After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 86

“Whether or not he deserves it isn’t up to you.” Catherine’s voice was sharp, her hand halfway raised.

Waldo appeared just in time, stepping in front of Catherine to shield Shirley. “Catherine, that’s enough. Who taught you to go around hitting people?”

Catherine shot him a look. “I taught myself. Got an issue with that?”

She focused on Shirley, her words slow and clear. “That slap was just a warning. Next time I hear you disrespect my husband, it won’t end with just a slap.”

Everyone nearby froze. No one saw this side of Catherine coming, especially not at a fancy dinner like this, and all for Lawrence’s sake.

Right then, a big warm hand settled at her waist. Lawrence. Catherine looked up at him, her eyes wide, searching his face for a sign—had she gone too far?

Lawrence bent close to her ear. “You did great. If anyone comes after you, don’t hold back. Give it right back to them.”

His words made her heart flutter. Tonight, even if it meant embarrassing herself, she would stand by him, no matter what.

Watching the two of them so close, Waldo’s face twisted with frustration. “Catherine, when did you get so... rough?” His tone hinted that Lawrence was a bad influence.

“Waldo.” Lawrence’s voice was cool, his eyes cold. “No one gets to judge my wife—not you, not anyone.”

This time, Lawrence was the one defending her.

Waldo looked ready to snap, but then Magee walked out of the crowd, trying to smooth things over. “Everyone, Calvin is looking for Lawrence about something important. Why don’t we move along?”

Magee smiled at Lawrence, who nodded and turned to Catherine. “Let’s go.”

Catherine could tell Magee was helping them save face. She nodded. “Okay.”

As soon as they left, Shirley tugged at Waldo’s sleeve, her voice trembling. “Waldo, you have to stand up for me.”

Catherine blushed, sneaking a glance at Lawrence, completely confused about what was so funny.

Calvin looked at Lawrence, who started to smile too.

Catherine blinked, still lost, until Calvin finally spoke. “You’re lucky to have someone who’s willing to stand up for you like that.”

Lawrence turned to her. “Calvin’s a friend of my dad’s. You can just call him Calvin when we’re not in public.”

Calvin smiled warmly. “Well done, Catherine. Lawrence made the right choice marrying you.”

Catherine’s cheeks went even pinker. So that was it.

From across the room, plenty of eyes were on them. People were surprised to see the young couple getting praised, not scolded. Calvin clearly wasn’t upset about what Catherine had done—even though this was a major event, and he was representing the state.