Page 51 of When Love And Destiny Collide

His blue gaze locks onto mine, leaving him momentarily speechless. "Don’t you think you’re rushing things a bit? You just met my daughter. What’s the hurry?"

"I love her," I say, trying to be as transparent as possible. "I want her to be my wife."

"Are you sure it’s Lily you want and not the millions sitting in her trust fund?" Mateo asks, his eyes cold and devoid of the warmth I see in Lily’s.

"Pardon me?" I ask, taken aback.

"When Lily marries, she’ll be able to access the trust fund her mother and grandparents left her."

"Mateo, I don’t need her money," I point out. "What I do need is your blessing."

We both turn our attention to the hallway as we hear Lily’s footsteps coming down the stairs.

When she steps into the kitchen, a smile brightens her face. "Davey’s fast asleep. He fought it for as long as he could, but he was tired."

“Mija,” Mateo begins, “I was just telling Noah that I have to go. Maybe you and I can get together tomorrow—maybe go for a hike?”

“Yeah, okay, Dad,” Lily replies, glancing at me with a questioning look. I smile in confusion, unsure of what's happening.

Mateo stands and heads for the door. I’m left wondering how the night took such a surprising turn.

“Good night,” Mateo says, extending his hand to shake mine.

“Good night,” I reply. “If I don’t see you again before Sunday, enjoy the rest of your week in Cold Spring.”

“Yeah, see you then,” Mateo says, and with that, Lily and I watch him descend the porch steps. Then Lily waves at him as he starts driving away.

“What just happened?” she asks, glancing at me.

“I don’t know,” I say, shaking my head. “I have no idea.”

***

“Davey is enthralled by my father,” she says. “He couldn’t stop talking about him before he drifted off to sleep.”

“He’s getting a lot of attention from your dad,” I reply. “I’m glad they get along.”

“Me too,” she says, her blue gaze assessing me. “What is it?”

“Can we step out to the back for a moment?” I ask. “It’s a beautiful night.”

“Sure,” she agrees, as I reach for her hand.

The night couldn’t be more perfect. The breeze caresses Lily’s face, and the waves in her hair are highlighted by the night’s soft, silvery glow. The stars twinkle overhead, making everything feel serene and magical.

When we reach the bench, I pull her into my arms. “How do you think things went with your dad?” I ask, eager to hear her thoughts.

“I think it went better than I expected,” she says honestly. “I thought Dad would list a slew of reasons why we’re wrong for each other.”

“My age,” I say, raising an eyebrow, knowing exactly what his concerns would be. “My divorce. My kid.”

“I’ve never felt like this before,” she confesses, her voice trembling with emotion. "You're the best man I've ever met. I love Davey, and I'm not threatened by Marian because I know you love me."

Her face is illuminated by the gentle light of the full moon, casting a soft, ethereal glow that highlights her features.

“You’re so beautiful, Sweetheart,” I say. “You take my breath away.” I gently tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear before leaning down and kissing her softly.

“Kiss me again,” she says, her blue gaze reaching into my very soul.

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