Page 63 of Accidentally Perfect

“Each year I host a charity event and silent auction to kick-off the winter and holiday seasons for the foster children of New York. I try to raise money so the foster system can give coats, jackets, and toys. Many of the foster families can’t really afford to put out the extra money for the kids they take in. Some of them don’t get warm jackets, and others have never had a Christmas. I like hosting the event so I can get the high rollers of New York involved. Some of the kids attend for a while at the beginning so our guests can see what their money is being spent on. Some of the older foster kids even speak at the benefit and let their stories be told.”

“But I have the girls.” I say.

“I’ll watch them, Street, don’t worry.”

“Oh no, the girls need to come. It’s for the kids anyway. They're more than welcome to attend. Please, I want them there.” Natalie pleads.

“Alright then, since that’s taken care of, we’ll see you at the house this weekend, Natalie. Now, chicken nuggets then. White meat or dark, Brad?”

“They’re kids, Nathan, that doesn’t matter.”

“But chicken nuggets over burgers does?”

“I’m just telling you what my daughters like.”

“Okay, okay you two. Jesus, enough with the bickering.” I can’t take the back and forth. “Nathan, please order the girls whatever you want them to eat. I’m sure they will enjoy anything. Brad, I’ll see you later.”

“I’m not leaving here without saying bye to the girls.”

“No one is asking you to.” I deadpan.

“Come on, Brad. I want to say goodbye, too.” Natalie pushes him towards the playroom; her hands firmly on his lower back.

I can’t help but notice they seem a bit friendlier since the hospital. I look at Nathan, who is watching the two leave the room with his lips set in a thin, hard line. Once they are out of earshot Nathan turns to me. “Will it always be like this?” Nathan asks rubbing his hand through his hair.

“I’m sure it won’t be. Brad is just adjusting to everything.”

“I hope so. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life arguing with that man. I’m trying, Laney. I am.”

“I know you are. This is coming out of left field for him. You have to understand that. You may be an alpha, but Brad isn’t that far behind you, so he’s learning there’s another male in his territory. It’s going to take some getting used to.”

“I know. This is just as new to me as it is to him. I just want to do what I can, what I need for the girls to understand they’re important and they’ll never fall in between the cracks.”

“You don’t have to buy their affection, Nathan. That’s not how parenting works. You have to show love, affection through emotions and physical touches, like hugs and pats on the backs. Buying them the moon isn’t going to show them you love them. It’s just going to teach them that love is measured in material items, and that’s not the type of love that I want for the girls.”

“This is one of those times when experience is needed.” He says as he stares out onto the skyline of the city.

“You’re doing great, Nathan. Those girls adore you already.”

“I want them to love me.” Nathan leaves me on the couch while he orders dinner for us.