13. Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Noah
Mateo and I are enjoying a cup of coffee when I notice Davey starting to fade. Lily immediately offers to take him upstairs and help him get ready for bed. As they leave, I'm left alone in the kitchen with her father. I brace myself for the tough questions I expect, but instead, he surprises me by showing genuine interest in my author persona—a subject I never tire of discussing.
"You must get a lot of inspiration from your boy," Mateo says, glancing fondly at the spot where Davey had been sitting. "He's quite a kid."
"He is," I agree proudly. "My wife and I didn't think we'd ever have children, so when we found out we were expecting Davey, we were both surprised and elated."
"He looks a lot like you," Mateo observes. "Except for the blue eyes. Does he get them from your wife?"
"My ex has hazel eyes," I explain, "but blue eyes run in her family. Her sister and dad have them too."
"Where is she now?" Mateo asks, likely trying to gauge how my ex might impact Lily.
"Don’t worry, Marian lives in London."
"Marian." Mateo repeats.
"Yes," I say, "Marian is my ex-wife."
Mateo nods and takes a sip of his coffee, but I can see his concern lingering.
"Don’t worry, Mateo," I begin. "Marian isn't going to be a problem for Lily. I don’t foresee more than one or two visits a year to see Davey."
I watch as Mateo rubs the five o'clock shadow forming on his cheeks and chin, his expression reflecting genuine concern. I need to reassure him.
"She's visiting next week," I say, "but she won't be here for more than a month."
The color drains from Mateo's face in an instant. "Marian will be here next week?"
"I can assure you, Mateo, there's no need to be concerned about her being here. She’s Davey’s mother, but our relationship is over. We’ve been divorced for a year."
"That's good," Mateo finally says, his voice softening. "That's good."
Prolonging the inevitable won't help, so I decide to just say it. "Mateo, I'm going to ask Lily to marry me."
His blue gaze locks onto mine, leaving him momentarily speechless. "Don’t you think you’re rushing things a bit? You just met my daughter. What’s the hurry?"
"I love her," I say, trying to be as transparent as possible. "I want her to be my wife."
"Are you sure it’s Lily you want and not the millions sitting in her trust fund?" Mateo asks, his eyes cold and devoid of the warmth I see in Lily’s.
"Pardon me?" I ask, taken aback.
"When Lily marries, she’ll be able to access the trust fund her mother and grandparents left her."
"Mateo, I don’t need her money," I point out. "What I do need is your blessing."
We both turn our attention to the hallway as we hear Lily’s footsteps coming down the stairs.
When she steps into the kitchen, a smile brightens her face. "Davey’s fast asleep. He fought it for as long as he could, but he was tired."
“Mija,” Mateo begins, “I was just telling Noah that I have to go. Maybe you and I can get together tomorrow—maybe go for a hike?”
“Yeah, okay, Dad,” Lily replies, glancing at me with a questioning look. I smile in confusion, unsure of what's happening.
Mateo stands and heads for the door. I’m left wondering how the night took such a surprising turn.
“Good night,” Mateo says, extending his hand to shake mine.
“Good night,” I reply. “If I don’t see you again before Sunday, enjoy the rest of your week in Cold Spring.”
“Yeah, see you then,” Mateo says, and with that, Lily and I watch him descend the porch steps. Then Lily waves at him as he starts driving away.
“What just happened?” she asks, glancing at me.
“I don’t know,” I say, shaking my head. “I have no idea.”
***
“Davey is enthralled by my father,” she says. “He couldn’t stop talking about him before he drifted off to sleep.”
“He’s getting a lot of attention from your dad,” I reply. “I’m glad they get along.”
“Me too,” she says, her blue gaze assessing me. “What is it?”
“Can we step out to the back for a moment?” I ask. “It’s a beautiful night.”
“Sure,” she agrees, as I reach for her hand.
The night couldn’t be more perfect. The breeze caresses Lily’s face, and the waves in her hair are highlighted by the night’s soft, silvery glow. The stars twinkle overhead, making everything feel serene and magical.
When we reach the bench, I pull her into my arms. “How do you think things went with your dad?” I ask, eager to hear her thoughts.
“I think it went better than I expected,” she says honestly. “I thought Dad would list a slew of reasons why we’re wrong for each other.”
“My age,” I say, raising an eyebrow, knowing exactly what his concerns would be. “My divorce. My kid.”
“I’ve never felt like this before,” she confesses, her voice trembling with emotion. "You're the best man I've ever met. I love Davey, and I'm not threatened by Marian because I know you love me."
Her face is illuminated by the gentle light of the full moon, casting a soft, ethereal glow that highlights her features.
