Page 88 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"You left him stranded?" he asks, his tone a mix of surprise and amusement, a smile tugging at his lips.

I nod, grinning. "Don’t feel too sorry for him. The hotel’s within walking distance."

"You need to tell him," he says gently. "He deserves to know. If I were in his shoes, I'd want to know."

"You’re kind, Noah Linder," I say, my eyes filling with tears. "I’m so sorry this is happening." The pang of guilt and shame twists inside me, wrapping around my heart like a stubborn weed that won’t wither, no matter how much happiness I try to pour over it.

"You never have to be sorry," he whispers, his voice tender. "Not about this."

Chapter 25

Noah

As I pull her into my arms, she relaxes against me, her tension melting away with every breath. I lower my voice, letting my words flow softly between us. "I know this wasn't easy for you," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her hair. "Thank you for telling me anyway."

"I don’t want any secrets between us," she says, glancing up at me, her eyes filled with unwavering trust. "Not ever."

“I love you, Lily,” I whisper before capturing her mouth with mine, drinking in her sweetness. She responds without hesitation, and in this kiss, we promise each other everything—more than words ever could.

"I love you," she murmurs, her lips warm against mine.

"You make me happier than I ever thought possible," I say before kissing her again. "I can't wait to make you my wife."

"I can't wait either," she whispers, her smile brightening as she lifts her left hand to admire the ring.

"Then let's set a date," I suggest, my gaze locking with hers.

She throws her arms around me, her laughter bubbling up and mingling with the happy tears in her eyes. The despair that had shadowed her face is gone, replaced with pure joy. When her lips find mine again, I slip my hands up to her neck, deepening the kiss until we’re both lost in each other.

***

"You look beautiful," I say as Lily walks into the room. I walk up to her and pull her in, nuzzling her neck and inhaling the scent that has become my anchor, grounding me in this new life overflowing with happy moments and the promise of a future filled with love.

Laila and Sam are in town, and tonight, Lily and I are having them over for dinner. As I pull the prime rib from the oven and set it next to the steaming mashed potatoes on the counter to let it rest, the doorbell rings, signaling their arrival.

“They're here!” Lily exclaims, her eyes sparkling as she rushes to open the door.

“Hi, you two!” I call out as they all walk into the kitchen.

"Where's Davey?" Sam asks, holding a Woody action figure in one hand and Buzz Lightyear in the other. "I brought these for him."

"His mom should be dropping him off any minute," I say.

"Sounds like the two of you are getting along," Laila says as Sam pulls out a chair for her and then sits beside her.

"We're playing nice," I reply, keeping my tone light. "But we're not friends. Davey needs his mom, so I’m doing what’s best for him."

"It’s a start," Sam says with a smile.

"When does she go back to London?" Laila asks.

"Friday," Lily answers, her smile softening. "Davey's going to miss her. This past month, he's been bouncing between us, his mom, and the rest of the family. His days are full, but he's having a great time."

"But we make sure weekends are ours," I add, my gaze settling on Lily. "We’re a family." In a shared smile, I feel the unspoken bond we've built. The last few weeks have woven our lives together in a way that feels effortless—wrapped in peace, contentment, and a love that’s quietly blossomed. A wave ofgratitude swells inside me, knowing how much this time has given us.

"I'm really proud of you for what you've accomplished at the daycare," Sam says, turning to Lily.

"I’ve been crazy busy with enrollment," Lily beams. "There’s already a waiting list for the after-school program, and the summer months are booked for the next eighteen months."

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