Page 8 of When Love And Destiny Collide

"He called last night," she begins, her voice softening. "He feels awful about everything. He wants to make things right and start fresh."

"If only I could hit rewind on yesterday," I say, feeling frustrated.

"Don't worry about it," she smiles. "Noah's just a big teddy bear."

"More like a grizzly bear, if you ask me."

"Once he gets to know you, he’ll love you just as much as we do, and you'll feel the same about him."

"I highly doubt that."

Sharon gives me a questioning glance, one eyebrow raised, prompting me to quickly add, "Sorry, did I just say that out loud?"

"What did you think of Davey?" she asks.

"We only exchanged a few words, but he seems like a sweet little kid. Must take after his mother."

"His mother left them a year ago. She gave Noah a divorce and custody of Davey."

Guilt washes over me. "I'm so sorry," I say softly. "That was completely inappropriate."

She gives me a half-smile, a silent acknowledgment that I'm forgiven.

I help her prepare eggplant parmesan for dinner and chocolate mousse for dessert.

At exactly six o'clock, the doorbell rings. My eyes widen as I realize the only ones who could be joining us for dinner areNoah and his son—everyone else is in Florida. Sharon notices my reaction and smiles, squeezing my hand reassuringly.

"It'll be fine," she says before answering the door.

I glance down at my outfit and shake my head, realizing I don't look presentable. I'm not wearing any makeup, and I threw on old jeans, tennis shoes, and myBoston CollegeT-shirt before rushing out this morning. I don't even remember brushing my hair after I showered. Ugh!

Davey bounds into the kitchen first and smiles wide as soon as he sees me.

"Hi!" he exclaims.

"Hi, Davey. How are you?"

"I'm good," he replies eagerly. "What's your name?"

"Lily," I say, smiling back at him.

"How do you know my name?" he asks.

"Your Aunt Sharon and Uncle Jon told me all about you."

"Are you my auntie too?"

"No, I'm your family's friend."

"Can we be friends?" he asks, his blue eyes full of hope.

"Of course, we can, Sweetie," I respond warmly.

"I'm five. How old are you?"

"I'm twenty-three."

"Wow," he exclaims. "That's a lot of years."

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