After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 262

There’s just something different about people like him. Most folks live ordinary lives, but someone who spends his days out at business dinners and social events, well, he stands apart.

“Alright, I’ll book the restaurant and let you know once it’s set,” Lawrence said.

Nestor didn’t mention that his own father worked security. He wanted to give Lawrence’s dad a little dignity. After all, they’d all be family soon enough.

“Dad, I’m heading out to pick up Catherine. We promised to have dinner at my parents’ place tonight,” Lawrence said as he stood up.

Nestor nodded. “Go on. And if Catherine gets caught up with work, just let her stay in the apartment Nexus Dynamics arranged. No need for her to run back and forth.”

That was all the approval Lawrence needed. Nestor’s words carried a clear message. He was satisfied with Lawrence and ready to let the young couple live their lives.

Lawrence’s lips curved into a small smile. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll get going then.”

***

Catherine stared at her screen, fingers fumbling over the keyboard. She couldn’t focus at all. She’d messed up three lines out of every ten, but her mind was elsewhere. It had been nearly four days since she last saw Lawrence, and every hour apart felt longer than the last.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Lawrence lit up the screen. I’m on my way to Nexus Dynamics. I’ll be there in about ten minutes.

Her eyes instantly brightened and her heart skipped. She forced herself to concentrate, finished her code, and hit save. Grabbing her compact, she checked her reflection, dabbed on a bit of lipstick, and smiled at the girl in the mirror. Bright eyes, flushed cheeks, and a nervous excitement in her chest. She tossed her things in her bag and hurried out.

Now she finally understood that old saying. One day apart feels like three years. Back when she was with Waldo, he could be gone on business for months and she just kept herself busy. But being away from Lawrence made time crawl.

Lawrence blinked in surprise. “Wait… my dad is the security guard you met at the institute?”

“Exactly! He must have known I was his future daughter-in-law all along. No wonder he kept bringing me fancy fruit,” she said, grinning.

Lawrence pieced it together in his head. His dad must have taken that job for a few days just to check on Catherine, to see what kind of person she was. No wonder he liked her so much.

“This Saturday I’m organizing a dinner for both our parents,” Lawrence said, voice a little more serious, “so they can meet and talk about our wedding.”

Catherine felt the heat rush to her cheeks. So after the wedding, they’d really be… married. All in.