After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 4

“Hah! I’m not so desperate that I can’t find someone to marry. You picked Shirley, so do me a favor and stay out of my life from now on.”

Waldo’s face darkened. “Catherine, just listen. I couldn’t tell you and Shirley apart in the water, and I was already closer to her, so I had to save her first…”-

Catherine let out a laugh, sharp and unexpected. Was this really the man she’d loved for five years? “Waldo, please. Save your excuses. I have a new boyfriend now.”

She stepped forward and slipped her arm through Lawrence’s, holding him close like it was the most natural thing in the world. Chin raised, she looked Waldo straight in the eye. “So please, leave. Don’t bother me and my boyfriend anymore.”

“Boyfriend?” Waldo’s eyes narrowed, jealousy flickering across his face as he glared at Lawrence. His voice dropped, low and threatening. “Catherine, don’t throw yourself away just to get back at me. He’s not even good enough for you.”

Lawrence didn’t react with anger. Instead, he gently shifted his arm, draping it over Catherine’s shoulder and pulling her closer. The move was subtle but spoke volumes. Protective. Possessive. It told Waldo everything words couldn’t.

“Waldo,” Lawrence said, his tone calm but full of warning, “she’s already told you what she wants. Do I need to personally show you the door?”

Waldo stared at Catherine, cold and distant now, so different from the woman he used to know. Then he glanced at Lawrence, who seemed to radiate confidence and mystery. Fixing his rumpled collar, Waldo gritted his teeth. “Fine. Great, Catherine. You’ve really changed. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

He shot them both a dark look before finally turning and walking out.

The second the door closed, Catherine’s tension gave out and she swayed a little.

A warm hand caught her around the waist, steadying her. Lawrence’s voice was gentle. “Are you alright?”

He leaned in, eyes locked on hers. “So I’ll ask you for real. Will you be my girlfriend? The kind who’s thinking about marriage.”

Catherine froze. Her heart was pounding so hard she could barely breathe.

Marriage? They’d known each other for less than an hour.

But looking into Lawrence’s eyes, so serious and sincere, a wild thought took hold. If she was going to move on, why not do it all the way? If she wanted a fresh start, why not jump in with both feet?

She drew in a shaky breath, steadying herself. Meeting his gaze, she said boldly, “Lawrence, let’s get married. When the yacht docks tomorrow, let’s go get a marriage license.”