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"Man, we really are in love, aren’t we?"
His laughter is contagious, drawing the attention of our wives. Chloe's inquisitive gaze meets mine.
"What's the joke? Why are you two lagging behind? We're about to head up!"
Kate, ever the planner, waves the tickets in her hand.
"It’s a good thing we got these online. Look at that line!"
Chloe chuckles, glancing at the snaking line.
"If Ivy was here, she'd probably be grunting loudly about how painstakingly slow this line is."
Kate bursts into laughter.
"She absolutely would. It still boggles my mind that you worked at the bar just a few years before me."
Nodding, Chloe says, "Well, at least it gives me another reason to pop by once in a while."
Kate's face lights up with a grin.
"You know, Ivy might not always show it, but she's genuinely happy about that." Then, looking over at Liam and me, she calls out, "Hurry up, you two!"
Liam waves them off, chuckling. "Hold on, we're coming!"
As we catch up to them, my heart feels incredibly full. Five years together, and every day is still an adventure.
The thought of expanding our family, perhaps a daughter next, fills me with anticipation. Every moment with them is a gift, and I can't wait to unwrap the many more we have ahead.
Falling for the Lawyer
Chapter 1 - Lauren
Sunset hues drape over the quaint buildings of Willow Creek as I walk down Main Street. The sky is an artist's palette, all strokes of coral and gold as if painted just for me.
I feel its warmth on my face, almost comforting, but not quite. The pit in my stomach won't allow for complete comfort.
I glance at my phone. 6:45 PM. My appointment with the lawyer is in fifteen minutes. It's a name I scribbled down in haste, Dennis something-or-other, a recommendation I saw in the town’s newspaper.
I pass by couples holding hands, leaning into each other as they share whispered words and tender smiles. It's a knife to the heart. I used to be part of such a pairing.
That was before I discovered that love can be a veil for obsession and affection can morph into possession. Tom proved that.
Quickening my pace, I finally see the wooden sign hanging by the door:
"Dennis Harper, Attorney at Law." My heartbeat stutters as I reach for the handle.
This is it. My chance to escape a past that's threatening to consume me.
Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I step inside.
The air in the office is a soothing contrast to my internal storm. Soft jazz music wafts through the room, interrupted only by the faint rustle of papers. A woman behind the reception desk looks up and smiles warmly.
"You must be Lauren. Dennis will see you now."
"Thank you," I manage to say, my voice tinged with an anxiety I can't completely hide.
The receptionist leads me down a narrow corridor to a door marked "Private." She knocks gently before opening it, revealing the man behind the name.
