Page 36 of When Love And Destiny Collide

He nods, and I watch as his little face softens, the confusion in his eyes easing just a bit.

"How do you feel about me liking Lily?" I ask, bracing myself, hoping for the best but preparing for whatever might come.

Davey’s response is simple, cutting through me like a blade. "I like Mommy more."

I swallow hard. "I know, Buddy," I say gently. "And that’s okay."

His eyes meet mine, searching for something he can understand. "Do you have any questions?" My voice is barely above a whisper.

He hesitates, his small hands gripping the edge of his shirt. "Will Mommy be sad if you like Lily?"

A sharp ache tugs at my chest, knowing that whatever I say next could shape his understanding of love, trust, and loyalty. The weight of it presses down on me, making it hard to find the right words. "Your mommy and I were married for a while so God could make us your parents. But now…now we're just friends."

"Okay," he says, the resignation clear in that one small word.

"Davey, we love you so much. We live to give you all the love you deserve and to make sure you’re happy."

"I'm happy, Daddy," he assures me, opening his arms for a hug.

"Good," I whisper as I hug him back, wishing I could protect him from a world that’s shifting beneath his feet.

***

Before Davey takes a bite from his pizza, he tilts his head up at Lily. "Do you like my daddy?" His question makes my eyes snap up, first to him and then to Lily.

Lily, mid-bite with a slice of pizza, widens her eyes in surprise but nods in affirmation.

"He likes you," Davey announces with complete confidence, just as I nearly choke on my iced tea.

"Out of the mouths of babes," I mutter, glancing at Lily, who's smiling back at me.

"Why do you like him?" Davey's follow-up question catches me off guard. Lily's beautiful eyes lock onto mine, speaking volumes before she softly answers, "I like his eyes."

"I like your eyes," Davey says with a grin. "Blue is my favorite color."

"Thank you, Sweetie," Lily replies, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. "You know what I like about you?"

"What?!" Davey asks, his excitement bubbling over.

"I like the tiny freckles on your nose," she says with a warm smile, gently tapping the tip of Davey's nose with her fingertip.

My son's smile reassures me that his world has righted itself, flooding me with relief and a surge of love for both him and the woman sitting across the table. I mouth a silent "thank you" to her, grateful for how easily she can put Davey at ease.

***

Davey and Lily spend the afternoon splashing around in the pool while I’m holed up in the office, putting the final touches on my manuscript due in a week.

By six o'clock, I’m in the kitchen, preparing a simple dinner of fried rice and grilled teriyaki chicken.

Suddenly, Davey bursts into the kitchen, laughing as Lily chases him in a playful game of tag. His earlier sadness is gone, replaced by pure joy.

"Dinner is almost ready, you two!" I call out as they zoom past.

"I'm taking a shower!" Davey shouts, sprinting up the stairs.

"I’ll be right up to help you," Lily replies, then turns to me and asks, "Do I have time for a quick shower before dinner?"

"I'll go upstairs with Davey," I say. "You go ahead, and we’ll meet you back here in half an hour?"

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