Page 35 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"Where is this coming from, exactly? We’ve been divorced for a year. Your idea, by the way. Did you just now realize you've had a change of heart? This is about Lily, isn’t it? So let me be clear about that, too: I love her. You and I are done. There won’t be a second chance for us. It’s over."

Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper, "It's not over, Love. Now give me Jon's number."

***

As I park in the driveway, I glance at the rearview mirror and see my boy fast asleep, his face calm and serene. Lily stands on the porch, and the moment our eyes meet, a smile lights up her face.She's so beautiful that it leaves me speechless. She descends the steps, and when she notices Davey asleep in the back seat, she wraps her arms around me the moment I step out of the car.

"I got the flowers," she whispers softly, her eyes locked on mine. "Thank you. They're beautiful."

"You're beautiful," I reply, "and you’re welcome." I wrap an arm around her and draw her close. Her eyes speak volumes, conveying a love that needs no words. I lean down, capturing her lips in a slow, deep kiss, a tender exchange filled with longing. As our lips move together, the world fades away, leaving just the two of us lost in each other's arms. When my lips leave hers, the dimple on her cheek deepens as she smiles up at me, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. I brush a thumb over that dimple, marveling at how something so simple could make my heart race.

I reach into the car and hand her the pizza. Then, I gently lift Davey out of the car. As soon as he senses the motion, his eyes flutter open. "Are we home yet?" he asks, his voice sleepy.

"Yes," I reply, smiling at him. "Do you want to eat some pizza, or would you prefer to nap first?"

"Pizza!" he exclaims, now fully awake.

"Okay," I say, setting him down, "Help me bring some of these bags inside."

I pop the trunk, and we retrieve all of today’s purchases together.

"I made a salad to go with the pizza," Lily says as we walk inside.

"My mommy is coming to visit me!" Davey announces, his voice bubbling with excitement.

Lily glances at me, then turns back to Davey with a bright smile. "That’s wonderful, Davey. I’m so happy you’ll get to see your mom."

"Let me take all this stuff upstairs," I say, juggling the shopping bags while holding Lily's blue gaze. "Davey, come on, Buddy, let's go."

***

As Davey carefully hangs his new shirts and pants on hangers, I tuck the rest of his things into drawers, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. I search for the right moment, the perfect opening to share what’s been weighing on my heart. But no moment feels right, and I realize it never will. So, I take a deep breath and dive in.

"Buddy," I begin, my voice steady, "remember when we talked about Lily last night?"

Davey nods, his little face serious as he turns to face me. "Yes, you told me she loves me, but that my mommy is my only mommy."

"That’s right, Son," I say, kneeling down so I’m at his level. "But I need to tell you something else." I pause, searching his eyes, hoping he’ll understand. "I... I like Lily."

Davey's big eyes meet mine. "I like her too, Daddy. She's nice."

"She is," I agree, but my chest tightens as I realize he doesn't understand yet. "I like holding her hand when we walk together."

He tilts his head, thinking. "She holds my hand when we cross the street and sometimes when we go to Ava's house."

He doesn’t see it, not yet. "I like her as more than just a friend, Buddy."

He frowns, confusion clouding his eyes. "But, Daddy, what about Mommy?"

The question hits me like a punch. "Your mommy and I...we’re not married anymore."

"But she's coming to see us," he says, his voice small and tinged with hope.

"She’s coming to see you, Davey. She wants to spend time with you."

"But Mommy said—" his lip quivers, and he stops in mid-sentence. I see the struggle in his young mind, trying to make sense of something so complicated.

"Remember what I told you," I say gently. "Your mommy will always be your mom; nothing can change that. She loves you so much, and that love will never, ever go away."

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