Page 82 of Cause and Effect

“I can’t believe we’ll have a brother or sister thirty-some years younger than us. Dad, that is just nuts.”

“When the kid is our age, you’ll be in the ground, Dad. What the hell were you thinking?” Julian said.

“I think it’s wonderful news.” I smiled. “Congratulations to you both.”

“Thank you, Laurel,” Love said.

“I’m happy for you. Congrats!” Morgan smiled, holding up her drink.

“At least two people at this table are happy for us,” Harry said.

“Dad, it’s not that we’re unhappy,” Roman said. “You just have to look at it from our point of view.”

“Yeah, Dad. It’s weird,” Parker said.

“Says you.” He pointed at his sons. “Love and I are incredibly happy that we’re having a baby, whether you like it or not.”

After dinner, I stood on the beach, staring at the water illuminated by the moonlight while everyone else was at the house. Julian walked up and stood next to me.

“Can you believe Love is pregnant?” he asked.

“Yeah. I can. And I think it’s great. They’re obviously in love and want to share a child together. You can’t fault them for that.”

“I don’t. It’s just weird.”

“I have to go.” I began to walk away and felt his hand wrap around my arm.

“Laurel, wait. I don’t want things to be weird between us because of what happened.”

I slowly closed my eyes momentarily before turning around and facing him.

“It’s a little too late for that, Julian.” I yanked out of his grip and went back to the house.

He wanted to go on like nothing happened between us. Maybe he could do that, but I couldn’t. The hurt was real, and I swore to myself that I would never let another man hurt me in that way again.

Two Weeks Later

“Are you ready?”Julian walked into my office.

“Yep.” I grabbed my briefcase, and we headed toward the elevator.

We stood together, waiting for the elevator, shifting uncomfortably, our eyes avoiding each other’s gaze as we had done the past couple of weeks. The tension betweenus was thick. As we climbed into the back of the Escalade, I stared out the window, watching the scenery blur by. The drive to the courthouse was a whole other level of discomfort, and I wished I would have driven myself.

“This case wasn’t an easy one,” Judge McCray spoke. “I’ve listened to both sides, reviewed all the evidence, and have made my final decision. When it comes to child custody cases, I don’t take things lightly. I rule on how this will affect the child’s well-being and future. This court decides that sole custody of Kayla is awarded to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. Court is dismissed.” He banged his gavel.

I turned and hugged Mr. and Mrs. Anderson as tears streamed from their eyes.

“Thank you, Laurel. Thank you so much.” Her grip around me tightened.

“You’re welcome. Congratulations.”

I stared at Lindsey Burton as she sat in the chair, face buried in her hands, sobbing. I felt for her. I really did. But the reality was that Kayla would have a better life with Mr. and Mrs. Anderson than with Lindsey. Morgan discovered that Lindsey was a waitress at a small diner by day, and she sold herself to men by night. Lindsey didn’t think anyone would ever find out about her night job, but we did.

“Great work,” Julian said.

“Thank you.” I paused on the steps of the courthouse, scanning my surroundings. A sense of being watched enveloped me, causing me to halt abruptly. That’s when I saw a man staring at me from across the street in the distance—sweatpants, T-shirt, beard, mustache, and a baseball cap pulled low. The moment he saw me catch his gaze, he abruptly turned and walked the other way.

“Are you okay?” Julian asked.

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