Page 107 of From London, With Love

Carter

I’m falling more in love with Lara with each passing moment.

I wasn’t sure it was possible, but as I watch her interacting with the people I hold dearest, I realise it is.?

Teddy lived up to his Big Ted nickname, introducing himself to Lara and wrapping her in a huge bear hug, almost lifting her feet off the floor. She let out a sweet laugh, the sound hitting me square in the chest like an arrow.?

My brother then proceeded to call me out in front of everyone, telling Lara he hoped this meeting would mean I’d stop gushing about her every time I opened my mouth. Lara’s face flushed pink, her hand coming up to cover her mouth, but it was clear she was smiling beneath it. If anything, at least it proved I wasn’t lying when I said I told them almost everything about her.

It doesn’t take long before Lara and my niece become best friends. As soon as she saw the book in Winnie’s hand, Lara satwith her and asked if they could read it together. My heart threatens to burst right out of my chest at the sight. We haven’t spoken about children yet, and probably won’t for a while, but the way she’s talking animatedly with Winnie tells me she’d make an excellent mother if or when the time came.?

Winnie was easily the most excited to meet Lara. She’s been obsessed with her Aunty Emmy for weeks now, constantly wanting to talk to her, see her or dress like her, so it’s no surprise she’s completely enamoured with Lara now.

“Dinner is served!” My father announces with a clap from the doorway, happiness radiating from him. His family is his pride and joy, and Friday Dinner has been the highlight of his week since we started the tradition.

Lara stands, holding out her hand for Winnie, helping her up. Lara takes a step toward me, but a small tug on her skirt from Winnie stops her. “Can you sit next to me, Lala? Uncle Cart can sit next to you too.”

Bless her tiny soul. We tried telling her several times it'sLara, but Winnie’s stubborn and doesn’t like to be wrong.?

“I’d be honoured,” Lara replies, grinning down at her, then glancing at me. “Looks like our places have been chosen for us, Uncle Cart.”

Winnie starts toward the dining room, hand still firmly clasping Lara’s. When she doesn’t move, my niece lets out an adorable huff, dropping her hand and continuing on alone, leaving just Lara and me in the drawing room.

“Would it be odd to admit that hearing you call me Uncle Cart has almost the same effect as when you call me Mr Lawrence or sir?”

Lara grins at me, eyes bright. “Odd? Yes.” She takes a step closer, coming almost chest-to-chest with me. “Hot? Also yes. It makes me wonder what other names would have the same effect.Daddy, perhaps?”

This woman.

But two can play at this game.

“How about we leave that one until there’s a tiny two-legged reason to call me that?”

Her eyes widen. I can’t help but mirror the grin she donned only moments ago.

“Come on, our dinner will get cold.”

Lara is still gobsmacked as we make our way to the dining room. Winnie enthusiastically smacks the chair next to her when she sees us approach. Her dad sits across from her, trying and failing to hide his amusement at her excitement. Next to him is my father, followed by my mother, and Emmy sits at the head of the table. I pull out the chair, and Lara takes her prearranged spot next to Winnie. All eyes are on us, and it takes effort to fight against the blush rising on my chest.

Spirited chatter begins around us, making me realise I forgot to warn Lara about how lively the conversation can get at the dinner table. But when I glance over at her and notice the gleam in her eyes, it seems the warning would’ve been a waste of time. She’s completely enraptured by my family. I reach over and place my hand on her knee; the need to touch her is constant. If it annoys her, she doesn’t let on, instead giving me a shy smile.?

My sister’s stare burns a hole in the side of my head, observing the whole thing. I look over at her, expecting to see judgement, but I’m instead greeted with a knowing grin. I can’t help but return it, knowing full well my sister can see right through the casual palm on Lara’s knee. I’m completely smitten, and Emmy knows it.?

Naturally, my brother would pick right now, when I’m enjoying a wholesome moment with our sister, to stir shit.

“Hands where we can see them thanks, Carter. There are children in the room.”

There are many varied reactions to this: Mum and Lara chuckle and Dad whisper-shouts, “Theodore!” before giving him a light smack on the crown of his head. Emmy and I roll our eyes. Winnie’s reaction is my favourite, though; her eyes dart down to where my hand still rests on Lara’s knee and up to meet my gaze. Her little blue eyes narrow in my direction before returning to their normal size when she redirects her attention to Teddy.

“I’ll watch him, Daddy,” she says, ever so seriously before continuing to chomp on the stick of carrot in her hand.?

I lean into Lara, my lips mere inches from her ear. “On second thought, maybe we should try out the Daddy thing?—”

“Lalalala,” blurts my sister, who’s sticking her fingers in her ears like a child, eyes squeezed shut.?

A blush ascends the column of Lara’s throat, and she lets out a small, startled cough.

This gets the attention of the rest of the table once more. “Emilia, whatever are you doing?” My mother half shouts in an attempt to be heard through Emmy’s dramatics.

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