From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 309

Harrell couldn’t hide his happiness when Bonnie finally gave in. He scooped her up and carried her upstairs, grinning from ear to ear.

Not long after, he came back down. He glanced at Laurinda and said a quiet thank you. Laurinda shot him a calm look, a small smile playing on her lips. She liked how much he doted on Bonnie.

“No need to thank me. Just take good care of her. That’s all I want,” she said.

Right then, Adolphus came in from outside. “Everything’s ready. We can head out now.”

Laurinda set aside her half-eaten corn, took the puffer jacket Adolphus held out, and slipped her arms into it. He zipped it up for her, then gently took her hand, and together they walked out the door.

Harrell watched them go, a bit jealous. He couldn’t help but wonder when Bonnie would ever be that easygoing with him.

In the car, York was driving. Laurinda noticed the lilies and daisies on the front seat and turned to Adolphus.

“Did you get the flowers? How did you know my mom likes lilies and daisies?”

Adolphus smiled. “I saw a photo in your study once. The garden in it was filled with them.”

Laurinda’s expression softened as old memories bubbled up. “My dad loved lilies. All kinds, every color and scent. I never really understood why. My mom was more into daisies. That’s why our yard always had both.”

“When I was little, I’d sneak out and pick their flowers. They never got mad. They said it just meant I loved the garden as much as they did.”

She looked at him, her smile growing warmer. “They’d love the flowers you brought. They’d definitely be happy about you.”

Up ahead, Laurinda overheard their conversation. She looked up at Adolphus just as he glanced at her. Their eyes met. They didn’t need to say a thing. One shared smile said it all.

At the top of the hill, Laurinda led Adolphus to the largest gravestone. “These are my parents,” she said quietly. “That’s Farr. He was York’s and my teacher, and he’s Fidelia’s husband. The others back there, they were my parents’ friends.”

Laurinda knelt in front of her parents’ grave and lit the paper offerings. She handed incense to Jasper, who placed it for them. Then she and Jasper knelt together and bowed their heads.

When they finished, Laurinda stood and reached for Adolphus’s hand. He stepped forward, took her hand, and before she could introduce him, he spoke up.

“Hello, I’m Adolphus, Laurinda’s boyfriend. I hope you’ll give us your blessing. I promise to take care of her and never let anything hurt her.”