After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 15

A sudden urge swept over her. Without thinking, Catherine reached out and grabbed his solid forearm.

Lawrence was just about to twist a wire when he noticed her touch. He looked up, surprise flickering in his deep eyes.

Catherine met his gaze head-on, clear and steady. “Lawrence, you don’t have to worry,” she said, her voice calm and certain. “I married you, and I’m not going to change my mind just because of what other people say. This is my home. It always will be.”

She didn’t need to spell it out. She was his wife, now and always.

Lawrence studied her for a moment. The surprise in his eyes slowly faded, replaced by a small, real smile. “You’re sure?”

His penetrating look made her cheeks go warm. “Unless… you decide you don’t want me anymore, I’ll always stay by your side.”

She ducked her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “For life.”

Lawrence set his tools aside and took her hand gently. He didn’t say much. Just a quiet, rumbling, “Alright.”

His palm was warm against hers. That simple touch sent her heart into overdrive, and the courage she’d had a second ago melted into a fresh wave of shyness. Her face felt hot.

Lawrence seemed to notice and let go of her hand, giving her a tiny bit of space.

Catherine’s heart wouldn’t settle down. She wondered if it was just because everything felt so new. Waldo had never made her feel like this, not even close.

Lawrence had only needed to hold her hand, and already…

“I… I’m going to finish my milk,” she mumbled, getting up and hurrying over to the table.

Lawrence watched her move away, almost like a little animal making a quick escape. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Lawrence didn’t look up as he put the toolbox away. “Work trip. Company paid for it.”

“Which company do you work at?”

“Nexus Dynamics.”

The answer caught her off guard. He worked for Nexus Dynamics—the big tech company?

No wonder, she thought. That explained how he ended up with a luxury room on the ship. It must have been a company perk.

Knowing this only made her more determined to work hard and support him. She needed to get her “Resonance AI” project off the ground soon. Then, maybe, she could give him a life where he could do whatever he wanted.