Page 64 of When Love And Destiny Collide

Her lips curve into a small, amused smile, but there’s a flicker of doubt in her eyes. “How could he have possibly known they'd be there?”

She has a good point, but something about the whole encounter still feels off. It’s too convenient, too coincidental. “I don’t know,” I murmur, rubbing the back of my neck. “It just seems like more than a random visit.”

“I asked him what he and Davey talked about. Since it was all in Spanish, I'm sure Cara and Patrick didn’t catch a word. Dadsaid they talked about Japan—the food, the culture. Then Davey mentioned he misses his mom. From there, the conversation naturally veered towards Marian and what she’s like.”

“So heisfishing,” I say, my voice tightening with realization. “Maybe he was trying to gauge if there’s any chance Marian and I will get back together. He doesn’t want you to get hurt.”

She exhales, her gaze softening as she crosses her legs and leans forward. “I think he’s just worried, trying to protect me in his own way.”

“I get that, but…” I trail off, my gut twisting. “He doesn't have to protect you from me."

***

I sit on the couch, eagerly waiting for Lily to finish getting ready for our night out. As I think about the upcoming weeks, my mind swirls with plans: the return of my family, the daycare's grand opening, Davey's first day of school, the wedding, our honeymoon. It’s as if all these different facets of our lives are converging at once, bringing everyone together in a whirlwind of activity and emotions.

I should be feeling elated and at peace, but Marian’s presence complicates everything. Her arrival casts a shadow over my excitement. She adds a layer of tension and unease, making it impossible to truly relax. With her around, I’m always on edge,bracing myself for the next confrontation, waiting for her to strike.

When Lily walks in, everything else fades away—my worries, my anxiety, even my rational thoughts. The woman takes my breath away. She’s wearing a yellow sundress with a V-neck that somehow makes her blue eyes shine even brighter. The flowy skirt stops just above her knees, and her wedge sandals accentuate her long, tanned legs. Her hair falls loosely around her shoulders, and with only a hint of makeup, she looks so young, almost achingly so. I stare, captivated all over again by the effortless beauty she carries with her everywhere she goes.

I stand and approach her, almost hesitant, afraid that touching her might somehow break the electric connection buzzing between us. But the thought of not touching her is unbearable. I trace a slow path up her arm with my fingertips, my eyes never leaving hers. “You’re so breathtakingly beautiful,” I murmur, my voice low. “I’m captivated by your eyes, your skin, your scent. I will spend the rest of my life appreciating your beauty.”

A soft pink blush sweeps across her cheeks, and it’s my undoing. I lean in, my breath catching, and whisper, “If we don’t leave now, Lily, we won’t leave at all.”

Chapter 18

Lily

“You’re back!” I exclaim, the excitement spilling into my voice as soon as I hear Loren over the phone. “I can’t wait to see you guys. How are the kids? How’s Aaron?”

“The kids are great,” she replies, her smile almost tangible through the line. “Aaron’s been asking a lot of questions about you and Noah.”

“About me and Noah?” I repeat, my heart tightening.

“You know Aaron has always been protective of you. We promised your mother we’d look after you, Lily.”

“Is it our age difference that bothers him?”

“No,” she sighs. “It’s not that. It’s Marian. Lily, she’s... she’s not a nice person.”

I swallow hard at the mention of Marian's name. “Trust me, I know. I’ve had the displeasure of meeting her, and I’ve been on the receiving end of her wrath.”

“What? How? When?” Loren’s voice sharpens with concern.

I fill her in on the unpleasant encounter Noah and I had with Marian the other night.

“So, you two are waiting for her to bring Davey home?”

“Yeah. Noah’s at the house waiting for him.”

“What time is she dropping him off?”

"Forty minutes ago," I confess, anxiety tightening its grip around me. "She was late picking him up, so I’m trying not to freak out about her bringing him back late."

"Oh my gosh!" she exclaims.

"I know," I mutter, the tension rising in my voice. "Can we just talk about something else?"

“Of course!” Loren says brightly. “If you’re in the mood to hear about the pregnant lady, we can talk about morning sickness, water retention, bizarre cravings, mood swings, and how my husband is the most patient man alive. I honestly don’t know how he puts up with me.”

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