And just like that my world falls apart all over again. At first, all I can do is stare at her as I feel the tears fill my eyes, and the next thing I know, I tip the chair over in my haste to get out of it and run out into the back yard. The tears are falling in earnest and I just can't control the shudders working through my body.
Suddenly, strong arms wrap around me and I'm cradled in my dad's arms. He rocks me back and forth, his big hand running up and down my back.
"Shh, baby girl, it's okay."
"No, it's not okay," I sob and cry harder, gripping onto his shirt with my fists.
"I take it Nate gave you chocolate cheesecake?" he murmurs with humor in his voice.
I nod.
"Sounds like he likes to spoil you."
"I can't talk about him." I mumble through my tears. "I don't even know why I'm so upset."
"Because you love him and he disappointed you, darlin'."
I lean back and look up at my dad. "I thought I knew him."
"What exactly happened, honey?"
I shake my head and pull out of his arms, but he leads me to a nearby bench and makes me sit. "What happened?" he asks again.
So I explain what happened on Monday, and as I work my way through the events, my dad listens, his eyes narrowing, nodding, exhaling loudly, and when I done, he looks at me with a sober face.
"Julianne Rose Montgomery, I'm disappointed in both of you."
"Huh?"
"You need to let him explain."
I start to shake my head but he lays his hand on my forearm, catching my attention.
"People screw up, Jules. He has some explaining to do, but you wouldn't let him talk. Let the man talk."
"You and Will are two peas in a pod."
We stand and walk back in the house. It's quiet inside. Everyone looks so somber waiting for us to return.
"You okay?" Isaac asks quietly.
"I will be." I respond.
Natalie is burping Olivia and I hold my hands out. "Baby. Mine."
Natalie smirks and hands her over to me. I cuddle Olivia close and smile at Nat. "Thanks."
"So, no cheesecake. How about apple pie?" Mom winks at me and everyone starts chattering around me again. I kiss Olivia's head and look over at Luke who grins and takes a sip of a beer.
********
"So, why did I have to call Will's phone to reach you?" Natalie asks from the facial bed next to mine. We've decided to cash in my birthday spa day. Our heads are wrapped in white towels, our bodies draped in cozy white sheets, and we both have mud masks freshly brushed on our faces with cucumbers over our eyelids.
It's freaking heaven.
"Because I haven't turned my phone on in four days." I murmur.
"Why?" she asks again.
"Because I don't want to know if Nate's called or texted." I respond and sigh as the technician begins to massage my hands.
"But… why?"
"Trying to de-stress here, Nat. You're not helping."
"I'm sorry, I'm trying to understand."