Page 37 of When Love And Destiny Collide

Lily steps closer, rising on her tiptoes. "I’ll be right back," she whispers, closing her eyes as she kisses me. Her lips are soft and sweet, and the sensation they bring makes me realize, with absolute clarity, that my heart belongs to her—no doubt, no question, no turning back. My lips linger on hers, and we both become breathless, wishing the moment could stretch on forever.

***

After dinner, we make popcorn and settle in the living room to watchToy Story. Less than an hour in, Davey falls asleep nestledbetween Lily and me. I gently carry him upstairs, tuck him in, and kiss him on the forehead. "Good night, son," I whisper, turning off the lights. "I love you."

"I love you too," he murmurs, turning over in bed and pulling the covers snugly around him. This nightly ritual has been a constant in his life, and I hope it remains so for many years to come.

I smile softly and head back downstairs to where Lily is waiting. Each night, parting ways becomes harder for both of us. I want her to stay, but I know I can’t cross that line—not now, not ever.

I find her in the kitchen, cleaning up and loading the dishwasher. I approach from behind and wrap my arms around her waist. The scent of her perfume envelops me, stirring a deep longing. I plant a kiss on her cheek, and she turns to face me, her arms encircling my neck as she looks into my eyes.

"I like your eyes too," I whisper, "and blue is also my favorite color."

She smiles up at me, her gaze bright and warm, making my heart swell with happiness.

"Can we sit and talk?" I ask, striving to keep my tone calm and lighthearted.

"Is everything okay?" she asks, taking my hand as we walk into the living room.

I sit on the couch and pull her gently down beside me. She settles comfortably against my side, and I marvel at how perfectly she fits in my arms.

"When I spoke to Marian this morning, she told me she's planning a visit."

"Right," Lily responds. "Davey mentioned it."

"She asked Jon to find her a short-term rental in town, so it looks like she plans to stay for a while."

"Okay," she says, interlacing her fingers with mine. "My dad is also planning to visit. He'll be here in about a week."

"Jon and the family will be back by then as well," I add.

"So what you're saying is that things are about to get a whole lot more complicated," she says, with a hint of uncertainty.

"I was honest with Marian, but she made it abundantly clear that she wants us back together as a family."

"What do you want?" she asks, squeezing my hand gently.

"She's my son's mother, but there's absolutely nothing between us. It’s over."

"Who am I, Noah?" Her question takes me by surprise. She shifts on the couch to face me directly, her eyes searching mine. "What am I to you?"

I reach for her, gently resting my hand in the crook of her neck. Her skin feels velvety soft and warm beneath my touch. She tilts her head, leans into my hand, and closes her eyes. She trusts me, and I love her.

When she opens her eyes, she catches me staring at her, and she stares back with an intensity that touches my heart.

"I love you, Lily."

Chapter 10

Lily

Did he just say he loves me? An overwhelming sense of panic rises within me as I wait for him to repeat it. What if I heard him wrong? I hold my breath, staring at him, hoping for confirmation.

"Say something," he says, his gaze penetrating and intense.

"Did you just say?" I ask, hoping he'll fill in the blank.

"I love you," he whispers, gently massaging my neck and stirring up a wave of emotions inside me so strong I feel I might burst out laughing, crying, or both.

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