Shameless (Made For Them #3)

24. Ever After

Lula

Six months later

E verything looks ready for Jules’s surprise birthday party.

Decorations, check.

Cake, check.

Family and friends… almost check.

You’d be surprised how hard it is to get a bunch of people to hide and stay quiet.

“Dad, where’s Arianna?” I ask, noticing that my stepmother is nowhere in sight.

“Her phone rang and she went into her office. Hopefully it isn’t some emergency at the club.”

I shake my head. “I doubt it. Since she promoted Trish to manager, that place runs like clockwork.”

Dad agrees. “I must admit, there was a lot of skepticism because Trish is so young, but she’s managed to show us all that age is just a number.”

My heart fills with pride. “She’s a role model. I don’t know how she juggles a full time job, online classes at Star Cove College and keeping up with Les and all the travel he does with Star Thunders.”

My father wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into a side hug. “If you love someone, nothing can keep you apart. Not even two decades and a narcissistic ex-best friend.”

He’s right. “Talking about narcissistic former besties, have you guys heard from her?”

Dad doesn’t need to ask who I’m referring to. “I haven’t. But that doesn’t mean much. Tiffany knows that as far as I’m concerned, she’s dead to me. The only way I would ever reconsider even picking up the phone when she calls, is if you asked me to.”

I sigh. “That won’t happen any time soon, Dad. I’m sorry, but she’s never even pretended to love me. Arianna is the only maternal figure I’ve had in my life until I met Tilly.”

As if summoned by my words, Arianna walks into the living room.

“Sorry,” her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “Where do you want me to hide, sweetheart?”

I ignore her question. “Are you ok?”

My stepmother frowns. “Look, I don’t want to ruin today’s party. You worked so hard for it, Lula.”

Alarm bells ring in my ears. “Who was on the phone?”

“It was Tiffany,” she admits.

“What did she want?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

“Money,” Arianna confirms that my instinct was right.

After the scandal surrounding Evan’s death and the discovery of the bag we planted in Evan’s room, things haven’t gone Tiffany’s way.

“She can’t seriously think that you’re going to pay for her divorce attorney, right?”

The room is full of our family and friends and rather than hiding like they’ve been instructed, everyone is talking and catching up with each other.

I step out and into the kitchen and lower my voice to make sure our conversation stays private. “Howard is a vindictive man. Maybe she shouldn’t have dumped him when he was at his lowest. She can’t seriously expect him to pay the alimony she’s demanding.”

I don’t feel guilty about the fact that Evan’s death and the discovery of the murder evidence, caused such a scandal that Howard had no choice but to withdraw from the election. Of course Tiffany filed for divorce the second her husband was no longer a state senate candidate.

Dad rolls his eyes. “Her reasoning is that since she remarried the second we got divorced, she never filed for alimony. The fact that the judge ruled I was only responsible for child support doesn’t register with her. She thinks I owe her. If she misses the life of luxury her ex could provide, why did she leave him? I don’t buy that it was for moral reasons, not even for a minute.”

I snort. “Tiffany would have married Jack The Ripper, if he lived in a penthouse in the Upper East Side and had at least eight figures in his bank account.”

Arianna drops a real bombshell. “You’re right, Lula. Your mother just admitted that she didn’t dump Howard, it was the other way around. She wants the money to fight the prenup she had to sign when they got married.”

Typical Tiffany. “I hope you didn’t agree to help her.” I say.

Arianna looks suddenly sad. “No, I’m not going to give her money to get into a court battle she’s going to lose. I did offer her help to get back on her feet though.”

Dad and I have the same question. “Why?”

“I guess it’s some kind of atonement? Even though she came between your father and I when we met in college, I did sleep with her husband. Besides, George Andrews is convinced that Tiffany and Howard knew everything and lied to give Evan an alibi. He’s been putting pressure on the cops to prosecute someone since Evan is gone.

