Page 70 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"Please," I whisper, my voice breaking with desperation. "Can we talk about something else? I feel like I need an emotional timeout."

"You need to talk to Tim and Bethany," he insists firmly.

"Jon, with all due respect, I don’t need a pastor right now. I need an attorney," I reply, frustration creeping into my voice.

He shakes his head, a smile spreading across his face. "Tim practiced law for five years before taking over his father’s church. And Bethany, his wife—she’s a family attorney."

I blink, his words sinking in. Taking a deep breath and smiling back, I mutter, "I guess I will need their number."

Chapter 20

Lily

"I'm staying an extra week or two," Dad says as we stroll along the waterfront in Riverfront Park. The gentle breeze carries the scent of the Hudson River as the sunlight reflects on the water.

"Laila and Sam will be here next week," I mention, glancing over at him.

"I spoke to Sam last night," he replies. "They offered to let me stay with them, but I think I'll get a hotel room."

"You can stay with me, Dad," I offer.

He chuckles softly. "I'm tired of cooking for myself anyway. It’s time someone else made my bed and cooked my meals for a change."

I smile at his humor. "Well, let me know if you change your mind."

“By the way, did Davey’s mom find a room in town?" Dad asks. "I tried calling a few places, but everything’s booked.”

“She’s staying at the Holiday Inn,” I reply, already reaching for my phone. “I’ll text you the link to their website.”

“What’s she like?” Dad asks, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.

“Marian?” I reply, a little taken aback by his sudden interest.

He shrugs, grinning. “I’m curious. Davey’s an incredible kid—smart, creative, intuitive. He can’t possibly get all that from your Romeo.”

“Noah, Dad. His name is Noah,” I correct with a sigh.

He chuckles. “I know, Mija. I’m just teasing.”

“Anyway, Marian is tall, sophisticated, and strikingly beautiful. She’s a bit older than Noah, but you’d never guess it. She looks amazing.”

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to meet this Marian,” he teases, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

“Dad, don’t get any ideas. No jokes, no comments, not even a thought about it. I mean it.”

“First Lisa, now Marian?” he says, raising an eyebrow with mock frustration. “How’s a man supposed to have any fun around here? I’m on vacation, after all!”

“Dad!” I exclaim, laughing despite myself. “You're insufferable!”

***

After Dad drops me off, I shower and slip into a sleeveless knit top and shorts. At the house, I order our usual pizza and settle at my laptop in Noah's office, eager to prepare for the big day while I wait for the delivery. I meticulously review the registration form one last time, making sure everything is perfect before uploading it to our online platform. When I click the 'load' button, a rush of exhilaration floods over me. This moment marks the official launch ofClay Play Daycare, and my heart races with anticipation for the new adventure that lies ahead. Finally, I print a hard copy of the enrollment form to share with Noah.

When the doorbell rings, I grab the form and rush to the front door, placing it on the console table before digging into my purse for some cash. I smile and swing open the door, only to be met by a piercing hazel gaze burning with unmistakable hatred.

"Hi, Marian," I say, forcing a calm, cordial tone into my voice. "Noah and Davey aren’t home yet."

"Then what are you doing here?" she asks, brushing past me into the foyer, her eyes narrowing with open disdain.

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