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Natalie folded her arms over her chest and refused to look at him.
Cody’s obvious attraction to Summer may have made Nate’s young daughter even more upset because she worshipped Cody. They were good friends, almost like brother and sister. And Natalie tended to be territorial around Cody because he’d been hurt in the past.
Miranda spoke to Natalie. “Your outburst was hurtful. Not just to Summer, but to your father. He doesn’t think Summer wants anything but a relationship with him. You made it sound like she came here with an agenda and we were all waiting for her to play it out.”
Natalie glared at her mother. “You can’t seriously tell me that you’re fine with some other woman’s kid coming to live with us.”
Miranda sighed. “She is your father’s daughter and she is welcome here. It’s not her fault she was born, or that her mother kept her from your dad.”
Nate appreciated Miranda’s support, though he knew deep down she was still processing this stunning surprise like the rest of them. “We’ve barely scratched the surface in getting to know Summer, and her getting to know us. You had no basis to accuse her of something like that.”
He gave Natalie something to think about. “You and Summer have some things in common. You’ve both led a charmed life. She’s inherited a great deal of wealth. I provide you with just about everything your heart desires. You’ve attended the best schools, you’ve gone on lavish vacations, you live in this beautiful home by the sea. But you have something she’s never had. A mother and father who love you unconditionally. You have our unyielding support. The safety of knowing you are wanted and loved and there is a place for you with us always.”
Natalie’s lips pressed tight. “She had her uncle and grandfather for that.”
Cody huffed out a frustrated breath. “She had nannies and tutors who looked after her while her grandfather was running a multibillion-dollar conglomerate and her uncle was traveling the world. You of all people should know family is more important than money.” Cody turned toward Natalie and looked her in the eye. “She has all thethingsthat can be bought. Do you think she’s ever been loved the way this family loves you?” Cody shook his head. “What does she want? Maybe just for one person to see her for who she is and to love her like no one ever has. But you know what probably seems even more impossible? A family who wants and accepts her and won’t abandon her.”
Natalie sat up. “Wedidn’t abandon her.”
“No. You pushed her right out the door.” Cody sat back in his chair and stared across at Brooke, who shared a meaningful look with him, because they knew what it was to be left by their mother. And to lose the one person who loved them best, their dad.
“I’m sorry,” she said to Cody.
He didn’t even look at her. “I’m not the one who’s owed an apology.”
Natalie sighed, then looked at Nate. “Sorry, Dad.”
Cody rolled his eyes. “Summer is owed the apology.”
Nate tossed his napkin on the table. “All I wanted was to show Summer that she belongs here with us. I get that it’s strange to have her here. We all need time to get used to it and to get to know her. But, Natalie, you need to accept that she is my daughter and your sister, and she has a place here just like you do.”
Natalie didn’t say anything. She stood, gathered as many dishes as she could carry because it was her night to do the dishes, and walked out.
Miranda sighed. “I’ll speak to her. She’s just upset that all the attention is on Summer.”
“As it should be.” Cody didn’t usually chime in when Nate and Miranda were talking about the girls.
Nate let it go.
Miranda eyed Cody, then went to the kitchen.
Brooke stood and helped Alex out of his chair. “We’ll go have cake in the kitchen before I take him for his bath and stories.”
Haley followed Brooke with her empty plate.
Nate and Cody sat in silence for a few minutes.
“I’m sorry, Nate. I couldn’t let it go. Not when it comes to Summer. What her mother did to her... I only know a little bit and it’s enough to make me want to rage at her.”
“How do you think I feel knowing that if I’d even onceconsidered that Jessica could have been pregnant... Everything could have been so different for Summer. I missed everything.” He slammed his fist down on the table, making his dinner plate and silverware shake and clatter.
“Tell Summer you’re angry you weren’t there. Make her believe you will be there for her always now. And never forget Jessica told her over and over again that her own father didn’t want her.”
Nate smacked his fist on the table again. “Damn her.”
“Straight to hell,” Cody agreed. “Go out there and talk to Summer. Say all the things out loud she wishes one of her parents would say to her.”
“I wish I had the words to erase all the bad in her past.”
