Page 82 of When Love And Destiny Collide

My thoughts drift back to last night when I sat listening to Lily recount what happened between her father and Marian. The battle to keep my temper in check became all-consuming. Every word felt like a blow to my ego, my pride, and the vows Marian and I once shared. I’m walking a fine line between the righteous indignation I feel over Mateo's part in all this and the undeniable truth that I’m madly in love with his daughter. I remind myself that my marriage was already falling apart long before Marian cheated on me with Mateo. If we hadn’t had Davey, I would have divorced her.

The bottom line is I’m going to marry Lily, and Mateo will be part of our lives whether I like it or not. Holding this against him would only drive a wedge between Lily and me, and I will never let that happen. My ultimate goal is to make her happy, so I’m making the conscious choice to let this go.

***

As I start down the stairs at half past eight, the clatter of pans from the kitchen reaches my ears, and hearing Davey’s voice brings a smile to my face an a wave of relief to my heart. He's home.

“Daddy!” he exclaims as soon as he sees me. My nerves spike at the sight of Marian standing at the stove, but I force myself to remain composed.

“Marian,” I say, keeping my tone steady. “What are you doing here?”

“David and I decided to come home early and make you breakfast,” she replies with a cheerful smile.

"Where’s Lily?" I ask, a knot forming in my chest. She should have been here half an hour ago.

"She came by," Marian says, her focus on the eggs she’s scrambling. "I told her we wouldn’t be needing her today."

"You did what?" I ask, struggling to maintain an even temper. "Lily is not an employee."

She shrugs, still not bothering to face me.

"How did you get in?" I press, frustration simmering.

"I gave her the key we keep in the fake rock!" Davey exclaims, grinning proudly. Despite everything, I smile and kiss the top of his head.

"I'm going to say good morning to Lily," I say, craving the escape and clarity of fresh air. "I'll be right back."

"I think you should stay here with your family," Marian says, her voice clipped as she shoots me that all-too-familiar look of disapproval.

“Lily is my family,” I reply firmly.

“Yeah!” Davey chimes in. “Lily is our family!”

I shoot Marian a silent warning not to chastise Davey, and she catches my drift, falling silent immediately.

***

I knock lightly on Lily's door, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. I couldn’t blame her if she’s upset.

“Good morning,” I say as soon as she opens the door.

“Good morning,” she smiles, wrapping her arms around me. I pull her close, breathing in the soft scent of her perfume.

“Are we okay?” I ask, needing to hear the reassurance in her voice.

“We're more than okay,” she whispers. “We’re in love.”

“And we’re getting married.” I smile, kissing her lightly.

“What’s Marian making for breakfast?” she asks, smiling back at me.

“Scrambled eggs,” I say with a smirk. “The only thing in her cooking arsenal.”

“I just got off the phone with Dad," she says, "I’m meeting him for breakfast. I think we have a lot to discuss.”

“Meet you back here for lunch?” I ask, nuzzling her neck, savoring the warmth of her skin.

“Absolutely,” she smiles, meeting my gaze with her mesmerizing blue eyes.

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