After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 193

Alice reached under the table and gave Shirley’s sleeve a gentle tug, a silent plea to let it go. The last thing she wanted was to upset Nestor any more than he already was.

Catherine acted like she hadn’t heard a word, picking out the softest piece of fish belly and placing it into Lawrence’s bowl with a natural ease. “Here, try this, honey.”

Lawrence’s eyes warmed as he smiled at her. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

Nestor watched their comfortable back-and-forth and couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of relief. It took him back to years ago, when he and his late wife had stood by each other through thick and thin, sharing over a decade of real happiness together.

Alice was a different story. She’d been his high school classmate. Twenty-four years ago, at a reunion, he’d gotten drunk and woken up in the same room as her. After his wife passed, Alice showed up at his door with Shirley in tow. Only then did he discover he’d fathered a child that night.

He’d always believed that love built on mutual support was the only kind that lasted. Even after marrying Alice, that same sense of camaraderie just wasn’t there between them.

After dinner, Catherine and Lawrence went for a walk around the neighborhood. With her arm linked in his, Catherine couldn’t shake off a lingering guilt. She felt like she hadn’t done enough to stand up for him in front of her family and Waldo. Instead, she’d let him take all the hits.

“Next time… next time I’ll do better.” Her voice was muffled as she pressed her face into his chest. “I won’t let them treat you like that again.”

Lawrence stroked her hair, his gaze soft and steady. “Catherine, you’ve never let me suffer, not even once. Honestly, I’m happy. I’m proud.”

She looked up, surprised and blinking. “Proud?”

He cradled her face with both hands, his voice deep and sincere. “Proud to have a wife who shines so bright, who’s strong and stands on her own. You protect me so fiercely. How could I not be proud?”

Catherine blinked, a little stunned. Was that really how he saw her?

The quiet strength he carried wasn’t bravado or pride. It came from a deep, unshakable confidence.

And really, he was right. Catherine realized that money didn’t mean much. Character did. Waldo might have all the money in the world, but he’d still left her to fend for herself out at sea.

Lawrence, on the other hand, had shown up like a light in her darkest moment, diving into freezing water to save her without a second thought.

He could have nothing—no money, no status—and she’d still think of him as a hero.

“Honey…” Catherine buried her face against him, her voice thick with emotion. “To me, you’re stronger and better than anyone else.”