AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You can say it. Again.”
“How many does that make?”
“Five.”
Nate frowned. “You must have felt very much like a bystander watching the parade of men coming and going in Jessica’s life. While she’d love the spectacle and excitement of it, I imagine as her child you’d feel very left out.”
“I got used to it.” She appreciated that in some small way he understood that her life hadn’t been easy.
Cody shifted his weight. “Her mother wanted her to stay to attend some wedding celebration. Summer told her that she’d be at the next one. Funniest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“It’s funny because it’s true,” Summer said, and for the first time turned from her father to look at Cody. He smiled at her, and it went a long way to easing the tension inside her.
Nate addressed the elephant in the yard. “It’s strange to have a daughter I don’t even know.”
She nodded her agreement. “I’ve always been Jessica Sutherland’s daughter or Charles Sutherland’s granddaughter.”
“Were you close with any of your stepfathers?”
She shook her head. “I was not on the agenda for them. They had other priorities.”
“I see.”
The sadness in his eyes said he understood all too well that Jessica hadn’t married to find a suitable father for Summer. She’d married for whatever advantage it gave her or the man she adored, until she didn’t.
“Grandfather was the constant in my life. He’s always been very good to me. The stable, loving one in my life. She’s...”
“Jessica,” he finished for her. “She’s still a spoiled rich girl who thinks of nothing and no one but herself.” His anger was swift and deep.
She understood it all too well. But what could she say? Her mother was exactly like that much of the time. Her mom had her moments, but they were few and far between, and often came when she needed to make amends for something she’d done to upset Summer.
“Let’s go inside?” Miranda waved her hand toward the front door. “Nate, you can show Summer to her room. I’m sure she’d like a chance to freshen up before dinner. We’ll eat when you’re ready.” Miranda gave her a soft smile.
Cody turned to Natalie and Haley. “Help me with your sister’s bags.” Cody waited a second longer to make sure she went in with her dad.
Summer heard Natalie behind them. “How long is she staying?”
“Six weeks. Maybe longer.” Cody’s voice held a note of hope that eased Summer. He wanted her here.
“That long?” Natalie asked, exasperated. Her newfound sister wasn’t on Team Summer.
“I hope she moves in for good.” Haley’s excited voice rang out just before Summer walked through the front door.
She and Haley were going to get along just fine.
Chapter Eight
Summer followed Nate into the glass-enclosed foyer and to the right.
“I hope you don’t mind being on Cody and Brooke’s side of the house. Though we have a guest room on our side, we thought you’d be more comfortable in this room.” Nate opened the door.
Summer stepped into a lovely room, dismissing the furnishing for the spectacular view. The private courtyard had a small pond with a waterfall that trickled down rocky steps and a lounge chair surrounded by flowering bushes and deep green ferns.
“Oh, my god, it’s beautiful.”
“Cody said you’d like it. He said your place is filled with plants. I hope they’ll be okay while you’re here.”
“There’s a concierge service in the building to take care of everyone’s homes when they’re away.”
