After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 241

Lawrence strolled over to the swing, his lips curling into a low, easy smile. “Let me push you,” he said.

Catherine nodded, and a steady, warm hand pressed against her back, sending her gently forward. She tipped her head back, looking up at him. Sunlight framed his tall figure, and just seeing him there made her feel completely safe.

“Let’s have lunch at my mom’s today,” Lawrence said.

“Sounds good,” Catherine replied. She’d been craving Adelina’s home cooking anyway.

“My dad thinks it’s time our parents met. Do you know when your dad might come to Cabinda?” Lawrence asked.

Catherine glanced up at him. “Not sure. I’ll ask him. Are you and your dad on bad terms?”

Lawrence paused, his expression shifting as if he was weighing his words. “I’ll reach out to him,” he finally said.

Catherine hopped off the swing and walked over, her eyes searching his face. “Is everything okay with you and your dad?”

Seeing the worry on her face, Lawrence took her hand and led her inside. “Let’s talk in the living room.”

They sat together on the couch, Lawrence holding both her hands gently. “Eight years ago, my dad and I had a big argument. He wanted me to stay in the military, follow the path he mapped out for me. But I left, and he was furious.”

Catherine squeezed his hand, her heart aching for him. “What happened after that?”

Lawrence traced slow circles on her palm with his thumb. “I chose another way to chase my dream. Ever since, things have been tense between us. We barely talk unless we have to.”

Catherine’s heart twisted at the thought. She could just picture a stern, demanding father. Lawrence had only been in his early twenties back then, forced to go against his dad’s wishes. It must have hurt so much.

She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. “It’s okay. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together. I’ll do everything I can to make him like me.”

His gentle touch made her giggle, and just as she tried to squirm away, he caught the back of her head and kissed her. The world faded away until she was breathless in his arms.

“Do you think it’ll work?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

She really did want to help him fix things with his dad.

Lawrence smiled at her shy, hopeful expression. “We’ll find out after we’re married.”

A little shiver ran through her. “You’re such a troublemaker,” she muttered.

He stopped teasing, his voice turning soft and serious as he settled her onto his lap. “We don’t have to rush into having a baby right after the wedding. You’ve got your project, and there’s the Resonance AI lawsuit to sort out. Once things calm down, we can talk about starting a family. We have plenty of time.”