Page 99 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"You've got to tell Noah," Jon's deep, fatherly voice fills the room.

"If I tell him, he'll want to come home," I counter. "He needs to focus on getting Davey back."

"Where do things stand with the daycare?" Aaron asks.

"The insurance company accepted the claim," Adam replies. "We're going to start rebuilding as soon as I have a crew available."

"Lily," Aaron says, locking eyes with me. "Get on the first plane to London and go be with Noah."

I glance around the table, making eye contact with all the people who love me, and they all agree. I should be with Noah.

***

I fight to keep my nerves and morning sickness at bay as I ride the elevator up to Noah's room. During our conversation last night, it was nearly impossible to hold back the news, but I didn’t want to ruin the surprise.

I knock on the door and smooth down my dress, aware that the airplane ride hasn’t left me looking my best, but I push that thought aside. I knock again, and this time, I hear Noah's voice from the other side. "I'm coming!"

"Sweetheart," he whispers when he opens the door and our eyes meet.

"Noah," I reply, fighting back tears.

He pulls me into his arms, wrapping me in a warm, familiar embrace that feels like home. "You're here," he murmurs into my hair. "You're here."

"I missed you so much, Noah," I say, kissing him, touching him, holding him close.

He lifts me and twirls me around before setting me down and kissing me in the way only he knows how—slowly and deeply, pouring all his love and passion into this moment.

"God, how I missed you," he whispers against my lips, kissing me again and again. "I can't believe you're here."

With his arm wrapped around me, we sink into the couch together. I glance around the comfortable, spacious room, realizing this is where Noah has been living for the past month.

"I'm so glad you're here, Sweetheart," he says, his eyes locked onto mine. "I missed your eyes, your lips, your dimple, your scent. Just having you here means everything to me."

"It means everything to me, too," I reply. "I couldn't bear to be without you for even one more day."

He kisses me again, his hand gliding up my arm to cradle my face. I lean into his hand, enjoying the warmth of his touch and savoring the sweetness of his lips, teasing and exploring until we're both left breathless.

"You're such a good kisser," I say, feeling the heat rise up my neck and settle on my cheeks.

"You're blushing," he teases, brushing his lips lightly against mine. "I love that you're shy. You’re so beautiful when you blush."

"I love that you know exactly what I need. You make me so happy, Noah."

"What made you decide to come?" he asks, lifting my hand to kiss it. "What about the daycare? There must be so much to do."

"There is," I admit. "But Adam and Aaron are taking care of everything. Everyone in the family agreed that my place right now is here with you."

"Really?" He says, gazing into my eyes, expressing so much longing that it makes my heart sing. "My family is absolutely right. Having you here gives me so much strength. It gives me the energy to keep fighting and the hope that things will work out."

He gently tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his hand lingering on my neck. "You're so soft, so incredibly beautiful. How did I get so lucky to find someone like you?"

His eyes are so expressive, so beautiful. In his gaze is where I find love, kindness, passion, longing, my future. "Noah," I whisper nervously, "I have something to tell you."

"Okay," he murmurs, nuzzling my neck. "What is it?"

"You're tickling me," I giggle as his five o'clock shadow grazes my skin.

"I love your laugh," he whispers into my ear.

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