Page 56 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"Yes," I reply. "He’s been divorced for a year."

"Is that the same ring he gave his first wife?"

I shake my head, a proud smile spreading across my face. “No, it’s not. She never wore his family’s heirloom. Noah kept it safely tucked away in a safety deposit box all these years. You know what that means, Daddy?"

“It means you’re incredibly special to him, Cariño. He truly loves you.”

"Yes, Daddy! He loves me, and I love him." I love him, I repeat the words silently, a mantra that brings tears to my eyes. "Please give us your blessing, Daddy."

"Lily," hearing my name on his lips feels strange. I can't recall the last time he called me Lily. “You’ve never been in love before, Mija. What if this is just an infatuation, a crush on an older man? An attachment to his son because you can't—” He falters, but I understand what he means.

“Because I can’t have children? Go ahead and say it, Daddy."

"I'm sorry," he says, reaching for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"This isn’t just a crush or a simple attachment. Davey comes with Noah. They’re a package deal, and I love them both. I can’t imagine my life without them. They’re everything to me, and I need you to understand that.”

"Okay," he murmurs, "Okay. You have my blessing to marry Noah Linder."

"Thank you, Daddy," I whisper, leaning over to hug and give him a kiss. "Thank you."

We start the hike, enveloped by the lush, green beauty. It's a warm day, but thankfully, the trail offers ample shade. Everywhere we look, vibrant wildflowers bloom, adding splashes of color to the landscape. The cool, refreshing stream crossings provide a welcome respite. The view from the summit is breathtaking, with the Hudson River glistening in the summer light, casting a magical glow over the valley.

"Have you brought Davey up here yet?" Dad asks, surprising me with his genuine interest.

"Yes," I reply, smiling. "Noah and I bring him up here at least twice a week. We choose different trails that are easy for him. He loves it."

"Look!" Dad exclaims, pointing to a fluttering figure. "A hummingbird."

I follow his gaze and spot the tiny bird darting among the flowers, its iridescent feathers catching the light. With so many blooms around, it has plenty to keep it busy.

As I glance back at my father, I see him mesmerized by the bird, his bright blue eyes sparkling in the sunlight. He’s tall, strikingly handsome, and just five years older than Noah, with a confidence that only deepens his appeal. His charm and presence attract attention wherever he goes. Women seem drawn to him like bees to honey. He has this effortless magnetism, a modern-day Casanova who flits from one admirer to the next, much like the hummingbird—touching down briefly before moving on. I imagine it must be exhausting, living such a fleeting life.

We have lunch together at a quiet table, where the calm setting allows for an open conversation.

“Noah mentioned last night that his ex-wife will be here for a visit,” Dad says, taking a thoughtful sip of wine. “He said they’ve been divorced for a year. Have you met her?”

“No,” I reply. “I don’t think she’s been back since Davey was born. Jon and Sharon visited them once, that I know of, and Noah was here when his mother fell ill and then passed away.”

“So, you hadn’t met him before?” Dad asks, intrigued.

“No,” I answer. “I was living in Boston at the time.”

“Will you be able to handle his ex?” Dad asks, studying me closely. “She’ll be arriving soon, right?”

“Tonight,” I murmur.

“What?” Dad’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

“She’ll be here tonight,” I repeat.

I watch as the color drains from his face. “Are you okay, Dad?”

“Mija,” he stammers, “I don’t want you to get hurt. The thought of you and her clashing over Noah is something I’d rather not imagine.”

“Don’t worry,” I say reassuringly. “There won’t be any fighting. She’s Noah’s past. I’m his future.”

Dad’s gaze drifts for a moment, his expression distant. “Have you two set a date for the wedding yet?” he asks, though his mind seems preoccupied with something else.

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