14. Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Lily
I lie in bed, transfixed by the ring adorning my finger. It’s nothing short of breathtaking. As I lift my hand and touch the diamond, set in its delicate filigree band, I’m struck by its timeless elegance—whispers of love stories woven through generations. This ring is a link to Sharon, Noah’s mother, his grandmother, and even his great-grandmother. It carries with it so much history and love. I can hardly believe it’s now mine. "I love you, Noah," I whisper into the quiet night. "And I can’t believe you’re mine."
***
After I get ready for the day, I gaze at my reflection in the mirror, unable to suppress my beaming smile. I’m engaged! I run my fingers through my hair, sweeping my curtain bangs into place before spritzing them with hairspray. I silently pray they’ll hold throughout the day, savoring the joy of this new chapter. I shut the door behind me and stroll across the lawn towards the house, subconsciously twisting the ring on my finger and breathing in the fresh, flower-filled scent that drifts through the morning air. I see Noah sitting on the back porch, a cup of coffee in hand, his expression a blend of contemplation and unreadable emotion. When he sees me, his face breaks into a smile, and his eyes light up with unmistakable love. He loves me, and he no longer hides it.
"Good morning," I say with a smile as I go up the steps.
"Good morning, Sweetheart," he replies, setting his coffee cup down on the table before standing. My heart soars as he approaches me. His height, his strong arms, his broad chest—all solid like a comforting anchor—make me feel cherished and secure. "How was your first night as an engaged woman?"
"I slept like a baby," I say with a smile. "When I woke up this morning, I thought it had all been a sweet dream—until I felt the ring on my finger." I glance at it, gently twisting it around, before looking up at him. He reaches for my hands, cocooning them in his own, his grip firm yet tender, as if shielding them with all the strength and care he has. His touch feels like a silent vow, a promise that no matter what, he’ll always be there to protect us.
"I spoke to Jon last night," he starts, his tone serious. "He’s not exactly thrilled about us."
My stomach tightens at his words. "You told him we're engaged?"
"He already sensed something was going on," he explains. "He’s perceptive like that."
"Did Loren—"
"No, Sweetheart," he interrupts gently. "Loren didn’t say a word, but her excitement was so palpable, it was impossible to miss. Jon, and likely Aaron, put two and two together."
"Aaron has always been very supportive," I say, confusion lining my voice.
"To be honest, I’m not sure what Aaron thinks of us," he admits. "Jon's main concern is that he doesn’t want you to get hurt."
"Get hurt?" I echo, shaking my head. "How?"
"Well," he starts carefully, "it mostly revolves around the idea of you having to deal with Marian."
I nod, a sinking feeling in my chest as I begin to grasp where this is going.
"And speaking of Marian," Noah murmurs, his voice cautious.
"What is it?" I ask, bracing myself for whatever is coming next.
"She called last night to let me know her flight arrives today. According to Jon, she wasn't supposed to be here until Tuesday, so the rental Jon secured for her won’t be ready until Monday."
I nod, my mind racing as the pieces fall into place.
"She’ll want to stay here with you," I say, my eyes locking with his.
He releases my hands and pulls me into his arms, his embrace warm but heavy with unspoken tension. "And she asked me to pick her up from the airport," he continues, his voice low.
"Okay," I say softly, trying to stay composed. "I understand."
"I’m not going," he replies, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "What are you going to do?" I ask, catching the mischievous glint in his eyes.
"I made several attempts to reach her after she hung up on me," he says, calmly. "But she refuses to take my calls, so let her figure it out. Trust me, she can be pretty resourceful.”
"Noah," I say softly, a hint of guilt tugging at me, "how about we reserve a rental car for her at the airport, and you leave the confirmation number on her voicemail?"
"You are too kind, Sweetheart," he replies, his voice warm as he leans in and kisses me. His lips taste faintly of coffee, soft and lingering, teasing me with slow, deliberate pressure. The spark between us ignites with each touch, growing into a blazing inferno. His kisses are like a language only we understand—each brush of his lips, each caress of his hands making me melt deeper into him, convincing me that we were destined to be in love.
***
"I know you're going for a hike with your dad this morning," Noah says, reaching over to cut Davey's cantaloupe into bite-sized pieces. "But tonight, I'd like to spend the evening with my fiancée."
I glance up at him, warmth blooming in my chest, and then at Davey, half-expecting him to say something. But he's completely oblivious, his wide-eyed attention fixed on the happy face pancakes in front of him. A small smile tugs at my lips as I watch him, feeling the quiet joy of these simple moments—a family forming before my eyes. Our family.
"Patrick and Cara are taking their grandkids out for pizza and to the movies tonight," Noah says, his eyes sparkling as he adds, "and they’ve invited Davey to join them."
"We're going to see Kung Fu Panda !" Davey shouts, leaping out of his chair and throwing an enthusiastic karate chop into the air, his excitement filling the room.
