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They arrived home and found Cody sitting in the backyard with Nate, having a beer on the patio by the pool.
Nate got up to greet Miranda with a kiss.
Cody stood and brushed his hand down Summer’s arm. “How was your day?”
“Really good. I got to spend time with Miranda and my sisters.”
Natalie stepped in between them and held up the bag from the bar Cody loved.
“What’s this?” he asked.
“For you. I know this is your favorite.”
Cody peeked into the bag, grinned, then pulled out the bottle. “Thank you. It is my favorite. But how didyouget this?”
Miranda spoke up. “It was Natalie’s idea, but it’s from all of us because you’re always so good to us.”
Cody’s eyes went soft, and his shoulders went lax. “Really. That’s so nice. I appreciate it.”
“We appreciate you,” Miranda added.
Cody sighed and said to Mom, “You are always there for me.” He looked at Natalie again. “You’re the best, Nat. Thanks.” He turned to Haley. “And you, you always make me smile.” He looked at Summer. “You... you make me believe what I thought I’d never find is right in front of me.”
Natalie couldn’t believe he’d say something so... so... What the... How could he say that to her?
Summer held up whatever she’d bought at the boutique. “I got you something, too.”
Cody’s smile turned megawatt. “Really? If I’d known we were doing gifts, I’d have gotten you something.”
What?
Natalie’s head felt like it might explode.
“It’s just a little something for our date.”
Cody pulled out the simple silk tie and grinned like he’d been given something that he didn’t have several dozen of and wore every day. “It’s the exact same color as your dress.”
Summer blushed. “Maybe it’s a little cutesy to match, but... I don’t know, I saw it and thought, why not?”
Cody took a step closer to Summer. “Everyone will see that we match and know you’re with me.”
“I know. That was kinda the point. You know, because your sister said otherwise all those women would be after you.”
“The only woman I see is you.”
The look they shared could steam up the windows even though they were outside.
Natalie turned and walked back to the house.
No one really noticed. They were all talking about how sweet it was that Summer got him the tie. Haley and Mom were telling Dad and Cody about their dresses.
They all talked about how they couldn’t wait for the charity event.
Yeah, well, Natalie had been excited about it right up until Summer ruined her surprise for Cody with one of her own.
Still, she’d show Cody that she really wasthe best, as he put it.
When he saw her in her dress, he’d see what Mom and Summer had seen.
