25. Chapter 25
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 of gratitude 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."
"I'm glad we were able to pull you away for a few days," Laila says. "The mural you painted in the twins' room is incredible."
"Thank you," Lily replies with a shy smile. "It was a lot of fun."
"You’ve got quite the talent," Sam adds, clearly impressed. "It's really something."
"So, you've seen it?" I ask, curious. "Does that mean you know what they’re having?"
"I do," Sam chuckles, "but I’ve been sworn to secrecy."
"We needed help moving the furniture," Laila explains, leaning over to kiss Sam.
"You two seem really happy," I observe, warmth in my voice.
"We are!" Laila beams. "I married my best friend. There’s no one else I’d rather spend time with."
Sam smiles, his hand covering hers with a quiet intimacy that speaks volumes.
"I know the feeling," I say softly, my gaze drifting toward Lily, unable to resist the pull of her presence. "I know exactly what you mean."
Laila raises an eyebrow, her playful grin teasing. "And what about you? Mr. Shay David, author extraordinaire?"
"You heard," I reply, suddenly aware of everyone’s attention on me.
"It's all Mom and Dad could talk about," Laila says. "They're so proud of you."
"His last book turned into a big hit," Lily adds, her voice soft yet full of pride as our eyes meet.
"We’ve got quite a few copies in the children's area at the hospital," Laila grins, her words expressing admiration.
"Have you started writing the next one?" Sam asks, leaning in with genuine interest.
"No," I say, taking Lily's hand in mine. "With the holidays and our wedding coming up, I've decided to take a year off."
"Good for you!" Laila smiles warmly, glancing between us.
"Well," I begin, changing the subject, "it looks like Davey won’t be home in time, so I say we eat."
"Is Marian always late bringing him back?" Laila asks, her dark eyebrow arching with curiosity.
"Always," I reply, smiling flatly.
"That must get old," Sam comments, his expression sympathetic.
"I just keep reminding myself that she’s leaving this week," I say, feeling a mix of relief and guilt for wanting her gone.
"Is Mateo still in town?" Laila asks, brightening. "He left us a wonderful thank-you basket with chocolates, dried fruit, and nuts. We loved it."
"I called to thank him but got his voicemail," Sam says. "I left him a message."
"Noah and I drove him to the airport Monday," Lily says. "He'll be back to spend the holidays with us and to give me away at our wedding." Her radiant smile makes my heart swell.
I know she spoke to Mateo and told him about Marian’s pregnancy and the miscarriage that followed. Lily didn’t share many details with me, and I didn’t press. Some conversations belong between a father and his daughter, and this one felt too personal, too heavy to intrude upon. When we parted ways at the airport, Mateo pulled Lily into a hug, holding her a little longer than usual. Then he turned to me, and we exchanged a firm handshake—an unspoken acknowledgment of where we stand.
***
Tonight, our conversation during dinner flows effortlessly. Sam and Laila are truly meant for each other. Their sharp, brilliant minds seem to challenge and complement one another in ways that add a deep sense of excitement and chemistry to their relationship. It’s clear they’re not just partners—they’re best friends. Watching them together is captivating, like witnessing a dance only they know the steps to.
"How will things work between you and Marian in the long term?" Laila asks, her brow furrowed. "I can't imagine any mom willing to leave her kid just like that."
"Well," I begin slowly, "she did just that a year ago. I’ve met with an attorney about the custody agreement. Unless she can prove I’m an unfit parent, no court is going to challenge the terms we’ve already set. That agreement is proof she walked away. We’ve both acknowledged that our priority is Davey, so we’re doing our best to remain civil for his sake. I’ve made a conscious effort not to get defensive. I don’t want anything to disrupt the peace we’ve built around making our son happy. I’m cautiously optimistic that the rest of her stay will be uneventful. But letting my guard down isn’t something I’m ready to do just yet."
When Lily squeezes my hand, I bring hers up to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. The warmth of her touch makes me smile, a quiet reminder that amidst the uncertainty, I’ve found something real with her.
When the phone rings, we all exchange a glance in acknowledgment that it's probably Marian. I glance at the screen and confirm it. Excusing myself from the table, I step into the living room before answering.
"Marian," I say, skipping any formalities. "My niece is here with her husband. We had dinner plans, and I really wanted Davey to be here to see them."
"Whoa," she interrupts, her voice sharp. "Are you going to let me get a word in edgewise?"
I pause, then force a response. "I'm sorry." But I’m not really sorry. "Are you on your way?"
"I was calling to ask if I can keep him tonight," she says, her tone softening. I feel my blood start to simmer. "I leave in two days, Love. Let me be with my son. After Friday, you’ll have him twenty-four-seven."
Her use of "Love" grates at me, a reminder of how she manipulates moments like this. I take a breath, holding back the frustration rising inside.
"You're missing the point, Marian," I say, my voice tight with restrained frustration. "We had plans—plans I explained to you before you picked him up."
There’s a pause on her end, and I can feel the tension building in the silence. "I know you want more time with him, but this isn’t about you. It’s about Davey. He deserves to be part of these moments with his family."
Her sigh comes through the line, but I refuse to let my guard down, knowing how easily she can twist things. "He’ll be home tomorrow morning," she finally says, her tone clipped as if she's granting me a favor.
I exhale, the simmering anger settling just beneath the surface. "Fine," I reply, unwilling to push any further for Davey’s sake. "Tomorrow morning."
When I walk back into the kitchen, I find them deeply engrossed in conversation about Lily painting a mural at Sam's studio.
"Is everything okay?" Lily asks, her eyes searching mine.
"He's spending the night at Marian's," I say, the words tumbling out, heavy with defeat and frustration.
"It's best not to engage in any arguments right before she leaves," Laila says, her voice laced with concern and sympathy.
I nod, knowing she's right. "Are you going to paint a mural at the studio?" I ask Lily, eager to steer the conversation to brighter shores.
"I'd love to, as long as it's something simple," she replies, a warm smile breaking through the tension.
"That Toy Story scene you painted in Davey's room is far from simple," I remind her, my admiration slipping through. "You have an incredible talent."
"That's exactly what I was telling her!" Laila chimes in, her enthusiasm infectious. "I need to sneak you into the twins' nursery to see the magic she created. She painted a magnificent tree sprawling across the wall, with swings gently swaying in opposite directions—each cradling a child. There are birds flitting about, and the babies' names float above each crib. Aaron's changing table sits proudly in the middle. It’s absolutely perfect!" Laila’s excitement ignites a spark in the room, and I can’t help but feel uplifted despite Davey's absence.
"You should do it," I say, my voice gentle as I encourage Lily.
***
"Lily, you hardly touched your food," Laila observes as she sets the dinner plates in the sink. Lily is standing next to her, transferring leftovers into a Tupperware container.
"Are you feeling okay?" I ask, walking up to Lily, concern creeping into my voice.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she replies. "It's just an upset stomach."
"Okay," I say, leaning down to plant a kiss on her forehead. Her blue eyes sparkle with love as they meet mine. "God, you're beautiful."
"Hey," Sam says, breaking the spell. "Can I go up to Davey's room to see Lily's mural?"
"Absolutely," I reply, excited to showcase Lily's artistic talent. "Come, I'll show you."
"I'll get started on the whipped cream for the pie," Lily says, her smile warm and captivating.
"I can help," Laila chimes in, setting her cup of coffee down with a soft clink. "You two go ahead."