Tiffany has been interrogated by the police multiple times for something she didn’t do and Howard didn’t help her pay for legal representation. I know Tiffany has a lot of flaws, but she isn’t a murderer. I just helped her with a plane ticket and some money to find a rental. She’s moving back to Texas.”

I hug her. Arianna doesn’t feel guilty for shooting Trevor, but she’ll have to live with killing Maura. She vowed to spend her life making amends for what happened on Twinberry Island. She has always been active in several charity committees, but since last summer, she’s ramped up her efforts by volunteering her time as well as her money.

“You’re nicer than I would have been in your shoes,” I admit. “I’m sorry but?—”

Dad hugs me. “Lula, we understand. No one blames you for not wanting your mother in your life.”

Arianna’s green eyes are full of the love and compassion I’ve never received from my own mother. “I helped her under one condition. She had to promise that she would leave you alone. We have an agreement that she’s not allowed to contact you unless you initiate it, Lula.”

I exhale, feeling relieved and guilty at the same time. “Does it make me a bad person if I don’t think I’ll ever want to see her or talk to her again?”

“Fuck, no.” Stefan enters the kitchen, coming to hug me. “Hey, Rikki just texted Tilly that he landed and he and Jules are leaving the airport now. So we have fifteen minutes tops before they’re here.”

“Awesome,” I beam, happy to concentrate on celebrating Jules, rather than thinking about my estranged mother. “Let’s get everyone to hide. I swear if Paris makes a noise before Jules is here, this is the last party she’s ever going to be invited to.”

Stefan smiles. “Don’t worry, Jumps. I’m gonna hide right next to her and make sure she doesn’t make a peep until it’s time to yell ‘surprise.’”

“Guys,” Tilly runs into the kitchen. “They just pulled up. Let’s go hide.”

Jules

“Sorry about that, dude,” I’m relieved when we’re in the safety of my car, away from the press.

Rikki chuckles. “Don’t sweat it, I understand. It doesn’t happen every day that your brother just smashed his own world record. I can’t believe you beat the one hundred and twenty miles per hour record you set in the Ozarks.”

“I love the praise but I’ll never get used to being in the spotlight this much,” I admit. “Besides, the credit should mostly go to Tory, she’s a genius. The new boat is even lighter and faster than the previous one but she never compromises on safety.”

He shudders. “I’m glad to hear that. We’ve all seen what can happen when you harness that kind of voltage in the water.”

I ignore his reference to Evan’s death.

Guilt churns my insides at the thought that we let Rikki believe that Tiffany’s stepson was responsible for Trevor, Eddie and Maura’s murders. The least people know the truth however, the better the chance to leave that horrible event in the past.

“But enough about me,” I say, as I reverse out of my parking spot. “How are things at MIT? I didn’t get to go to Harvard and I never got to experience the winters in Massachusetts.”

Rikki shivers. “Don’t remind me. We had almost a foot of snow last weekend and it was snowing when I left. But aside from the weather, I love the college.”

“Did you find a sponsor there?” I ask, worried that the stress of a demanding course load could tempt him to fall back into addiction.

“I did. But I’m fine, Jules, seriously. School keeps me occupied and when we have time off, London and I visit each other. Yale is only three hours away.”

We stop at a light. “I didn’t know you were still together.”

Rikki chuckles again. I’m glad he looks so relaxed and more comfortable in his own skin.

“We’re not exclusive. We love each other, but we both realized that we’re bi. So we decided to explore things outside of our relationship. College is about finding yourself after all, right? That’s what everyone says.”

I’m impressed by his mature approach. “As long as you’re safe and healthy, you know you always have my support. I don’t want you to get hurt if she meets someone.”

“We’re honest about it and we’re not going to put any limits on each other for now.” Rikki explains. “If either of us met someone else, we’re going to be happy as long as the other person is happy.”

I’m about to ask him if he’s excited to see Tilly, Crew and Napoleon, but my phone rings.

“Hey Gordon, I’m driving so you’re on speaker.” I warn him. “My brother is in the car with me though, so whatever you need to discuss is fine.”

