Page 52 of When Love And Destiny Collide

“Lily,” her name tastes like honey on my lips. I release her from our embrace and after pulling my mother's engagement ring out of my pocket, I kneel on one knee.

“Noah,” she says, her eyes wide with surprise. “What are you doing?!”

“I asked your father for your hand in marriage tonight,” I begin. “He didn’t exactly say yes, but he didn’t say no either, so I guess I’ll just have to earn his blessing.”

“Noah,” her hands are clasped tightly against her chest.

“Lily Sophia Cruz,” I say, my voice catching with emotion. “Almost hitting your car was one of the most wonderful things that has ever happened to me. The fire I saw in your blue eyes that day drew me in. My mind, my heart, and my soul became yours in that instant. You were all I could think about. I never believed in love at first sight until I met you. No one has ever made my heart skip a beat, made me catch my breath, or made me lose my words—all with just one look—the way you do. I’ve never been in love like this before. Lily, will you marry me?”

A tear rolls down her cheek, followed by another, but then a smile spreads across her lips, and the telltale dimple on her cheek confirms they’re tears of happiness. I wait in rapt concentration and bated breath for her answer, my eyes locked with hers.

“Yes!” she exclaims. “Yes, I will marry you!”

I take her hand and gently slip the ring onto her finger. It fits perfectly. I kiss her hand, then stand and pull her into my embrace. We get lost in each other's arms, and when my lips find hers, I kiss her with sweet abandon, pouring all my love and happiness into this perfect, unforgettable kiss.

When I pull my lips away from hers, she smiles and gazes down at the ring, her eyes wide with awe. "Noah, it's beautiful."

"I knew you'd like it," I say with a smile.

"I love it, but wait," she adds, inspecting the ring. "This is Sharon's ring!"

"How did you know?" I ask, intrigued.

"I’ve seen pictures of Sharon wearing it," she says, her fingers tracing the delicate design. "I always thought it was so beautiful and unique."

"It’s a family heirloom," I explain, my smile deepening. "It’s been passed down through the generations."

Her expression shifts as she looks at me, concern in her eyes. "Noah, I can’t wear the same ring your ex-wife wore."

I gently place my hand over hers to stop her from slipping it off. "It’s okay, Sweetheart," I say softly. "Marian never wore it."

She looks up at me, confused. "Why didn’t she?"

"I wish I had a clear answer," I admit, my voice filled with honesty. "When I brought Marian to Cold Spring to meet my family before we got engaged, Sharon and Jon pulled me aside one night and gave me the ring. They knew I wanted to propose. I spent the entire time here mulling over the idea of proposing with this ring, but in the end, I put it in a safety deposit box at the bank. It’s been there ever since. Until today. I left Davey with Cara and Ava and went to the bank to retrieve it."

"Noah," she whispers, her eyes darting between the ring and my face. "I don't know what to say."

“You’ll be the sixth Linder wife to wear it,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “This ring was meant for you, Sweetheart, not Marian.”

“I love you, Noah,” she says, her blue eyes conveying more than words ever could.

“I love you too,” I reply, feeling like the luckiest man on the planet.

***

After walking Lily home, I retreat to my office, knowing I can’t put this off any longer. Just as I’m about to dial Jon's number, the phone rings. It’s Marian. I hesitate, debating whether to answer or let it go to voicemail. If I don’t pick up now, I’ll probably keep putting it off, and if it’s something important—"Hello," I say, my voice cool.

"Hi, Love!" Her cheerful greeting grates on my nerves instead of easing them, but I keep my voice steady. "Hi, Marian. What’s up?"

"My flight is scheduled to arrive at JFK tomorrow at six. Can you and Davey pick me up?"

"Wait," I say, surprised. "I thought you were scheduled to get here next week."

"I decided to move my trip up. I want to see you," she replies, her voice laced with that familiar swoony tone—one I used to be drawn to, but now it leaves me cold.

"You can take the train," I suggest, keeping my tone firm. "You really should rent a car so you can get around while you’re here."

"You can drive me around," she whispers, the hint of seduction in her voice unmistakable.

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