Page 90 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"Well," I begin slowly, "she did just that a year ago. I’ve met with an attorney about the custody agreement. Unless she can prove I’m an unfit parent, no court is going to challenge the terms we’ve already set. That agreement is proof she walked away. We’ve both acknowledged that our priority is Davey, so we’re doing our best to remain civil for his sake. I’ve made a conscious effort not to get defensive. I don’t want anything to disrupt the peace we’ve built around making our son happy. I’m cautiouslyoptimistic that the rest of her stay will be uneventful. But letting my guard down isn’t something I’m ready to do just yet."

When Lily squeezes my hand, I bring hers up to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. The warmth of her touch makes me smile, a quiet reminder that amidst the uncertainty, I’ve found something real with her.

When the phone rings, we all exchange a glance in acknowledgment that it's probably Marian. I glance at the screen and confirm it. Excusing myself from the table, I step into the living room before answering.

"Marian," I say, skipping any formalities. "My niece is here with her husband. We had dinner plans, and I really wanted Davey to be here to see them."

"Whoa," she interrupts, her voice sharp. "Are you going to let me get a word in edgewise?"

I pause, then force a response. "I'm sorry." But I’m not really sorry. "Are you on your way?"

"I was calling to ask if I can keep him tonight," she says, her tone softening. I feel my blood start to simmer. "I leave in two days, Love. Let me be with my son. After Friday, you’ll have him twenty-four-seven."

Her use of "Love" grates at me, a reminder of how she manipulates moments like this. I take a breath, holding back the frustration rising inside.

"You're missing the point, Marian," I say, my voice tight with restrained frustration. "We had plans—plans I explained to you before you picked him up."

There’s a pause on her end, and I can feel the tension building in the silence. "I know you want more time with him, but this isn’t about you. It’s about Davey. He deserves to be part of these moments with his family."

Her sigh comes through the line, but I refuse to let my guard down, knowing how easily she can twist things. "He’ll be home tomorrow morning," she finally says, her tone clipped as if she's granting me a favor.

I exhale, the simmering anger settling just beneath the surface. "Fine," I reply, unwilling to push any further for Davey’s sake. "Tomorrow morning."

When I walk back into the kitchen, I find them deeply engrossed in conversation about Lily painting a mural at Sam's studio.

"Is everything okay?" Lily asks, her eyes searching mine.

"He's spending the night at Marian's," I say, the words tumbling out, heavy with defeat and frustration.

"It's best not to engage in any arguments right before she leaves," Laila says, her voice laced with concern and sympathy.

I nod, knowing she's right. "Are you going to paint a mural at the studio?" I ask Lily, eager to steer the conversation to brighter shores.

"I'd love to, as long as it's something simple," she replies, a warm smile breaking through the tension.

"That Toy Story scene you painted in Davey's room is far from simple," I remind her, my admiration slipping through. "You have an incredible talent."

"That's exactly what I was telling her!" Laila chimes in, her enthusiasm infectious. "I need to sneak you into the twins' nursery to see the magic she created. She painted a magnificent tree sprawling across the wall, with swings gently swaying in opposite directions—each cradling a child. There are birds flitting about, and the babies' names float above each crib. Aaron's changing table sits proudly in the middle. It’s absolutely perfect!" Laila’s excitement ignites a spark in the room, and I can’t help but feel uplifted despite Davey's absence.

"You should do it," I say, my voice gentle as I encourage Lily.

***

"Lily, you hardly touched your food," Laila observes as she sets the dinner plates in the sink. Lily is standing next to her, transferring leftovers into a Tupperware container.

"Are you feeling okay?" I ask, walking up to Lily, concern creeping into my voice.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replies. "It's just an upset stomach."

"Okay," I say, leaning down to plant a kiss on her forehead. Her blue eyes sparkle with love as they meet mine. "God, you're beautiful."

"Hey," Sam says, breaking the spell. "Can I go up to Davey's room to see Lily's mural?"

"Absolutely," I reply, excited to showcase Lily's artistic talent. "Come, I'll show you."

"I'll get started on the whipped cream for the pie," Lily says, her smile warm and captivating.

"I can help," Laila chimes in, setting her cup of coffee down with a soft clink. "You two go ahead."

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