Page 108 of From London, With Love

“She’s clearly trying to block out whatever filth was pouring from young Carter’s mouth,” Teddy answers. Oh, how I wish he were close enough to smack.

My mother’s mouth is agape, and my father is giving me a stern look. “Son, please. Rein it in at the dinner table for your sister’s sake.”

Lara begins laughing to the point her eyes water. Everyone else is silent, and when Lara notices, she stops abruptly. “Sorry, I’m finding this very entertaining.” She wipes a stray tear from beneath her bottom lashes.

Winnie looks at her with bewilderment before breaking out into her own laughter, causing Lara’s fit to start again, and soon, the entire table joins in.?

Lara

The rest ofdinner went off without a hitch, full of laughter and stories of the Lawrence siblings' childhoods. It was all kinds of wonderful. The smile hasn’t left my face, even as I lie in Carter’s arms several hours later.

“Your family is incredible.”

With my head resting on his chiselled chest, his heartbeat kicking up a notch is palpable.?

“I think they’d say the same about you.”

I smile against him, rubbing my nails lightly against his bare skin. “I mean it though, thank you for inviting me tonight. I’ve never experienced a family dinner like that, or a family dinner full stop really.”

“I know they don’t know you overly well yet, but they think the world of you, love. As do I. You are the most divine woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I’m looking forward to not only every moment I get to spend with you—which’ll bemanymoments, by the way—but also everything you’re going to achieve in life. You are destined for greatness, and don’t you ever forget it.”

With a kiss on my forehead, Carter leans over and turns out the light. As I snuggle into his embrace and blink away the emotion rising to the surface, the pieces slide into place.

I love this man.

For weeks now I’ve felt myself falling for him more and more, so this doesn’t come as a huge surprise. The complete calm I feel at the revelation is what surprises me.

“Carter?”

Well aware he’s the type to fall asleep almost instantly, I don’t move for fear of waking him.

“Yes, love?” he murmurs against the crown of my head.

“I love you.”

I’d expected my heart rate to double upon saying those three words out loud. Instead, it beats steadily. Carter’s heart beats in tune beneath my palm. He covers my hand with his own, giving it a small squeeze.

“I was beginning to think you’d never admit it.”

Looking up at him, everything I feel is mirrored in his eyes. Where I expected to see a smirk or smug look, there’s nothing but genuine adoration.

“I love you too, Lara.”

The lack of light only highlights his misty-eyed gaze.

A feeling of divine serenity washes over me.?

Perhaps I don’t need to have everything figured out yet. In the most unexpected of ways, I’ve found a man who’s in love with me and, more importantly, one who believes in and supports me wholeheartedly. With him by my side, I’ll find my way.

Epilogue

One Month Later

Lara

“Are you coming, or do I need to come and get you myself?” Carter drawls from the ensuite, his head popping around the edge of the door. He’s wearing one of his signature smirks, and as always, it does something dirty to my insides.?

“I’ll be in in a moment,” I respond sweetly from where I’m still sitting in the middle of his bed, in no rush to move.?

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