After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 288

Catherine felt her cheeks grow warm as a sweet, fluttery feeling filled her chest.

Lawrence watched her, unable to hide the way his throat tightened. He pressed another kiss to her forehead. “About the engagement party on Saturday... Is there anything you want me to get ready?”

“I asked Nettie for a dress,” Catherine said, “and I’ll wear the necklace my mom gave me.”

Lawrence reached into a drawer and pulled out a velvet box. Inside were a pair of simple diamond stud earrings and a delicate bracelet.

“There’ll be a lot of people there, and I might not be able to stay right by your side the whole time,” he said, opening the box so she could see. “Wear these for me, okay? I’ll be able to check your location and make sure you’re safe. If anything happens, just press the necklace. I’ll get an alert right away.”

He pointed at the earrings. “These are receivers. They’ve got tiny speakers inside. If you need me, I can talk to you directly through them.”

Catherine stared at the elegant little devices, her heart melting. She wrapped her arms around Lawrence’s neck and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, babe.”

He gave her a gentle pat on the back. “Don’t stress. This is just in case. I’ll stick close to you as much as I can.”

Catherine knew Waldo was proud and impulsive. Lawrence going public must have hit him hard, and who knew what he might try. It was better to be careful.

Lawrence continued, “I’ve also got someone keeping an eye on Lenny. We should hear something soon.”

“Okay. Thanks, honey.” Catherine hugged him, feeling stronger and more certain with Lawrence on her side. With him, she was sure she could win back Resonance AI.

***

In a quiet, out-of-the-way hotel, Alice found herself forced into a meeting with Garnett. The second she opened the door, Garnett grabbed her and pulled her inside, barely able to wait. Alice wasn’t even fifty yet, but Nestor was always too busy for her. Now that Garnett was yanking her closer, she barely resisted before giving in.

About twenty minutes later, Garnett was lying next to her, arm draped over her as he smoked. “Alice, I can’t wait anymore. You need to hurry up.”

Garnett flashed her a reassuring grin. “I know, I know. I haven’t tried to see her, have I?”

Alice was frustrated to be tangled up with Garnett, but he was her ex, and it was impossible not to feel something.

That night, after Nestor got home, Alice brewed him a cup of tea, quietly adding a third more of the medicine than usual. She brought it over, her smile gentle.

“Nestor, have some tea,” she said, setting it down in front of him.

Nestor was thirsty and took a sip right away. He felt content, thinking about how much better life at home was getting. Both his daughters had found good matches, and even his wife was being so attentive.

He had no idea the tea his wife had been lovingly bringing him was slowly killing him.