Chapter 777 Hurray For Mommy
Natalie knew very well about the tricks Thomas was capable of, but she could see no other way in learning the truth about her grandfather’s death.
If she could find out the truth surrounding her grandfather’s death, Natalie was certain that she could also understand why her mother had taken her to hide in the backcountry all those years ago.
“Fine,” Natalie agreed. “I’m free tomorrow morning, you can decide the location.”
“I knew that you would agree to meet for your grandfather’s sake.” Thomas laughed again. “I’ll send you the location later. I’m looking forward to catching up with my daughter tomorrow!”
Natalie hung up the phone without answering as she was not interested in anything else her father had to say aside from the truth. She knew the propensity of his honeyed tongue for falsehood.
After arriving home, Natalie was greeted by the sight of the children playing in the living room.
Although she had not called the Bowers residence her home for very long, Yumi quickly befriended Sophia, Xavian, and Clayton. Recalling the orphan’s reluctance to mingle with new faces, Natalie was once again convinced of the correctness of her decision to adopt Yumi.
Franklin’s coldness, however, was proving to be a challenge.
Unlike the other three children, who had already accepted Yumi as their sibling, Franklin was often found on the sidelines while the others played.
“Franklin, come here.” Natalie beckoned at her eldest and led him out to the yard.
“Yes, Mommy?”
Without answering immediately, she sat on the small wooden bench in the yard and patted the vacant seat beside her.
“What do you really think about Yumi?” Natalie asked calmly.
“Not much,” Franklin replied stoically.
After being with all four children for over half a year, Natalie felt that Franklin’s temperament and appearance, especially the cold and haughty dominance, were most reminiscent of his father than the rest of his siblings.
She sighed at the reminder of the insurmountable task of convincing Samuel to do something he did not want to do. “Are you worried about Yumi having ulterior motives toward us? Do you think she’s here for something?”
Franklin nodded after considering the question for a moment.
“It’s good to be wary.” Natalie pinched her eldest son’s cheek. “But being too wary isn’t good. Your wariness is written all over your face, my dear. It’s a bit too much!”
“I couldn’t help it,” Franklin admitted. “Being the eldest brother, I have a duty to protect my younger brothers and sisters. Nobody will hurt them while I’m here.”
Natalie burst out laughing.
No wonder Franklin is growing up too quickly. He regards himself as the protector of his siblings! Back then, Sophia was the only one he had to protect. Now he has two other brothers to care for.
“Mommy, what are you laughing at?”
“Laughing at you, silly. You remind me of Daddy.” Natalie’s lips twitched as she struggled to straighten her expression. “It’s lovely of you to spoil your younger brothers and sister, but do try not to worry too much, will you? Even if you feel like the whole world is crumbling around you, you still have me and Daddy.”
Franklin froze at his mother’s words.
“Besides,” Natalie continued, “it’s not fair to watch over Yumi like she’s a thief. She’s your youngest sister now, not an enemy to be wary of all the time.”
Franklin nodded after a long while. “I understand, Mommy.”
“I’m proud of you.” Natalie scratched his nose dotingly. “If you ever feel uncomfortable, remember come talk to me. Five years of being absent in your life are long enough. I don’t want to miss being part of your life any more.”
Franklin’s lips trembled. Yara has never spoken to me like this before.
Gazing back at the warm and loving eyes before him, Franklin clenched his fists and vowed in his heart to cherish Natalie and become a man like his father to protect her.
When Franklin returned to the living room, Natalie was pleased to see all five of them engaging in play.
As soon as she stood up from her seat on the bench, she saw Samuel slowly walking in from the other side of the yard.
“You’re back?”
Samuel grunted in response.
“Did you hear my conversation with Franklin?” Natalie asked.
“Well, I heard the last part.” Samuel walked to Natalie’s side and wrapped her soft body in his arms.
