Page 43 of Cause and Effect

Yes.

My phone rang with a Facetime call from him.

“Hi,” I answered.

“Hi.” He smiled. “Maybe this is a little too forward, but I don’t care. I wanted to see you one last time before going to bed.”

“It’s not too forward. I’m happy you called. Stella told me tonight that she thinks you’re nice.”

“Back at her.” A smile fell upon his lips. “Sweet dreams, Laurel.”

“You too, Julian. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow. Good night.”

“Good night.” I ended the call and set my phone on the nightstand with a smile.

My bedroom door opened,and three bodies climbed into bed, waking me up.

“Mom, it’s time to get up,” Sophie said.

“Just a few more minutes,” I softly spoke, my arms wrapped tightly around them.

“We want to go to Roman’s and play on the beach,” Stella said.

“It’s not time yet, honey. Why don’t the three of youpack a bag with your bathing suits and towels? Let Mommy lay here for a little bit.”

“Okay.” The three of them jumped off the bed and ran out of the room.

Sighing, I grabbed my phone from my nightstand and noticed I had a text message from Julian.

Good morning. I hope you slept well.

Good morning. I did. Enjoy golfing.

I already am.

As I was preparing breakfast for the girls in the kitchen, the doorbell rang and startled me. Walking over to it, I opened the door, and a man stood there holding a floral arrangement.

“This is for Laurel Evans,” he spoke, handing me the arrangement.

“Thank you very much.”

I brought the arrangement to the kitchen and unwrapped it, revealing beautiful red and pink roses with delicate sprigs of baby’s breath peeking out between the blooms. I searched for a card, but there wasn’t one.

“Wow, Mom. Who sent you those?” Stella asked.

“Probably Julian,” Sara said.

“There’s no card, so I’m not sure who sent them,” I said.

“They’re so pretty.” Sophie walked over and pressed her nose against the delicate flowers.

After plating the girl’s chocolate chip pancakes, I grabbed my phone and sent Julian a text message.

Did you, by chance, send me flowers?

I wish I could take credit, but I can’t. Why?

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