Gordon clears his throat. “Are you sure? Consider attorney client privilege, Jules.”

“It’s ok, Gordon. I’m happy for Rikki to hear whatever you need to tell me.”

“Very well,” Gordon says. “I just wanted to let you know that the court has set the date for your appeal hearing on Jenna’s custody. It’s in four weeks.”

I sigh. “Great. Just email me the details.”

“Jules,” there’s warning in his tone. “Are you sure you want to go ahead with this? I don’t think our chances of winning are any better than last year.”

We’ve discussed this at length. “I’m sure. I can’t abandon my daughter. The only thing that helps me sleep at night is that after all the concerns we raised, the court appointed a social worker to check on Jenna on a regular basis. My ex isn’t a reliable parent.”

The call ends with Gordon promising to forward me all the details about the hearing, just as I pulled into Mom’s driveway.

“Ready to see everyone?” I ask.

“Lead the way.” Rikki smiles, clearly excited.

Everyone has been so excited about seeing Rikki, even though he was here eight weeks ago for Christmas, that no one has mentioned that today is my birthday. And Crew’s, even though the dipshit decided that he wants his own birthday without having to share it; since he was born just five minutes before midnight, he decided to celebrate it tomorrow.

It’s ok, though. Turning twenty-two isn’t the most important thing in my life.

Aside from the battle for Jenna’s custody, my mind has been occupied by another project. Today we’re going to propose to Lula. Stefan was supposed to get the ring this morning.

The house is dark and quiet as I unlock the door.

“Where’s everyone?” I wonder, looking around. “If I’d known that everyone would be out, I’d have taken you to your Mom’s place to drop off your bags.”

Rikki shrugs. “That can wait. It’s weird but the new house we bought with part of our inheritance doesn’t feel like home. Maybe it’s because I was already gone when Mom and Crew moved in? Anyway, what do you say we watch a movie while we wait for everyone to come home?”

I don’t mind hanging out with Rikki. “Sure. Let me go make some popcorn and?—”

“Nah,” he clasps my shoulder. “I’m not hungry. I just want to sit down.”

“But I’m hungry,” I object.

“Then let’s order some pizza or something. But I just really want to watch a movie. I’ve always liked your Mom’s huge TV.”

He’s acting a little odd. Crew bought a TV set that’s just as big, so I don’t understand why Rikki is so excited about watching a movie in here.

I follow him into the dark living room though, opening the app on my phone to order the pizza.

The light comes on the second I step into the room.

“SURPRISE!”

My family and friends jump out from behind the couch, under the table and every possible hiding spot.

“Happy birthday, babe!”

Lula flies into my arms and despite how crowded the room is, the second our lips touch, everything else disappears.

“Hey you two, get a room!” Crew hollers.

I flip him off, but we’re both laughing. “Well we would get a room if you weren’t here to cock block me. I thought I said I didn’t want a party?” I say to Lula.

The redness that rises to her face makes her look adorable. “I know, but Arianna and I wanted to celebrate. Plus, Tilly made a three tier cake. Each tier is a different flavor and it has all your favorites.”

“When you put it like that…” I smile, squeezing her tightly to my side.

The hours fly by between the delicious food and a couple of party games organized by Mom.

No matter how many times we tell her that we aren’t kids anymore, she insists on some kind of entertainment, worried that we’ll get bored otherwise.

“Time for the cake,” Tilly claps her hands, excited.

“Hmm, would you mind waiting a couple of minutes?” I ask, after exchanging a look with Stefan and Crew. “Lula, do you mind coming outside for a second?” I take her hand and step out on the deck.

The sun is starting to set coloring the sky with pretty pastel tones, so this is the ideal time to pop our question.

“We needed to talk to you in private,” I begin.

Lula looks at each of us, suddenly worried. “Are you breaking up with me?”

“No, silly.” Stefan snorts, taking the blue velvet box out of his pocket and handing it to me.

We’ve debated at length about how to pop the question. In the end we decided that we would keep it simple.

