Page 105 of Cause and Effect

“Yes, Your Honor. I just found out yesterday. Hence, the reason I was out of control in court. My hormones are all over the place. I sincerely apologize for my actions and promise it won’t happen again.”

“Fine, Ms. Evans. I accept your apology. But I amfining you a thousand dollars. You can get out of here as soon as you pay it.”

“Thank you, Your honor.”

“No more outbursts in my courtroom.” He pointed at me.

“That witness is lying, and I’m going to prove that he lied under oath.”

“I have no doubt you will, Ms. Evans. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

“Come on. Let’s get out of here and go home.” Julian hooked his arm around me and kissed the side of my head. “You shouldn’t have told the judge you promised no more outbursts. We both know that’s a lie.”

“It worked, didn’t it?” I grinned.

Chapter Forty-One

Julian

Our moms threw us an engagement/baby celebration at Katherine’s house with about fifty guests, including our father and Love.

“I can’t believe you’re going to be a father.” My dad walked over and hooked his arm around me.

“Oh, Papa. I can’t believe you’re going to be a father again.” I smirked.

“You know, I hope you have a son who aggravates you the way you aggravate me.”

“Come on, Papa. You love it.” I kissed the side of his head.

“Knock it off, son.” He walked away, and I chuckled.

My brothers walked over and stood beside me as I stared down at the beach while Laurel played in the sand with the girls.

“Not too long ago, I wouldn’t have recognized this life as my own,” I said. “The firm, the endless meetings, the constant stress—it all seemed so important. But now, nothing is as important to me as those four beautiful girls.”

“And to think you almost fucked that up,” Parker said.

“Shut up, douchebag. I came to my senses.”

“It took a while.” Roman chuckled. “But it all worked out, and that’s what is important. Our family is growing, and we have so much to look forward to.”

“Dad!” Sophie waved.

“Dad?” Parker’s brows furrowed.

“Isn’t that so sweet?” I grinned. “Now that Laurel and I are getting married, the girls asked if they could call me Dad.” I felt the sting in my eyes.

“They are special,” Roman said.

“You’re lucky to have them, bro.” Parker hooked his arm around me.

“Dad, come help us build this sandcastle,” Stella shouted.

“My family is summoning me.” I smiled as I headed toward them.

The afternoon sun beat on my shoulders as I sat in the sand with the girls and helped them with their castle. “I think you three can do the rest. I’m going to talk to your mom.” I smiled, glancing at Laurel, sprawled across the blanket.

“You did good.” She smiled.

---