Page 17 of Cause and Effect

“What? She is.” I returned my phone to my pocket.

Chapter Seven

Laurel

Unfortunately, I have to get home. Can you meet me there? I’ll text you my address.

Fine. I’ll head over as soon as we land.

When I stepped through the front door, Stella, Sara, and Sophie ran over and hugged me.

“Gosh, I missed you girls.” I hugged them tightly. “How was school?”

All three started talking over each other like they always did, creating a chaotic environment as they followed me into the kitchen.

“Hi, Mom.” I kissed her cheek.

“Hi, honey. How was your day?” A smile crossed her lips.

“It was good. You didn’t have to cook dinner.”

“I wanted to. It’s the least I could do.”

“Where’s Dad?”

“He’s out in the back fixing the lock on the gate.”

“I have a landlord who can do that.” I grab the bottle of wine and a glass.

“You know how your father is.”

After my parents left, I called the girls down for dinner.

“I want you three to listen to me. One of my bosses is coming over to go over some things for a case we’re working on. I need you girls to stay in your rooms and do your homework while he’s here. Understand?”

“What’s his name?” Sara asked.

“Julian Hamilton.”

“Is he old?” Stella asked.

“No. He’s around my age.”

“Then he’s old.” Sophie smiled.

I smiled as I shook my head. The doorbell rang, and I felt a fluttering in my belly.

“You three stay here and finish your dinner.” I set the napkin on the table and walked over to the door.

When I opened it, Julian stood in his dark Tom Ford suit, holding his briefcase.

“Welcome to my humble abode.” I gestured for him to come in. “How was your trip?”

“Not bad,” he said.

I saw him staring over my shoulder. When I turned around, all three girls were standing like perfect little soldiers, staring at him.

“Julian, these are my daughters. Stella, Sara, and Sophie. Girls, this is Julian Hamilton.”

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