After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 52

Lawrence got up and walked over to her. When he noticed her eyes were red, his brows pulled together. "Hey, what's going on?"

Catherine shook her head and buried herself in his chest, not saying a word.

She knew she couldn't tell him that she had fought with her father because of him. That would just weigh on his heart.

Lawrence steadied her by the shoulders, searching her tearful eyes. His voice was gentle but firm. "Talk to me. What happened?"

"It's nothing, really. On my way home, I saw someone who looked just like my mom." Catherine bit her lip, making up an excuse. She pressed her face deeper into his chest, her words muffled. "I just... I miss my mom."

That seemed to ease something in Lawrence. He wrapped her up in his arms and softly patted her back. "If you need to cry, then cry. Let it out."

Catherine clung to him, thinking quietly, Lawrence, you're all I have left now.

She stayed in his arms for a while, crying until she soaked his shirt. Lawrence didn't rush her. He just kept running his hand gently over her hair, letting her know he was right there.

After a while, once her tears slowed, Catherine pulled back a little, looking a bit shy. "Sorry, I guess I'm being really sensitive tonight."

"It's okay." Lawrence reached out and gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.

Being close to him made her feel safe, calmer than before. She looked up at him, tears still lingering, and managed a small smile. "Can I hold you just a little longer?"

Her voice was soft and a little needy, which made Lawrence pause for a second. Then he pulled her close again, pressing her head against the other, still-dry side of his chest.

Catherine smiled, hugging his waist tightly. In that moment, she felt like walking away from her family's fortune was completely worth it.

As long as he was here, she could handle anything.

A flicker of doubt passed through Lawrence's eyes, but he didn't say anything. He just stroked her hair and said softly, "Alright."

"Shouldn't we celebrate or something?" Catherine asked with a smile.

"Do you want to go out, or should I cook at home?" he asked.

"Would cooking be too much work for you?" Catherine blinked up at him, not wanting to make things hard for him.

"It's not too much. I want to cook for you." He lifted an eyebrow and smiled.

"Okay, let's eat at home." Catherine nodded, feeling happy to spend the evening together, just the two of them.

Lawrence headed into the kitchen to start dinner. Catherine wandered outside to the swing and pushed herself back and forth, humming quietly. While Lawrence chopped vegetables, he looked out the window and saw her in the yard. Her long hair floated in the evening breeze as she hummed her little song. For a moment, she looked just like a carefree child, untouched by the worries of the world.