Page 71 of Cause and Effect

“Guess what, girls?” I grinned. “Parker is stopping by.”

“Yay!”

While kicking the soccer ball around with the girls, I saw Parker standing on the patio, holding up his phone.

“What are you doing?” I shouted across the yard.

“Capturing this rare and memorable moment.” Hegrinned. “Where’s Laurel? I thought you were discussing the case?”

“She had to meet a client. She’ll be back soon. I wanted you to come over and help me with the girls.”

“You’re babysitting?” His brow arched, and then he laughed.

“I’m not babysitting, douchebag. I’m keeping an eye on them.”

“Same thing.” He chuckled. “You lied to me.”

“I know. Sorry about that. I wanted you to come over.” I smirked.

The night was settling in, so I made the girls put the soccer ball away and come into the house.

“Can we have ice cream?” Sara asked.

“After you take a shower and get in your pajamas,” I said. “Go on. Your mom will be home soon.”

“Look at you playing Daddy,” Parker smirked.

“Shut your mouth, bro.” I pointed at him.

Both of our phones pinged with a text message from our father.

Love and I want you boys to come to dinner Friday night. Six-Thirty.

“Ah, shit.” I looked at my brother.

“I wanted to go out Friday night,” Parker said.

Morgan, Maddie, and I will be there, Dad.

“Damn him,” Parker said. “Now we don’t have a choice.”

“I’m going to bring Laurel and the girls.” I grinned.

“You really want to subject them to Love and Dad?” Parker’s brow raised.

“Think of how fun it’ll be with the three girls running around his house,” I said.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Laurel

Walking through the front door, I found Parker and Julian in the kitchen.

“Hi, Parker. What are you doing here?” I smiled.

“Hey, Laurel. Douchebag over here called me to come over because he said you’re discussing the Bennett case. Imagine my surprise when I arrived and you weren’t home.”

“Really, Julian?” I cocked my head.

---