After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 6

Waldo ended the call, his brooding expression shifting to something almost ridiculous, a flash of anger bubbling up. Just a moment ago, he’d actually been worried that Lawrence might have some deep, mysterious connections.

But really? That was it?

Just a retired soldier, some low-level engineer? This guy actually had the nerve to compete with Waldo for a woman. Worse, he’d even managed to make Waldo feel threatened for a second. Now, thinking back, it was just laughable.

All that bravado was probably left over from his time in the military.

Waldo let out a sharp laugh and felt a rush of relief.

He snatched up his phone right away, found Catherine’s number, and dialed. He was going to tell her exactly who Lawrence was. He wanted her to wake up and see what kind of loser she’d picked up.

But Catherine didn’t answer.

After calling a dozen times, Waldo tossed his phone aside in frustration. He knew how much Catherine loved him. She was just being stubborn, that was all.

***

The next morning, Catherine and Nettie checked out early and waited on the lower deck for the yacht to dock.

Catherine’s phone wouldn’t stop buzzing. Both Waldo and Nestor kept calling, but she ignored every single one, only picking up when Lawrence’s name flashed on the screen.

“Lawrence,” she answered.

“I’m waiting for you at the exit,” he said, his voice deep and steady.

As soon as she hung up, Nettie leaned in, eyes bright with curiosity. “What does he look like? I didn’t even get a glimpse of him last night.”

“You’ll see him soon,” Catherine said, smiling a little.

The yacht finally docked and passengers started getting off. As Catherine and Nettie walked to the exit, they saw a tall figure waiting there.

The morning sun lit up his sharp profile, making him look almost unreal.

Nettie stared for several seconds, then snuck a pinch at Catherine’s arm and whispered, “Seriously, how could you not tell me your new husband was this gorgeous? He’s so handsome!”

In Nettie’s mind, Lawrence made Waldo look like nothing.

Catherine cleared her throat and hurried over to Lawrence. “Were you waiting long?”

“Just got here,” he said.

“This is my friend, Nettie. Nettie, this is Lawrence.”

Nettie, for once, was a little shy. “Hi, Lawrence.”

Catherine took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and followed him out into the sunlight.

“So... do you have a place?” she asked. She had a luxury apartment, a gift from Waldo, but there was no way she could stay there now.

As for Nestor’s house, it hadn’t felt like home in a long time.

“I do. Do you need to pack your things?” Lawrence asked, his eyes narrowing a little as he watched her.

“Would you come with me? I’ll just grab a few things and be quick,” Catherine said.

“Sure,” Lawrence nodded.

Something warm settled in Catherine’s chest. It still felt unreal—this man was now her husband, at least on paper.

They reached her apartment building. Catherine scanned her face to unlock the door, but as soon as she pushed it open, she froze.

There was someone sitting on the living room couch.

Waldo.

He’d obviously been waiting for ages. His face was dark and stormy, and the ashtray on the table was overflowing with cigarette butts. He was here for her, and he wasn’t leaving.