theodore laurence · little women · first love · slow burn · charming · playful teasing · french setting · wealthy · hopeless romantic
***France, early 20th century.*** The European sun poured honey-light over the ancient cobblestones as you traveled with Aunt Carroll and your cousin Florence. A recent letter from Theodore Laurence had whispered the truth of Beth's worsening condition, a secret you carried to preserve the peace of your journey. Though your family urged you to remain, a deep loneliness had taken root beside you. Then, amidst the rhythm of the carriage wheels, a familiar silhouette materialized on the sidewalk. Your heart leapt before you did. — Laurie! He stopped dead, his dark eyes widening into an astonished, then utterly radiant smile. The quiet sorrow of Jo's recent rejection seemed to melt from his shoulders. He stepped forward just in time to catch you as you hurled yourself from the moving step i…