Page 57 of When Love And Destiny Collide

“No,” I smile warmly, “but I hope it’s soon.”

“So she’ll be here until Davey starts school?” he asks. "That’s what Noah said.”

“Yeah,” I murmur. “It’s going to be a long month. On one hand, I’m glad Davey gets to spend time with his mom. He misses her; I can see it. But on the other hand, I wish she were gone already—like, yesterday.” I sigh, shaking my head. “It’s selfish, I know.”

"You’re not selfish, Mija,” he says, his warm hand closing over mine. “But you’ll have to be strong and let her be Davey’s mother while she’s here. Don’t interfere, Cariño. Don’t meddle. Noah may be yours, but Davey… he’s not. Don’t put him in a position where he has to choose.”

"You're right, Dad. Thank you for being here. Your advice and support mean the world to me—I couldn’t do this without you."

"I love you, and I'm glad I can be here for you," he says, his blue eyes radiating such tenderness and devotion that I can feel his love surrounding me, warming my heart.

"So, what do you have planned for tonight?" I ask.

"I’ve got some work to catch up on—couple of calls and some time on the laptop."

"How’s your business going?" I ask, genuinely curious.

He pauses, his eyes softening as he looks at me. "You know, Mija, I’ve built something I’m really proud of. I know you have a trust fund that’ll secure your future, and when I’m gone, I’ll be adding to that. The fortune I’ve built—it’s all for you."

"Oh, Daddy," I murmur, feeling tears welling up. "You know I’d rather have you than your money."

He smiles gently. "I know. You’ve always been one of the most unassuming people I know. You live simply, with grace, and I know that even when you inherit, your life won’t change. But it’s important to me that I provide for you when I’m no longer here. Let me put it this way—what the Linders have built in New York and Boston, I’ve mirrored in Mexico."

"That’s amazing, Daddy," I say, my heart swelling with pride. "I’m so proud of you."

“What are your plans for tonight?” He asks, a smile on his lips.

"Davey’s going to dinner and a movie with the neighbors and their grandkids," I say, excitement flickering in my voice. "So Noah’s taking me out."

“And what movie are the kids seeing?” he asks, his curiosity piqued.

“Kung Fu Panda,” I reply, grinning. “You should see Davey—he’s obsessed. He does this little karate chop that’s so serious, but it’s hilarious."

Dad chuckles softly, but there’s a warmth in his eyes. He’s amused. I can tell he’s picturing Davey, and somehow, the thought of that little boy blending into our world makes everything feel just right.

***

Dad drops me off just after four, and I rush inside, hoping to catch Davey before Cara picks him up.

“He’s in the shower,” Noah says, laying out an outfit on the bed. His voice is soft, but his gaze sharpens when he meets my eyes. “Did you have a good time with your dad?”

“I did,” I reply, feeling the warmth in my chest as I look at my future husband. “And I’ve got good news.”

“Oh yeah?” He arches a brow, a mischievous glint lighting up his expression. “What’s that?”

I step closer, wrapping my arms around his waist, savoring the solid warmth of him. His hand glides up my arm, finding its way to the nape of my neck, and my breath hitches. For a moment, I forget what I was going to say, lost in the feel of him.

He smiles knowingly, eyes twinkling as he prompts me again. “What is it?”

“I’m sorry!” I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re just so distractingly handsome that I lose my train of thought.”

His grin widens, and we fall into a silent, intense gaze. I finally remember to speak. “Dad gave us his blessing.”

Before I can process it, Noah sweeps me off my feet, twirling me in the air as our laughter spills out, filling the room with joy. When he sets me down, my head spins, not just from the motion but from him. He kisses me, and in that instant, everything else fades away. It’s like I’ve left my body, floating in the warmth that surges through me. One sweet, simple kiss, and he leaves me breathless, utterly undone, like no one else ever could.

Chapter 15

Noah

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