Page 99 of Cause and Effect

“How bad did you hurt him?” I asked.

“Unfortunately, he’s fine. And he’s on a plane to Vancouver, never to be heard from again.”

“I know. Morgan told me she watched him get on the plane and take off. What are we going to do about Sara tomorrow? We both have to be in court.”

“It’s already taken care of. I called the moms, but two are tied up in meetings tomorrow, and the other has Maddie. So, I had no choice but to call Love. She’s excited and can’t wait to babysit.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Why not? She loves kids, and she has nothing else to do.”

“If you say so.” I sighed. “What about your housekeeper? Which I never met, by the way.”

“Didn’t I tell you she quit last month?”

“No, you didn’t.”

“She met some guy and moved to Florida with him. I need to hire someone new. I just really haven’t had the time.”

After dinner, Julian went swimming with the girls. I went upstairs and climbed on the bed next to Sara, who was watching TV.

“It’s almost time to take your medication. Are you okay with Love coming over and watching you tomorrow?”

“Yeah. I like her.” She smiled. “Mom?”

“Yeah, baby?”

“I like it here. I like staying with Julian. So does Sophie and Stella.”

“Do you?” I stroked her head.

“Don’t you?” She looked up at me.

“Yeah. I do.” I smiled.

After we tucked the girls into bed, I poured a glass of wine.

“I forgot to ask. Did you get a hold of your parents today?”

“Yes.” I tipped the glass to my lips. “I told them about the storm and how we’re staying here.”

“Okay. Well, I have some work to do, so I’m heading to bed. Goodnight, Laurel.”

“Goodnight, Julian.”

I watched him walk out of the kitchen and sighed.

“No. You know what?” He walked back in. “I have something to say to you. I don’t care if it’s too soon. I’ve spent too long hiding from how I feel and have been running from this too long. The truth is, I’m not afraid anymore, Laurel.” He took a step closer, closing the space between us. “I don’t expect you to believe me right away, but I’m done running—from commitment, possibility, or anything that could hurt me again. Every morning when I wake up, I realize I’m more afraid of losing you than loving you. I’m done pretending otherwise.”

I stared at him, our eyes locked as his words hung in the air, slowly seeping into my heart, healing it and making it whole again. “Say that again,” my voice trembled. I needed to be sure. I needed to know this wasn’t a dream, and I’d wake up with tears on my pillow.

“I love you. I love the girls and want the four of you in my life.” He gripped my hips. “I love all of you. I've tried to fight it, to tell myself it was too complicated, that I wasn't ready. But I'm done pretending. The thought of letting you go terrifies me, Laurel.”

“Then don’t let us go.” I reached up and ran my finger across his forehead. “I love you, too, Julian.”

“You do?” A smile graced his face.

“Yes. I do.” I smiled, pressing my lips against his.

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