Page 59 of When Love And Destiny Collide

Our clothes lie in disarray on the floor, our bodies still entwined together as one. The dinner we had planned is long forgotten, as is the promise I made to myself not to touch her, not like this. But as I hold her, I find I don’t regret a single moment. I only hope she doesn't either.

I lie still, watching her drift back into a deep sleep, her breathing steady and rhythmic. She gave me everything without hesitation, her trust in me complete. As I watch her peaceful form, I make a silent vow to honor that trust, promising never to betray the love she’s given me.

“What time is it?” she murmurs, her voice barely a whisper as she stirs from sleep.

“Almost eight,” I reply, glancing at the clock beside the bed.

“Eight?!” she exclaims, her eyes wide as she leaps from the bed, hastily wrapping a sheet around her slim frame. “Noah, Davey’s going to be home any minute!”

I smile and watch as she gathers her clothes and dashes into the bathroom.

“Davey isn’t due back until nine,” I call out just before the bathroom door clicks shut. Rising, I gather my clothes and walk to the bathroom, knocking lightly when I hear the sound of running water.

“Come in,” Lily’s soft voice is like music to my ears as I push the door open and slip inside.

***

Lily and I are at the table, sharing kisses and a cheese omelet with grilled vegetables, when a knock on the back door interrupts us.

“That must be Davey,” I say, rising to open the door.

Cara stands there, looking apologetic. “Sorry we’re late,” she says, as a bundle of energy—my son—darts through the door, throwing karate chops in every direction. “We stopped for ice cream.”

Lily laughs, watching Davey’s enthusiastic moves. “That explains it,” she says, amused.

Cara looks a bit flustered. “I didn’t think of that.”

“It’s okay,” I reassure her, smiling. “The sugar rush will wear off soon enough, and he’ll drop like a fly.”

“Lily,” Cara begins, a hint of surprise in her voice, “we ran into your dad at the ice cream parlor.”

“My dad?!” Lily asks, her eyes widening in disbelief.

“Yeah,” Cara confirms with a nod. “Davey spotted him right away, and he ended up joining us for an ice cream sundae.”

“You’re kidding,” Lily says, still incredulous. “I’ve never known my dad to go out for ice cream. Maybe a good wine, but never ice cream.”

“Hmmm,” Cara shrugs, looking thoughtful. “I don't know. But he and Davey really seemed to enjoy each other's company. They had an entire conversation in Spanish. It was impressive."

Lily and I exchange puzzled glances, trying to make sense of the unexpected encounter.

“Anyway,” Cara says with a chuckle, “I’ve got to go. The family’s waiting for me. If you think Davey is wired, you should see our little gang.”

“Thanks for taking Davey out with you,” I say, gratitude in my voice.

“Bye, Cara!” Davey shouts, his voice full of energy.

“Bye!” Cara replies, waving as she heads out. I close the door behind her and turn to Lily, still bemused by the evening’s surprises.

“Come on, Buddy,” I say, “let’s get you in the shower and ready for bed.”

“I’m not tired,” Davey protests. “I want to watchToy Story.”

“Shower first,” I insist. “If you’re still wide awake after you put on your pajamas, we can watch a little television.”

I smile when I manage to read through only a few pages of a book before he's fast asleep.

Downstairs, Lily is putting dishes away from the dishwasher. When she turns to me, her blue eyes are filled with uncertainty. I approach her and gently wrap my arms around her.

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