After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 137

Lawrence and Catherine wandered farther down the path, side by side, the garden quiet around them.

Catherine leaned in to smell a rose, but Lawrence’s deep voice broke the moment. “Is there anything you want to tell me?”

She blinked at him, her eyes wide and innocent. “No, I don’t have anything to say.”

Lawrence could see right through her. He sounded even gentler this time. “Catherine, I’m your husband. Whatever happens, whether it’s good or bad, tough or complicated, you can always tell me.”

Catherine’s heart skipped a beat. Did he know? Was it about her grandmother’s heirloom? Alice definitely knew, and maybe she told Nestor, who could have passed it on to Lawrence. Had he really come all the way to Harrisburg just for this?

She wanted that heirloom back more than anything, but the last thing she wanted was for Lawrence to feel burdened or uncomfortable. Especially with Waldo showing up at the auction too, there was no way she could let Lawrence get involved.

“I’m fine, really. Nothing’s wrong,” she said, pressing her lips together. She tried to look convincing, but even she could hear the wobble in her voice.

Lawrence’s gaze never left her. “I heard your grandmother’s heirloom ended up at an auction house.”

He didn’t bother to tiptoe around it anymore.

Catherine’s head snapped up. She met his steady eyes, feeling her cheeks go hot. “How did you find out?”

She looked down, apologizing softly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to keep it from you. I just… I didn’t want to put you in a difficult spot. The heirloom means so much to me, but honestly, you’re more important.”

But looking into her clear, determined eyes, he stopped himself. Catherine had her own dreams, her own battles to win. He didn’t want to take this away from her, didn’t want to be the reason she lost her fire.

Maybe he just needed to wait. Maybe the best thing he could do was be there for her, her safety net if she ever needed it.

Let her win with her own strength, let her chase her dreams. When the moment was right, he’d tell her everything.

That heirloom was the reason she was fighting so hard, the thing driving her forward. He couldn’t take that away from her.

With a soft sigh, Lawrence brushed his thumb across her cheek, holding her face in his hands. “Alright. I believe you.”