Page 73 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"What do you mean?" he asks, his expression sincere.

"Did they threaten you with bodily harm if you took advantage of me?" I ask, eyeing him. "I know Aaron, and when he promised my mother he'd protect me like one of his own children, he meant it. And we both know where Jon stands on the subject."

"They don't need to protect you from me, Lily," he says, his gaze melting my heart. "For as much as they love you, I love you more."

His words make me smile. I lean in, kissing him softly, gently, sweetly. Then, I pull back, meeting his eyes, hoping he can see everything I’m feeling. "I love you too."

I stand and head toward the front door. "Can I show you the daycare's registration form before I go? I printed out a copy so you can give it a once-over with your author's eyes."

"My author's eyes?" he chuckles. "Sure, let me see it."

I glance next to my purse on the console table, but it’s not there. "I know I brought a copy out with me when I answered the door," I say.

"Maybe it’s in the office," he suggests.

"No," I reply firmly. "It was right here."

"Let’s go print another one," he says, standing and walking toward me.

I hesitate, my eyes following him. "I think Marian took it," I finally admit.

"Why would she do that?" he asks, confusion clouding his gaze.

"Noah, it was right here. When I walked into the kitchen and left her standing here, it took her several seconds to leave. She must’ve seen it and taken it."

"Again," he repeats. "What for?"

"I don’t know," I murmur, but a cold prickle settles deep in my stomach, tightening with an uneasy grip.

***

"You're quiet," Noah says as we walk across the lawn to my front door.

"Marian warned me that by the time she was done with me, I'd be sorry I ever met you."

He stays silent until we reach the door. Then, he looks down at me, searching my face. "Let me talk to her," he offers, pulling me into his arms.

"I honestly don’t think it’ll help. It'll just fuel her belief that she scared me."

"I will never let anyone hurt you," he says, his gaze reaching inside my heart. I believe him.

Chapter 21

Noah

I wish I could tell her Marian is all bark and no bite, but having been bitten plenty of times, I know she's like a dog with a bone until she gets what she wants.

I look into Lily’s eyes, sapphire blue, beautiful, and filled with trust yet shadowed by worry. I lean in, capturing her lips with mine, hoping that, just for a second, Marian’s threat will melt away. She responds with such sweet surrender, allowing me to explore her mouth with mine as if nothing else matters. The night air is warm, but the cool breeze stirs a touch of romance, wrapping us in the intimacy of the moment. I wish I could stay, hold her in my arms until every trace of fear disappears. But I can’t.

As I reluctantly pull away and head back toward the house, a resolution settles inside me. Tomorrow, I’ll sit down with my sweetheart and set a date for our wedding. Sleeping apart is nolonger an option. She belongs here with Davey and me—under the same roof as a family. My wife, my son, my world.

***

"I'm taking David on a hike," Marian announces the moment I open the door.

"Good morning, Marian," I say as she brushes past me.

The scent of her perfume hits me hard—bold, unmistakably familiar. It’s the same one she's worn since the day we met, stirring memories of what I once believed was permanent, now shattered. What we've lost forever.

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