Lula gasps when I open the box.

“Lula, we could spend hours making elaborate speeches to tell you how much we love you. But you know how we feel because we tell you every day. Remember last summer, how I told you that one day I would marry you? I hope you will make me the luckiest man in the world.”

Stefan takes her other hand.

“Jumps, I’ve known I would marry you since I was too young to even say your full name and Lula was the best I could do. I obviously didn't know about marriage and grown up stuff back then, but the second I did, I knew one day you’d my wife.”

I step aside for a second to let Crew take Lula’s hand. “Baby, I never even thought I could love someone the way I love you. You took me by surprise but the second you spilled a smoothie all over yourself and almost got bitten by Napoleon, I knew I was fucked.”

I slap Crew’s back. “Dude, way to sneak an F-bomb into our marriage proposal.”

Six months ago, that would have started a fight.

“Sorry,” Crew chuckles. “What I mean is, that I fell for you hard and fast. At the beginning I tried to deny my feelings but I was just fooling myself. I love you. Will you marry me, Lula? Us?”

Lula looks like a deer caught in front of headlights as she opens and closes her mouth without uttering one word. “I—I want to,” she finally says. “But I can’t marry all three of you. And if you’re thinking about making me choose… I just can’t.”

I nudge Crew out of the way, taking Lula’s hand again. “We would never do that. If you agree,” I say, looking at my brothers. “We have a solution. We’re going to have a ceremony for all of us. We already talked to our parents and Mom agreed to officiate. However there can be only one name on the marriage certificate and after some very mature, peaceful debate?—”

Crew cuts in. “We argued about it for two weeks straight. I’m not proud of it, but we all tried to call dibs. Until we realized that there was only one fair solution. These two outvoted me on the fact that you should be a Cutler, so you’d share a last name with two of us.”

Stefan pulls Lula into his arms. “Then Jules and Crew had to admit that it took them some time to figure out that they were in love with you, while I’ve known since I could breathe. So if it’s ok with you, Jumps, I’ll be your legal husband. But that’s just a technicality, we’re all in this together.”

The way Lula looks at Stefan would make me choke with jealousy, if it wasn’t the same way she looks at me. And at Crew.

“Yes,” she says. “I’ll marry you. I know we’re young but I’ve always known I loved you two. And Crew, I never thought love at first sight was possible until I met you. I mean, at first I liked you because you’re hot, but the more I got to know you, the more I realized that the way you look on the outside pales in comparison with your heart. Did you guys had a date in mind?”

We explain that we’d like to have the whole family in attendance. “The earliest Rikki can come back is spring break. So we thought we’d do it then.”

Lula nods. “Then yes. One million times yes.”

I take the ring with the big, flawless oval diamond we chose and slip it on Lula’s finger.

The three of us bicker about a lot of stuff at home and at work, but the second we saw it, we agreed that this was the perfect ring for our girl.

I wait patiently for my turn to kiss my fiancée, but then I call dibs on walking back into the house with Lula on my arm. “I’m the birthday boy, that must count for something. And before you open your big mouth, Crew, let me remind you that you decided to have yours tomorrow.”

Crew chuckles. “It’s fine. Unlike you, sharing is second nature for me.”

He’s right. He and Stefan had no problem sharing Lula. It took me a minute to come around to the idea, but now I’m completely on board. I wouldn’t be able to do it with anyone else, but Stefan and Crew are my brothers. I’ve accepted it to the point that the competitiveness and jealousy I used to have toward him are a distant memory. To the point that I decided not to race him for Eddie’s ridiculously expensive Ducati bike and I gave him the title for Christmas. He likes riding more than I do anyway.

Tilly’s cake is delicious and I haven’t had a birthday party since my sixteenth birthday, so being surrounded by family and friends is pretty freaking awesome.

“Jules,” Lula is sitting on my lap on the couch, feeding me bites of birthday cake. “Are you ok? You look troubled.”

