Page 46 of When Love Changes Everything

"Lily and I figured that since the baby will know you as grandpa, it makes sense for Davey to call you that too."

The sensation I feel in my chest is immediate. My heart feels full of love and gratitude for the trust they’ve placed in me. It’s not just a word, not just a title—it’s a sign of belonging, a connection between generations, and the gift of a second chance to be the man and father I’ve always wanted to be. A tear pricks at the corner of my eye, and for a brief moment, the weight of it all almost overwhelms me. But I hold it in, because this moment, this family, is everything.

Noah averts his gaze, not wanting to see me getting emotional. He tightens the last screw on the table leg and stands, brushing off his hands. For a moment, we just stand there, the weight of the past lingering between us. Then, without a word, he extends a hand. I take it without hesitation; his grip is firm and steady. His expression is serious, but there’s something in his eyes—something like acceptance.

It’s not exactly forgiveness. But it’s a start.

And for now, it's more than enough.

As he lets go of my hand, he glances over at the unopened box for the second coffee table. With a resigned sigh, he mutters, “And I suppose I’m building that one too.”

I grin, slapping him lightly on the shoulder. “Well, you’re the expert now.”

He shoots me a mock glare, picking up the tiny wrench again. “Next time, get an ottoman. Less assembly.”

I smile, nodding. “I will. You have my word.”

We both chuckle, and the tension between us softens just a little more.

***

After we finish at the house, everyone heads off in different directions to get ready for the party. I make my way back to the guesthouse, moving quickly. It’s been my home for weeks now—a quiet, familiar place where I can unwind.

The moment I step inside, I strip off my work clothes and head straight for the shower. The hot water pounds against my skin, easing the tension in my shoulders. I close my eyes, letting the steam wrap around me as my thoughts drift to Lisa.

Her smile flashes in my mind, the way it softens the sharp edges of my personality, making me believe in things I’d long given upon. She doesn’t just light up a room; she lights up my world. I can’t help but grin, anticipation building as I think about going to the party together as an engaged couple.

I shut off the water, towel off, and wrap the towel around my waist. The door to the guesthouse clicks shut, and I step out of the bathroom expecting to see Lisa.

But it’s not her.

Marian is sitting on the bed, her posture casual, like she belongs here. She doesn’t. Dressed in a sleek black dress that clings to her like a second skin and a pair of stiletto heels that scream sophistication, she looks every bit the polished, calculating woman she is. The sight of her only fuels my anger, a stark reminder of the chaos she’s trying to drag into my life. My grip on the towel instinctively tightens.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I snap, my voice sharp.

She doesn’t flinch. Instead, she tilts her head, her lips curving into a smile I know far too well. "God, you're sexy," she says, her gaze slowly dragging over me from head to toe, lingering just a second too long. "Especially when you're cross with me."

I take a deliberate step closer, my jaw clenching. "Whatever game you’re playing, Marian, it stops now."

"Relax, darling. We need to talk."

"No,youneed to leave," I growl, taking a step closer. "You had the nerve to tell Lisa that you're pregnant? What were you thinking? Are you trying to ruin my life?!"

"It was a joke," she says, feigning innocence. "I only told her that to get a rise out of her. The last time we were together—"

"Stop," I cut her off, my voice rising. "You think you can lie about something like that? You’re completely delusional."

She uncrosses her long legs and rises to her full height, her gaze locking onto mine with that signature, arrogant confidence I once found irresistible. This woman is as stunning as she is ruthless—a dangerous combination I should have avoided at all costs. Of all the mistakes I’ve made in my life—and there are many—getting involved with Marian ranks near the top. The only thing worse was cheating on Sophia—a choice that still haunts me every single day.

"I want you, Mateo," she says, her voice low and deliberate. "It really is that simple. You and I have unfinished business." I watch as she reaches into her purse and pulls out a hotel room key. She holds it out to me, her lips curving into a sly smile.

I take a slow step forward, meeting her gaze with cold, unwavering resolve. "No, darling," I reply, letting my voice drip with the polished edge of an exaggerated English accent. "The only unfinished business between us is a goodbye."

Without waiting for her response, I stride to the door, grab the handle, and swing it open.

Lisa stands there, her fist frozen mid-air, poised to knock. Her eyes dart from me, still clad in nothing but a towel, to Marian, who stands a few feet away holding the damning key.

My heart lurches, and I immediately soften. "Hermosa," I whisper, the word laden with both relief and desperation.

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