The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 81

"Why are you standing there? Sit down and eat with me," I said, noticing the slight awkwardness in Lorraine's expression. I instinctively held out a piece of braised pork I had just picked up with my cutlery to ease the moment.

She hesitated, and I realized my mistake. "Sorry, I'll grab you a clean pair of cutlery—"

Before I could pull back, Lorraine leaned forward and took the bite, her lips curving into a satisfied smile. "Not bad. I haven't lost my touch."

I froze, still holding the cutlery mid-air. I was caught off guard by how natural she made it seem.

"What's wrong?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

I reached for a napkin and handed it to her. "I just thought you'd want a new pair of cutlery since I already used this pair…"

Lorraine blinked for a moment, then laughed lightly as if she had just connected the dots. "Oh, I wasn't being picky. I ate a lot while cooking and debated whether I could fit more."

She rubbed her stomach with a sheepish grin, looking as content as a cat that had just finished its meal. "Any more, and I might just roll out of here."

I exhaled, relieved. "You're fine as you are. Honestly, you're perfect."

Her presence seemed to lift the weight off my shoulders. It felt like I could finally take a full breath.

"I need to tell you something," I said, hesitating for a beat.

I hadn't told her about the wedding thing, but I assumed she must have heard the rumor.

"Go ahead," she said softly, her demeanor inviting and kind.

How did I get lucky enough to have someone like her care about me?

"I've announced my wedding," I said finally.

Her reaction was immediate. She stepped back instinctively, the cup in her hand slipping to the floor and shattering. Scalding hot water splashed onto the back of her hand, leaving a red mark.

"Who are you marrying? Is it… Yvonne?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Seeing the raw vulnerability in her eyes made my chest ache. When I didn't answer right away, she tried to mask her feelings, brushing her hair back as if the question didn't matter.