That sounds great, Davey!" I say, laughing as he throws another karate chop. "You'll have a blast."
I glance at Noah, a playful smile on my lips, knowing we'll have the whole evening to ourselves.
When Dad arrives to pick me up an hour later, I quickly grab two water bottles from the fridge and lean down to kiss Davey on the forehead. "See you later, Buddy," I say, my heart warming at the sight of his focused little face.
"Bye, Lily!" Davey calls out, barely looking up from his word puzzle, already absorbed in his game.
Noah gently takes my hand and walks me out to the porch, his strong presence warm and comforting beside me. "See you later," he whispers softly in my ear before pressing a gentle kiss on my cheek.
"I love you," I murmur, my eyes locking with his.
"I love you too," he replies, his voice low, filled with an unspoken quality that tells me he's going to miss me.
I make my way down the steps and slide into the car beside Dad. "Hi, Daddy!"
"Hi, Mija," he says, waving at Noah, who’s still standing on the porch, watching us drive away.
During the drive to the trail entrance, I tie my hair back into a ponytail and balance the water bottles on my lap. When I put my hands down, Dad’s gaze flickers to them.
"What’s that?" he asks, motioning toward my left hand, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
"Daddy," I begin, my voice trembling slightly, "Noah asked me to marry him last night, and I said yes."
I glance over at him, seeing his hands tighten on the steering wheel until his knuckles turn white. For a long moment, he remains silent, the only signs of his turmoil is the pulsing vein at his temple and the rigid clenching of his jaw as he struggles to maintain his composure.
"And that’s the ring he gave you?" Dad asks, his eyes flicking from the road to the glinting gem on my finger.
"Yes," I reply, lifting my hand to admire it. "Isn’t it beautiful, Daddy? I absolutely love it!"
He takes a deep breath before speaking. "He asked me for my blessing. I was so taken aback by the idea of you marrying a man nearly twice your age that I couldn’t give him an answer."
"I know, Daddy," I say softly. "He told me. He said he would earn your blessing."
"Noah’s been married before, right?" Dad asks, his voice carrying a hint of skepticism.
"Yes," I reply. "He’s been divorced for a year."
"Is that the same ring he gave his first wife?"
I shake my head, a proud smile spreading across my face. “No, it’s not. She never wore his family’s heirloom. Noah kept it safely tucked away in a safety deposit box all these years. You know what that means, Daddy?"
“It means you’re incredibly special to him, Carino. He truly loves you.”
"Yes, Daddy! He loves me, and I love him." I love him, I repeat the words silently, a mantra that brings tears to my eyes. "Please give us your blessing, Daddy."
"Lily," hearing my name on his lips feels strange. I can't recall the last time he called me Lily. “You’ve never been in love before, Mija. What if this is just an infatuation, a crush on an older man? An attachment to his son because you can't—” He falters, but I understand what he means.
“Because I can’t have children? Go ahead and say it, Daddy."
"I'm sorry," he says, reaching for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"This isn’t just a crush or a simple attachment. Davey comes with Noah. They’re a package deal, and I love them both. I can’t imagine my life without them. They’re everything to me, and I need you to understand that.”
"Okay," he murmurs, "Okay. You have my blessing to marry Noah Linder."
"Thank you, Daddy," I whisper, leaning over to hug and give him a kiss. "Thank you."
We start the hike, enveloped by the lush, green beauty. It's a warm day, but thankfully, the trail offers ample shade. Everywhere we look, vibrant wildflowers bloom, adding splashes of color to the landscape. The cool, refreshing stream crossings provide a welcome respite. The view from the summit is breathtaking, with the Hudson River glistening in the summer light, casting a magical glow over the valley.
"Have you brought Davey up here yet?" Dad asks, surprising me with his genuine interest.
"Yes," I reply, smiling. "Noah and I bring him up here at least twice a week. We choose different trails that are easy for him. He loves it."
"Look!" Dad exclaims, pointing to a fluttering figure. "A hummingbird."
I follow his gaze and spot the tiny bird darting among the flowers, its iridescent feathers catching the light. With so many blooms around, it has plenty to keep it busy.
As I glance back at my father, I see him mesmerized by the bird, his bright blue eyes sparkling in the sunlight. He’s tall, strikingly handsome, and just five years older than Noah, with a confidence that only deepens his appeal. His charm and presence attract attention wherever he goes. Women seem drawn to him like bees to honey. He has this effortless magnetism, a modern-day Casanova who flits from one admirer to the next, much like the hummingbird—touching down briefly before moving on. I imagine it must be exhausting, living such a fleeting life.
We have lunch together at a quiet table, where the calm setting allows for an open conversation.
