Page 81 of Cause and Effect

“I understand,” he lowered his head. “But please say you and the girls will still come to dinner at my dad’s house tomorrow night.”

“Why should we?”

“Because we’ll all be there, and I know Morgan would want you there. And I would like you to come.”

“You don’t get to do that.” I waved my finger. “I don’t care what you want anymore. But we’ll still go. Text me your dad’s address.”

“I’ll pick you and the girls up.”

“No! I can drive myself.” I grabbed my purse. “Your days of doing anything for us are over. I’ll see you tomorrow, Julian.”

I opened the front door, swallowed hard, and walked over to Parker’s to get the girls.

“Come on, girls. We have to get home. It’s getting late.”

“Are you okay?” Parker whispered, walking over to where I stood.

“Not really. Your brother is a real piece of work.” I breathed out a laugh to keep from sobbing.

“I know, and I’m sorry. He can’t let go of the past.”

I put the girls in the car and tried to keep it together on the way home, although my body shook. The girls were unusually quiet. They could tell something was wrong but were too afraid to ask.

After tucking them into bed, I changed into my nightshirt, climbed into bed, and the floodgates finally opened. If there was ever a time I needed my parents, it was now. But they were on their cruise, and I wouldn’t ruin it for them.

“Ah, you must be Laurel!”A young woman exclaimed, hugging me. “And these beautiful young ladies must be your daughters. Come in.”

“Laurel Evans. My firm’s beautiful and talented new attorney. Hello, sweetheart. I’m Harry.” He hugged me.

“It’s nice to meet you, Harry.”

“Oh, my goodness. Who are these lovely little girls?”

“This is Stella, Sara, and Sophie.” I smiled.

Harry took the girls with him to show them his train collection. Morgan walked over with Maddie and hugged me.

“How are you?”

“I’m okay. Hey, sweetheart.” I smiled at Maddie. She held her arms out to me, so I took her.

Julian and I were on edge today after last night’s conversation. We hardly crossed paths and exchanged just a couple of words. I saw him staring at me from across the room while he talked with his brothers. Maybe coming here was a big mistake.

Love summoned us to the dining room for dinner. We all took our seats. The girls sat by Julian, and I sat as far away from him as I could.

“I have called all of you here tonight because we have some news.” Harry reached over and took hold of Love’s hand. “We’re having a baby.”

“Excuse me!” Parker choked on his drink.

“What?” Roman voiced loudly.

“How is that possible?” Julian asked.

“I had my vasectomy reversed, and we did IVF,” Harry said. “It took a couple of tries, but we finally did it.”

“You’re too old to have another kid, Dad,” Julian said.

“I have to agree with him,” Roman said.

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