins were big like you," Davey says, his voice tinged with confusion.

"That's true," Noah replies, "but your cousins now have kids of their own, and they’re about your age."

"More cousins?!" Davey asks, his excitement evident. But the question is followed by a stifled yawn as he rubs his eyes with his fists. Seeing him so small and vulnerable, I feel a wave of tenderness wash over me, replacing the earlier ache with a fierce protectiveness. The thought of not being able to give Davey a sibling fades in the sweetness of this moment.

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