now, inevitably, in her bed with her. The lovable hound is almost like having a third parent around sometimes. When she learned to crawl and walk, he would howl if he thought she was in danger. Now, he barks at her when he’s pretty sure she’s up to something she shouldn’t be. This was handy until our pretty smart little girl figured out how to silence the snitcher by giving him treats.
Houndrix drops the object, flops down beside her in his own pout, and puts his head on her leg.
“Good puppy,” she praises while rubbing his ears, reassuring him that she’s not upset. “I love you.”
Ax adjusts his grip on his board at the same time he quietly questions, “How do you think June’s gonna handle being a big sister?”
“Probably better than Harrison handled being a big brother…”
We exchange small laughs that are proceeded with him saying, “Hey, in his defense-”
“I’m listening, counselor.”
More laughs creep out of Ax in between the end of his statement, “He’s become a better big brother.”
True.
After the Thanksgiving from hell, Harrison really did turn over a new stone. Unlike Ax, who severed all ties with his parents, Harrison kept in minimal contact and stayed on at the law firm while simultaneously starting a much smaller one with Ax in which they take on civil and human rights cases. They both attended classes and brushed up on studies in the matter prior to officially opening the doors. Rina’s case against the officer really sprouted something in my husband that never died, even after the situation was won. I believe between what he discovered during the building process of her case and his father’s reaction to our relationship his eyes were opened to a world that needed more people to stand up to those who were getting away with injustices. Each of them only takes a few cases a year – never more than five – so that they can still have time for the other half of their careers. Harrison still makes wins in the criminal defense world while Ax continues to keep his shop sailing smoothly, something tourists and locals alike can’t resist. From the brotherly aspect, outside of the small firm, their relationship is the healthiest it’s ever been. Friendly phone calls are constantly had. Random family getaways taken together. Holidays shared, and they have no problem spending time with my half when they come here to celebrate with us. They understand and, apparently, love getting to be around my grandparents and parents. Autumn and Harrison have even started to call them Great Grandmother and Great Grandfather, which tickles my grandparents with glee. They’ve also kind of adopted my parents as their “other set” of grandparents since there’s still a strained relationship with Edmund.
Although, that is…improving.
Last year, about a month after we found out I was pregnant, my mother-in-law died of liver failure. We went to the funeral together but left June with my parents. Up until that point, she hadn’t even been aware that her father had parents, a vow he made and had kept. Post the burial, he spoke with his father – per Harrison’s request – and the first steps towards change began. I received an apology for his outrageous behavior the next night at a dinner that I went to – once again – per Harrison’s request. Everything between us wasn’t magically fixed then nor is it sea witchery fixed now, but something about losing his wife made him begin to think about his own mortality. His own morals. How much of his life has been wasted and missed for unnecessary reasons. He expressed wanting to repair the relationships he could with his sons and the chance to know all of his grandchildren; thus, began Edmund’s reintroduction into Autumn and Harris’ life. Ax isn’t ready for those steps, and I support his decision on how to handle when and if he ever is. His father calls about once a week and wants to make conversation with us both if I’m around. He physically sees his father when he goes to town for work or to visit Harrison, but that’s the extent of their reestablished connection. I think my parents and grandparents are the only reason he’s even allowing that. They’ve taken on the advice-giving role he needs when he needs it.
“I think June will be a great big sister,” I warmly state while watching her position her Moana doll at the very top next to Aquaman.
“Just like her mother.”
He’s shot