Page 91 of Cause and Effect

“I was so worried about you, Mom.”

“I’m fine, sweetie.” I pressed my lips against the top of her head.

“Mom!” Stella and Sara came to greet me. “Morgan said you’re sick.”

“I’m a lot better now. I think it was something I ate.”

“Hey, come into the kitchen,” Morgan said.

When I walked in, Roman leaned against the island, holding Maddie.

“Hi, Roman.”

“Hi. I’m glad you’re feeling better.” He gave me a strange look.

I glanced at Morgan. “I told him,” she whispered. “I figured Julian got it out of you, so?—”

“It’s fine. The girls didn’t overhear, right?”

“God, no. We talked outside,” she said.

“Well, we have a situation,” I spoke.

“What situation?” Roman’s brows furrowed.

“During the storm, a palm tree crashed through my living room window, so we’re staying at Julian’s.”

“We are?!” The girls exclaimed.

“Yes, my sweet peas, we are. Julian was over when the storm hit. I packed you three a bag, and we’ll stay with him until the window gets fixed.”

“Yay! They jumped up and down. Go get your backpacks. He’s waiting for us.”

“Good. I’m glad you’re staying with him.” Roman smiled. “You’ll be safer at his house anyway. At least until your—Jason leaves the country.”

“The girls can never find out about him, Roman,” I said.

“And they never will.”

Perhaps it was a mistake to hide the truth about their father being alive. However, they didn't need to endure visiting him in prison, which is where he'd be if he hadn't chosen to disappear. Their memories of him are positive, and learning that he felt trapped and resorted to faking his death would lead them to resent him. They would feel responsible, just as I felt. I chose to shield them from that burden to safeguard their well-being.

“We’re ready, Mom.” The girls walked into the kitchen with their backpacks.

“Give Roman and Morgan a hug and tell them thank you.”

As we walked back to Julian’s house, Stella glanced up at me.

“Are you sure you’re feeling better? You seem on edge.”

“I am feeling a lot better. I’m just a little shaken up knowing there’s a tree lying in our living room.” I smiled.

“That is so cool. I want to see it,” Sara said.

“No way. It’s too dangerous.”

“There they are.” Julian smiled, opening the front door.

“Julian!” All three girls ran and hugged him.

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