Chapter 41
Julian
Our moms threw us an engagement/baby celebration at Katherine’s house with about fifty guests, including our father and Love.
“I can’t believe you’re going to be a father.” My dad walked over and hooked his arm around me.
“Oh, Papa. I can’t believe you’re going to be a father again.” I smirked.
“You know, I hope you have a son who aggravates you the way you aggravate me.”
“Come on, Papa. You love it.” I kissed the side of his head.
“Knock it off, son.” He walked away, and I chuckled.
My brothers walked over and stood beside me as I stared down at the beach while Laurel played in the sand with the girls.
“Not too long ago, I wouldn’t have recognized this life as my own,” I said. “The firm, the endless meetings, the constant stress—it all seemed so important. But now, nothing is as important to me as those four beautiful girls. ”
“And to think you almost fucked that up,” Parker said.
“Shut up, douchebag. I came to my senses.”
“It took a while.” Roman chuckled. “But it all worked out, and that’s what is important. Our family is growing, and we have so much to look forward to.”
“Dad!” Sophie waved.
“Dad?” Parker’s brows furrowed.
“Isn’t that so sweet?” I grinned. “Now that Laurel and I are getting married, the girls asked if they could call me Dad.” I felt the sting in my eyes.
“They are special,” Roman said.
“You’re lucky to have them, bro.” Parker hooked his arm around me.
“Dad, come help us build this sandcastle,” Stella shouted.
“My family is summoning me.” I smiled as I headed toward them.
The afternoon sun beat on my shoulders as I sat in the sand with the girls and helped them with their castle. “I think you three can do the rest. I’m going to talk to your mom.” I smiled, glancing at Laurel, sprawled across the blanket.
“You did good.” She smiled.
“Thanks. How are you feeling?” I rested my hand on her belly.
“I feel great.” A beautiful grin crossed her lips.
I lie next to her, propped up on my elbow, softly stroking her belly.
“Boy or girl?” I asked her.
“I think you should be asking single or twins.”
“Oh shit, Laurel. I forgot.” My eyes widened. “You don’t think that?—”
“No. I was much sicker with the twins. ”
My heart that raced finally calmed. “Okay. I’m trusting you.” I smirked.
“But if it is twins?” she asked.
“Then that means there are two more children to love.” I leaned in and kissed her lips.
A broad smile crossed my face as the girls chased each other through the sand. The sun was about to set, leaving an impression of this perfect day of celebration. But unlike the sun setting, the impression these four girls had made on my heart was permanent and etched deep within me for eternity.
Thank you for reading Cause and Effect.
I hope you enjoyed it!