“Noah mentioned last night that his ex-wife will be here for a visit,” Dad says, taking a thoughtful sip of wine. “He said they’ve been divorced for a year. Have you met her?”
“No,” I reply. “I don’t think she’s been back since Davey was born. Jon and Sharon visited them once, that I know of, and Noah was here when his mother fell ill and then passed away.”
“So, you hadn’t met him before?” Dad asks, intrigued.
“No,” I answer. “I was living in Boston at the time.”
“Will you be able to handle his ex?” Dad asks, studying me closely. “She’ll be arriving soon, right?”
“Tonight,” I murmur.
“What?” Dad’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
“She’ll be here tonight,” I repeat.
I watch as the color drains from his face. “Are you okay, Dad?”
“Mija,” he stammers, “I don’t want you to get hurt. The thought of you and her clashing over Noah is something I’d rather not imagine.”
“Don’t worry,” I say reassuringly. “There won’t be any fighting. She’s Noah’s past. I’m his future.”
Dad’s gaze drifts for a moment, his expression distant. “Have you two set a date for the wedding yet?” he asks, though his mind seems preoccupied with something else.
“No,” I smile warmly, “but I hope it’s soon.”
“So she’ll be here until Davey starts school?” he asks. "That’s what Noah said.”
“Yeah,” I murmur. “It’s going to be a long month. On one hand, I’m glad Davey gets to spend time with his mom. He misses her; I can see it. But on the other hand, I wish she were gone already—like, yesterday.” I sigh, shaking my head. “It’s selfish, I know.”
"You’re not selfish, Mija,” he says, his warm hand closing over mine. “But you’ll have to be strong and let her be Davey’s mother while she’s here. Don’t interfere, Carino. Don’t meddle. Noah may be yours, but Davey… he’s not. Don’t put him in a position where he has to choose.”
"You're right, Dad. Thank you for being here. Your advice and support mean the world to me—I couldn’t do this without you."
"I love you, and I'm glad I can be here for you," he says, his blue eyes radiating such tenderness and devotion that I can feel his love surrounding me, warming my heart.
"So, what do you have planned for tonight?" I ask.
"I’ve got some work to catch up on—couple of calls and some time on the laptop."
"How’s your business going?" I ask, genuinely curious.
He pauses, his eyes softening as he looks at me. "You know, Mija, I’ve built something I’m really proud of. I know you have a trust fund that’ll secure your future, and when I’m gone, I’ll be adding to that. The fortune I’ve built—it’s all for you."
"Oh, Daddy," I murmur, feeling tears welling up. "You know I’d rather have you than your money."
He smiles gently. "I know. You’ve always been one of the most unassuming people I know. You live simply, with grace, and I know that even when you inherit, your life won’t change. But it’s important to me that I provide for you when I’m no longer here. Let me put it this way—what the Linders have built in New York and Boston, I’ve mirrored in Mexico."
"That’s amazing, Daddy," I say, my heart swelling with pride. "I’m so proud of you."
“What are your plans for tonight?” He asks, a smile on his lips.
"Davey’s going to dinner and a movie with the neighbors and their grandkids," I say, excitement flickering in my voice. "So Noah’s taking me out."
“And what movie are the kids seeing?” he asks, his curiosity piqued.
“Kung Fu Panda,” I reply, grinning. “You should see Davey—he’s obsessed. He does this little karate chop that’s so serious, but it’s hilarious."
Dad chuckles softly, but there’s a warmth in his eyes. He’s amused. I can tell he’s picturing Davey, and somehow, the thought of that little boy blending into our world makes everything feel just right.
***
Dad drops me off just after four, and I rush inside, hoping to catch Davey before Cara picks him up.
“He’s in the shower,” Noah says, laying out an outfit on the bed. His voice is soft, but his gaze sharpens when he meets my eyes. “Did you have a good time with your dad?”
“I did,” I reply, feeling the warmth in my chest as I look at my future husband. “And I’ve got good news.”
“Oh yeah?” He arches a brow, a mischievous glint lighting up his expression. “What’s that?”
I step closer, wrapping my arms around his waist, savoring the solid warmth of him. His hand glides up my arm, finding its way to the nape of my neck, and my breath hitches. For a moment, I forget what I was going to say, lost in the feel of him.
He smiles knowingly, eyes twinkling as he prompts me again. “What is it?”
“I’m sorry!” I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re just so distractingly handsome that I lose my train of thought.”
His grin widens, and we fall into a silent, intense gaze. I finally remember to speak. “Dad gave us his blessing.”
Before I can process it, Noah sweeps me off my feet, twirling me in the air as our laughter spills out, filling the room with joy. When he sets me down, my head spins, not just from the motion but from him. He kisses me, and in that instant, everything else fades away. It’s like I’ve left my body, floating in the warmth that surges through me. One sweet, simple kiss, and he leaves me breathless, utterly undone, like no one else ever could.