Page 15 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"Marian lost the baby. Her pregnancies were high risk because of her age."

"Her age?"

"She was forty when she had Davey."

"She's older than you?"

"Yes, by five years."

He likes older women. Why does this make me feel so inadequate? The thought gnaws at me, making me question everything about our connection. What connection?! Ugh.

"We tried to stay together for Davey," he says, "but the damage was beyond repair. She had a tough time dealing with the miscarriage. I had a tough time dealing with the betrayal, so I couldn't be there for her the way she needed me to." His voice is laced with pain, and I can see the lingering hurt in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Noah."

"One day, I came home, and she was gone. In the letter she left me, she basically said I couldn't give her what she needed. She was leaving me, and she was moving back to London."

"What about Davey?"

"I have full custody, but I promised never to keep her from seeing her son."

"How is he dealing with it?"

"She calls him several times a week and video chats with him. It's the best she can do."

I nod, looking away, hoping he doesn't mistake my sympathy for pity.

"Can I change the subject?" I ask, needing to lighten the mood.

"Yes, please," he replies with a weary smile.

"Sharon mentioned that you have a book deadline coming up and might need help with Davey."

"We're managing for now, but yeah, my book is due in six weeks. I'll have to figure something out soon."

"I can help."

He raises his eyebrows in surprise. "Sharon told me you were working at Just InClay."

"That was part-time, and I quit almost two weeks ago. The Linders are on vacation until the end of July, and the daycare doesn’t open until September. It just so happens I’m free for the next six weeks." I hope he can sense how much I want to be there for him and Davey.

He eyes me curiously. "What's the catch?"

"What do you mean? I ask, "I like Davey. I want to help."

Before he has the chance to say anything more, Davey walks into the kitchen.

"Hi, Lily!" he exclaims, walking over to hug me.

"Hi, Davey," I say, hugging him back. "Did you have a good nap?"

He nods, his eyes as expressive as his father's.

"Daddy, I'm hungry."

"Do you want a turkey sandwich with apple slices and lemonade?" Noah asks.

"Yes, please."

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