“You’re so beautiful, Sweetheart,” I say. “You take my breath away.” I gently tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear before leaning down and kissing her softly.
“Kiss me again,” she says, her blue gaze reaching into my very soul.
“Lily,” her name tastes like honey on my lips. I release her from our embrace and after pulling my mother's engagement ring out of my pocket, I kneel on one knee.
“Noah,” she says, her eyes wide with surprise. “What are you doing?!”
“I asked your father for your hand in marriage tonight,” I begin. “He didn’t exactly say yes, but he didn’t say no either, so I guess I’ll just have to earn his blessing.”
“Noah,” her hands are clasped tightly against her chest.
“Lily Sophia Cruz,” I say, my voice catching with emotion. “Almost hitting your car was one of the most wonderful things that has ever happened to me. The fire I saw in your blue eyes that day drew me in. My mind, my heart, and my soul became yours in that instant. You were all I could think about. I never believed in love at first sight until I met you. No one has ever made my heart skip a beat, made me catch my breath, or made me lose my words—all with just one look—the way you do. I’ve never been in love like this before. Lily, will you marry me?”
A tear rolls down her cheek, followed by another, but then a smile spreads across her lips, and the telltale dimple on her cheek confirms they’re tears of happiness. I wait in rapt concentration and bated breath for her answer, my eyes locked with hers.
“Yes!” she exclaims. “Yes, I will marry you!”
I take her hand and gently slip the ring onto her finger. It fits perfectly. I kiss her hand, then stand and pull her into my embrace. We get lost in each other's arms, and when my lips find hers, I kiss her with sweet abandon, pouring all my love and happiness into this perfect, unforgettable kiss.
When I pull my lips away from hers, she smiles and gazes down at the ring, her eyes wide with awe. "Noah, it's beautiful."
"I knew you'd like it," I say with a smile.
"I love it, but wait," she adds, inspecting the ring. "This is Sharon's ring!"
"How did you know?" I ask, intrigued.
"I’ve seen pictures of Sharon wearing it," she says, her fingers tracing the delicate design. "I always thought it was so beautiful and unique."
"It’s a family heirloom," I explain, my smile deepening. "It’s been passed down through the generations."
Her expression shifts as she looks at me, concern in her eyes. "Noah, I can’t wear the same ring your ex-wife wore."
I gently place my hand over hers to stop her from slipping it off. "It’s okay, Sweetheart," I say softly. "Marian never wore it."
She looks up at me, confused. "Why didn’t she?"
"I wish I had a clear answer," I admit, my voice filled with honesty. "When I brought Marian to Cold Spring to meet my family before we got engaged, Sharon and Jon pulled me aside one night and gave me the ring. They knew I wanted to propose. I spent the entire time here mulling over the idea of proposing with this ring, but in the end, I put it in a safety deposit box at the bank. It’s been there ever since. Until today. I left Davey with Cara and Ava and went to the bank to retrieve it."
"Noah," she whispers, her eyes darting between the ring and my face. "I don't know what to say."
“You’ll be the sixth Linder wife to wear it,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “This ring was meant for you, Sweetheart, not Marian.”
“I love you, Noah,” she says, her blue eyes conveying more than words ever could.
“I love you too,” I reply, feeling like the luckiest man on the planet.
***
After walking Lily home, I retreat to my office, knowing I can’t put this off any longer. Just as I’m about to dial Jon's number, the phone rings. It’s Marian. I hesitate, debating whether to answer or let it go to voicemail. If I don’t pick up now, I’ll probably keep putting it off, and if it’s something important—"Hello," I say, my voice cool.
"Hi, Love!" Her cheerful greeting grates on my nerves instead of easing them, but I keep my voice steady. "Hi, Marian. What’s up?"
"My flight is scheduled to arrive at JFK tomorrow at six. Can you and Davey pick me up?"
"Wait," I say, surprised. "I thought you were scheduled to get here next week."
"I decided to move my trip up. I want to see you," she replies, her voice laced with that familiar swoony tone—one I used to be drawn to, but now it leaves me cold.
"You can take the train," I suggest, keeping my tone firm. "You really should rent a car so you can get around while you’re here."
"You can drive me around," she whispers, the hint of seduction in her voice unmistakable.
"No," I reply sharply. "One thing I’m not going to be is your chauffeur."
"You're my husband," she asserts, her voice tinged with possessiveness.
"I’m your ex -husband," I reply, putting deliberate emphasis on "ex," making sure there's no room for misunderstanding.
"You were mine for fifteen years," she continues, undeterred. "You’re the father of my child. My best friend. A piece of paper isn't enough to tear us apart."