I lower my voice, because I don’t want to sound ungrateful to Mom and Tilly for all the work they put into this party. “Absolutely peachy. I just can’t help but feel a little melancholy though about the fact that Jenna isn’t here to celebrate with us.”

“I tried to get in touch with Jasmine to see if she would let her come at least for tonight, but all my calls have gone to voicemail and she never called me back. I’m sorry.”

I swipe a smudge of frosting from the corner of her lips. “Thank you for trying, sweet girl.”

About an hour later, most of the people have left and Mom proposes we all have a nightcap on the deck.

“Let me get the door and I’ll be right out.” I say. “I bet Paris forgot something. I swear that girl would leave her own head behind if she could.”

However when I open the door, I don’t find myself in front of Paris. “Gordon? What are you doing here? Is everything ok?” I ask my lawyer.

He has a strange look on his face. “Surprisingly, yes. It is. Or I think it might be, if I know you well enough.”

I don’t understand. “I’m a little too tired to solve a riddle right now. Do you care to explain?”

“I’ll do you one better,” he says, stepping aside.

“Daddy! Surprise! Happy birthday!” Jenna jumps into my arms and I don’t realize I’m crying until she collects my tears on her tiny finger and licks it. “Bitter. Why are you sad, Daddy?”

I don’t have to think about the answer. “Because I missed you, munchkin. How did you manage to convince Jasmine?” I ask my lawyer. “Please don’t tell me you kidnapped my daughter to bring her here for my birthday.”

Gordon doesn’t appreciate my humor. “Of course not. There’s actually been a very unexpected turn of events. I’ll explain if you let us in.”

I step aside with Jenna still in my arms. “Of course. I’m sorry, I’m just a little shocked.”

Gordon hands me an envelope, before turning to get something from the ground behind him.

“What—who’s that?” I ask, as he crosses the threshold with the detachable carrier of a baby stroller.

There’s a tiny baby girl asleep in it. Judging by her size, she can’t be more than a couple of weeks old.

“This is Juliette Cutler.” Gordon informs me. “But the letter I just gave you will explain much better than I could.”

“Jules? What’s up?” Lula comes into the living room and is immediately run over by an overexcited Jenna.

“Lula, Lula! Uncle G. says you have cake.”

I snort at my stiff, extremely formal lawyer being called Uncle G. “Sorry about that, Gordon.”

He offers me one of his rare smiles. “It was actually my idea. Gordon is a little too difficult for her. Go on, read that letter.”

I look at the thick envelope from Jasmine’s lawyer as if it could bite me, but there’s no point delaying finding out whatever it contains. Lula hovers by the door and I beckon her to come sit next to me to read it together.

The first sheet is covered in my ex-wife’s dainty, elegant cursive.

Dear Jules,

I know we both made mistakes during our marriage, but I also know that mine were a little bigger than yours.

First of all, happy birthday.

I would have come to tell you everything in person, but you know I’m not big on apologies or goodbyes.

In the envelope your lawyer just gave you, you’ll find Jenna’s birth certificate and social security card.

You were right that despite not sharing your DNA, Jenna is your daughter. It’s you she wants if she isn’t feeling well or if she’s scared. It’s you she wants if she’s happy or sad.

There’s no easy way to say what I’m trying to say, so I’ll just get straight to the point.

Jenna was an accident. She was the result of one of my many one night stands and like I told you before, none of the possible candidates would have been even remotely interested in being more than sperm donors.

Despite how young you were when we hooked up, you proved yourself as the best father Jenna could have hoped for.

This takes me to why I’m writing to you. I’m not a maternal person. I’ve always known that and while you took to parenthood so well, I’ve always resented all the sacrifices motherhood required.

Jenna deserves more than I can offer and I deserve more than feeling trapped by my own children.

I know this doesn’t make me a great human being, but at least I’m willing to admit my shortcomings.

You have been fighting me for Jenna’s custody, so after thinking about it long and hard, you win.

