Free In Full Bloom: Sequel to 'The Crying Rose': The Trilogy of the Rose (Volume 2) by B. A. Beers Page A

Grandma Jo sitting at the kitchen table sipping a mug of it. “Good morning,” his voice cracked as if he was just going through puberty, in reaction to what had just transpired down the hall. A response from Grandma Jo to Mark was cut off as the two active dogs came bouncing in behind him, followed closely by Sami, who had put on sweats.
     
    “Good morning to you all,” Grandma Jo laughed out loud at the circus that had just entered her quiet world. It’s nice to have life back in this old house , she thought, suddenly realizing how much she had missed it. She watched as Ollie headed out the doggy door. Molly was following him, but stopped short of the door, turning in Grandma Jo’s direction. Grandma Jo nodded to her. “Go ahead. You can do it.”
     
    Pouring a cup of coffee, Mark turned at Grandma Jo’s voice. He saw Molly and understood what was going on. “Grandma Jo, she is not used to it. She doesn’t understand,” Mark explained.
     
    “Let’s teach her,” Sami said stepping forward, taking the mug of coffee out of Mark’s hand, and heading for the door. He saw her open the door and step out, closing the door behind her leaving Molly inside.
     
    “Gutsy move,” Mark said loud enough for Grandma Jo to hear. Reaching for another mug, Mark filled it, hearing Grandma Jo’s light mirth.
     
    Molly was having a fit, pacing back and forth near the door, whining woefully. Mark walked to the back door intending to open it, and ease the dog’s discomfort. The doggy door suddenly opened and fell back closed. He peered through the door’s window and saw Sami on the other side. The doggy door moved again. Molly stopped her pacing and watched the swinging panel.
     
    Mark got Sami’s attention and indicated for her to back up. She did as he directed. Instead of forcing Molly out the door, he decided to teach her by example. He called for Ollie. Within seconds, Ollie came back inside. Mark patted him and signaled Sami to call him back out. Mark heard Sami’s voice summon Ollie. Without hesitation, Ollie was back outside. Mark saw Molly move to the door. He signaled to Sami to call her. Hearing her mistress voice, Molly was out the doggy door.
     
    “I hope that teaching your mistress will be that easy,” Mark said to the disappearing dog.
     
    “Amen to that,” Grandma Jo added.
     
    He glanced over at Grandma Jo, and crossing his fingers so she could see, he walked out the back door.
     
    The brisk morning air made him aware that he still was bare-chested. Not wanting to appear a sissy and retreat for a shirt, he stepped to the edge of the patio to bask in the sunlight. Feeling that Sami was looking at him, he spoke without turning. “I need to report to the office this morning, but I will be back around noon.” He almost added ‘to begin your treatment’, but stopped himself, not wanting to spoil the morning or put her on her guard.
     
    “Okay,” she said after a few moments. “It will give me time to work on Grandma Jo’s kitchen.”
     
    Mark nodded and quickly moved back into the warm house.
     
     
     
    ***
     
     
     
    When Mark was ready for work, he made his way back to the kitchen. Grandma Jo was at the sink, washing the dishes. He reminded her to page him if necessary. He stood by the back door and saw Sami brushing Molly. He tapped on the glass to get her attention. When she looked up, he waved. She waved back in return, and he moved to leave the house.
     
    “Mark,” Grandma Jo called after him. “I have something for you.” He turned and watched her walk over to the desk in the corner. Retrieving a large envelope, she headed back to him. He reached out and took the envelope she held out to him.
     
    “Sami’s file.” Grandma Jo responded. “I spotted it on the counter at Sami’s house when we returned yesterday. I thought you might need it.”
     
    “Thank you,” he said. “You’re right.” Stepping forward, he kissed the top of her head and left the