Page 37 of The Rose and the Hound (Ashes and Roses #2)

A woman strode across the room giving me a warm but nervous smile.

“Hi Rose. I’m Sally, Paul’s wife.” I smiled back, my hand wavering by my side awkwardly.

Shaking hands felt odd. This wasn’t a business meeting, but I also felt a need to physically greet her in some way.

Paul, my father (that is so weird to say!) sat at a table nearby, with a similar nervous smile.

I wandered over and declined Sally’s offer of a drink. The three of us sat silently for some time. Thankfully, Sally seemed like a talkative person and opened our discussion by stating the obvious.

“So, you’re Paul’s daughter. I’m sure this is strange for all of us, but Paul and I both agree that it’s really important to know your family.”

I looked at her gratefully. “Yes, thank you so much. I know this is probably so difficult for you, and I don’t expect anything from you at all.

It was important for me to know my family origins.

My ... I mean, I think it’s important to know of any .

.. health issues and such.” I wanted to address Paul’s mental health.

“My health is good. No issues, and Dad, I mean Lou, is getting really old and really has no health issues other than blood pressure,” Paul stated, looking pleased with himself.

“Is your ... um, emotional health good?”

Paul frowned, glancing at his wife with a confused expression. Sally smiled reassuringly at me and then turned to Paul. “She means mental health, Paul.” She rolled her eyes in the “ugh, men” style.

“Oh, yeah. I’m all good. One of our girls struggles a bit with anxiety, but we’re all good.”

“Oh, okay. Well, that’s good. I’ve ... had some struggles of my own but am all good now. And this closure really helps. How old are your girls?” I had sisters. Well, half-sisters, but sisters!

“Lily is 13, Helena is 11 and Margo is 8,” Sally said proudly. She pulled out a photograph of her three girls. My three sisters.

“They are so beautiful,” I gasped honestly.

Three radiant, happy girls beamed out at me from the framed photograph.

They looked loved and secure. The little set of three sisters had built-in allies for life.

They were truly blessed and instead of jealousy, I felt complete satisfaction that my little sisters were so adored and protected.

Paul’s expression had changed from nervous to excited. I exhaled a silent breath of relief that my mental health confession hadn’t made him want to kick me out of the bar and lock the door behind me.

“Rose, Sally and I have discussed it and we think it would be good for the girls to meet you. If you want, we can just introduce you as a friend, but we are happy to, and we think honesty is the best policy here, introduce you as a sister. They’re young, but Sally’s sister is a counsellor and says in these cases, it is best for them to know from the outset rather than change the narrative halfway through.

” He glanced at Sally as though asking her if he’d recited that correctly.

She nodded silently, offering him a smile of praise.

These parents cared about their girls and were acting in their best interests. I felt warm inside at the thought.

“I would love that. I would love them to know the truth. I don’t have to act like a sister, and with the age gap, it would be weird, but I’d love to know them in any capacity that you’re willing to allow me to.”

Sally nodded again, but her face took on a serious expression.

“Rose, we researched you on the internet and I’m really pleased you’re well now.

Our daughters are the most important part of this for us, and as long as you’re well, and maintaining that wellness, we have no objection to you spending time with the girls in our presence. ”

These people were so generous. Paul hadn’t planned me.

He hadn’t even known of my existence, yet here he and Sally were offering me a space, no matter how small, in their family.

I felt my tears welling up. They were happy tears but also tears of relief.

I knew my father and I had met him, and no part of me felt obsessed or ready to cling.

I’d take whatever small parts of their lives they’d offer me and never push for more.

We spent the next half hour chatting about our lives and I left the bar with Sally’s number so we could set up a meeting with my beautiful little sisters. Life may have taken a turn for the worst lately, but this ... this made up for everything.

I was walking on clouds by the time I approached my building.

As usual, Ace sat in his car outside. How did this man get any work done?

His onslaught of gifts hadn’t stopped. Only this morning I opened my door to find a first-edition Anne of Green Gables waiting for me outside.

The thoughtfulness of his gifts chipped away at my resolve, but I remained firm.

I never responded. My inner good girl was mortified by not sending a thank you, but I had told him to leave me alone, so he didn’t deserve that.

I wanted him to leave me alone, but I cherished all his gifts.

Every single one was a personalized message.

You are strong. You are loved. I am here.

I lovingly tended to the plant he’d sent me with the news about Paul, and every time I looked at it, hope bloomed.

My tattoo had stopped itching and everything, apart from my career, felt as though it was falling into place.

Gloria and I had taken to watching Love Island together and bingeing real estate reality programs. It was ridiculously fun to watch people buy and sell properties that we could never afford even if we lived three lifetimes.

She was witty and hilarious. Spending time with her had become my favorite part of the week.

I had given her the bare bones of my past, thinking it only fair that she knew who she was spending time with.

She’d laughed and said “Girl, don’t stress about stalking me.

If you’re pissing me off, don’t worry, I’ll tell you.

” She recounted her own history of depression and the various reactions people generally had when she confided in them about her previous mental health issues.

People weren’t always kind, and she told me to be careful about who I told.

I was careful, and it wasn’t news I shared easily, but if she was to become a friend, I wanted her to know.

Life was ticking along. Dr. Warren was pleased with me, and I had new relationships with Paul and his family, and Gloria. I’d even continued to socialize with my colleagues. Jason and Sarah were now in some complicated situationship, and I was often the sounding board for both of them.

I opened my mailbox absentmindedly, expecting nothing but advertising or bills.

An envelope with a legal firm name on the front sat innocuously at the top of the pile.

Dread washed through me. What had I done now?

I ripped it open, not even caring that Creeperintendent (Gloria’s name for Glenn) was lurking.

My heart rate rhythm turned from anxiety-fast to a pounding of hope.

Re: Consent for Record Sealing Application: Petition for Nondisclosure

Dear Ms. Myrtle,

We act on behalf of Mr. August EDISON in relation to an application he has commenced on your behalf to seek the sealing of your prior criminal record.

This action, if successful, will result in your conviction being restricted from public access and allow you to pursue certain employment opportunities, including those involving work with children.

As part of the application, arrangements have been made for your former psychiatrist, Dr. Vincent CONTI, to provide testimony regarding your treatment, rehabilitation, and current stability. Dr. CONTI has confirmed his willingness to appear and attest to your progress.

In addition, we seek your written consent to contact and obtain a professional statement from your current treating psychiatrist, Dr. Sylvia WARREN.

This is considered necessary to provide the court with recent and credible evidence of your ongoing mental health management, treatment compliance, and fitness for the intended employment role.

No information will be disclosed beyond what is necessary for the court proceedings and related legal requirements.

Please review, sign, and return the enclosed Consent to Release form at your earliest convenience.

Should you have questions, you may contact me directly at (512) 123-#### during regular business hours.

We cannot guarantee a successful outcome given the nature of the convictions but appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to assisting you in the resolution of this petition.

Sincerely,

Mara Cole

Attorney at Law

Harrison & Cole, PLLC

Enclosure: Consent to Release Form

Oh, Hound. You make it so hard to walk away from you.