In the envelope your lawyer gave you, you’ll find an official document that appoints you as Jenna’s legal guardian. If you want to legally adopt her, I have no objection, my lawyer has everything she needs to help you start the process. I give up my parental rights knowing that you’ll be the parent I’ll never be for our daughter. Your daughter now.

I have just one request.

By now you’ll have met Juliette. She was born two weeks ago.

I don’t want to separate Jenna from her sister—or should I say half-sister—so it would mean a lot to me if you could be Juliette’s daddy too.

No, in case you’re trying to do the math again, you were right the first time. Juliette isn’t yours either.

In the envelope, you’ll find a document that appoints you as Juliette’s legal guardian. If you can’t or don’t want her, let my lawyer know. I’ll hire a couple of live-in nannies until Juliette is old enough for boarding school.

But I hope you’ll have room in your heart and in your family for both my daughters.

Your daughters, if you want them.

I think this is the best solution for everyone and I might not be a good mother, but I know I’m doing my best for my daughters.

They’re going to be loved and cared for and I’ll have the life I’ve always wanted. As you’re reading this, I’ll be on a flight to Milan, Italy.

You won’t believe it, but a very reputable fashion house saw a few of my designs on my social media, and I’ve been offered a full scholarship and a job at the end of my studies.

I’ve always wanted to be in the fashion industry and my lifestyle won’t be compatible with motherhood.

If I don’t hear from my lawyer, I’ll assume you’re happy to raise Juliette as your own.

Maybe one day, when they’re much older, they’ll ask about their birth mom. I hope by then, you’ll be able to tell them I’m a famous fashion designer.

I promise I’m never going to come back asking to be in their lives, unless they want to know me when they’re adults.

Just tell them their mom loved them enough to know she wasn’t cut out for raising them.

Happy birthday, Jules. Be happy. You deserve it.

Jasmine

“Jules,” Lula has been reading the letter over my shoulder. “That’s… amazing. I’m so happy we get to raise Jenna and Juliette. Can I hold her?” She asks, looking at the baby still asleep in her carrier.

“Of course you can hold her. I don’t know what to say. We discussed raising Jenna together, the four of us, but I never thought we’d have another baby. Would you be ok with it?”

Lula’s smile is soft and full of love as she holds Juliette in her arms. “Of course I am. She’s Jenna’s sister. In all her misguided selfishness, Jasmine did the right thing giving you Jenna and deciding not to separate two siblings.”

I wrap my arms around both of them, keeping a now asleep Jenna in my lap. “How can you be so perfect? Thank you.”

Her smile takes over her entire face, it reminds me of when we were younger; before all the mistakes and the obstacles we had to overcome to get to this moment.

“Hey guys,” Stefan and Crew come into the living room. “What’s the hold up? The champagne is getting warm. Jenna? And who is that baby?”

I explain everything, showing them Jasmine’s letter.

“Holy shi—moly.” Crew says, putting the letter back into the envelope. “I better get used to watching my language. We don’t want Juliette’s first word to be fuck.”

Stefan chuckles. “Yeah, you just said it.”

“You’re right. I’m going to watch my language starting now.”

I look at Lula and my brothers. “Lula said she’s happy with all this. What about you guys? You agreed on raising Jenna, but if we have to have a baby, I need you two to be on board.”

Stefan picks up Jenna and settles her down on the couch, finding a blanket under the coffee table. “I’ve always thought we’d have more children than just Jenna. I guess we’re having them a little sooner than planned.”

Crew nods. “I’ve always wanted a big family and I can’t think of anyone else I would want to do all this with.”

That’s when Juliette opens her eyes and smiles at Lula.

“I know she isn’t your biological daughter,” the woman I love smiles. “But look. Her eyes are the same blue as yours and Crew’s. Come on Juliette, let’s go meet your grandparents. You’re not going to be able to walk down the aisle with me, but you and Jenna will be my maids of honor.”

We follow Lula outside.

We didn’t need any proof that she was made for us, but she’s perfect. She’s our destiny.

I hope you enjoyed Lula’s story.

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