"That 'piece of paper' was signed, notarized, and filed with the court," I remind her, my voice steely. "We're done."
"I’ll wait for you at the airport, Love," she says, her tone light and breezy, as if the entire conversation we just had never happened.
I grit my teeth. "Marian, I’m not coming. You’ll have to find another way."
“Don’t be late!” are the last words I hear before the call cuts off.
I stare at the screen, then dial her number again—once, twice, three times—but it goes straight to voicemail. My frustration builds, anger simmering just beneath the surface.
I take a deep breath, steadying myself before dialing Jon's number. He answers on the first ring, and after we trade the usual pleasantries, our conversation coasts on familiar ground. I bide my time, waiting for the right moment. When Lily’s name naturally comes up, I take another breath and say it: "Lily and I have been seeing each other."
The line falls into a heavy silence, as if Jon is processing the meaning of my words. Then, in a tone that’s almost resigned, he replies, "I figured. Loren hasn’t said anything outright, but I can read her like a book. Whenever you and Lily are mentioned in the same sentence, her face lights up. You know how she is."
I hesitate, but curiosity gets the better of me. "What about Aaron? What does he think?" I ask, recalling what Lily has told me about Loren’s husband—how protective he is, almost like a father to her.
"If Aaron has an opinion, he’ll share it with you directly," Jon replies, his voice taking on a warning edge. "Just remember, Noah, he’s not Lily’s father, but he and Loren were there for her when her mother passed away. They picked up the pieces when her own father was a thousand miles away. Respect their place in her life—that’s all I’m asking."
"I’ve asked her to marry me, Jon," I say firmly, leaving no room for doubt.
There’s a sharp intake of breath on the other end. "You’ve what?!" Jon’s voice is thick with disbelief. "Are you out of your mind?! You’ve known each other for less than two months!"
"With all due respect, Jon, you might see me as a son, but I’m a grown man. I know what I’m doing."
"Do you?" he snaps back. "Couldn’t you have waited? Given it more time? At least until after you spoke to Marian in person?"
"What does Marian have to do with this?" I demand, irritation bubbling to the surface.
Jon’s tone softens slightly, but the tension is still there. "I really wish you had waited, Noah."
"Waited for what, exactly?" I challenge. "For you to come back and try to talk me out of it?"
"Yes," he says bluntly. "Yes, I would’ve tried."
My patience snaps. "I’m going to marry her, Jon. There’s nothing—nothing—you or anyone else can do to stop us."
"She’s twenty-three," he reminds me, his voice tight with concern.
"So it’s the age difference that bothers you?" I counter. "Aren’t your daughters younger than their husbands?"
"Yes, but—" he starts, but I cut him off.
"But nothing, Jon. I love her, and she loves me. It’s that simple."
"It’s not that simple," he presses on. "She’s young, Noah. Is she ready for everything that comes with this? For being a mom to Davey? For Marian?"
"Lily adores Davey. She may not be his mother, but for the past two months, she’s been a strong, constant presence in his life, stepping into the role of a mother figure. As for Marian—her sole focus should be on being Davey’s mother, and I hope she keeps that in mind while she’s here. Because I will not allow her to come between Lily and me."
"Marian’s not going to give up without a fight," Jon warns, his voice dropping to a grave tone. "She told Sharon as much. We don’t want Lily caught in the middle of that battle."
"There's not going to be a battle," I say, my voice steady with resolve, but his words linger, leaving me unsettled.
"Marian will be here on Tuesday," Jon says. "I suggest—"
"Tuesday?" I cut him off, surprised. "No. She’ll be here tomorrow."
Jon pauses. "The couple staying in the rental won’t be leaving until Monday. Marian can’t move in until the first."
"So where is she planning to stay?" I mutter, more to myself than to him. A sinking feeling hits me. "Does she think she’s staying with me?”
"Noah, this is exactly what I’m talking about," Jon says, his voice edged with frustration. "Marian is expecting to pick things up where you left off. What about Lily? Where does this 'living arrangement' leave her?"
"I'll take care of it," I say firmly. "And don’t worry about Lily. She’s my fiancée, and it’s my responsibility to ensure she doesn’t have any concerns about my ex."
After we end the call, I walk to the window facing the backyard and glance at the guesthouse, where my sweetheart is likely fast asleep. She has no idea that starting tomorrow, things will get a lot more complicated. Yet, as the naysayers continue to line up—Mateo, Jon, Marian, and possibly even Aaron—each voice of doubt only reinforces my resolve. With every objection, my determination to make Lily my wife grows stronger, carving itself deeper into my heart.