Page 73 of Forged Forever

Sarah seems nervous, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen her unsure before. “I know.”

“Six months ago, he approached me, wanting to date.” Sarah now has a look of disapproval on her face, while Dad is grinning. “I said no, obviously, as you were my priority and it may have complicated your progression.”

“Worth a shot.” Dad is unrepentant, still smiling.

“Now that you will transition to a new therapist, I cannot deny my feelings for Zander. He has gotten under my skin despite my best efforts.”

Oh my gosh! Eeeee! I’m so happy for both of them! “That’s incredible. You have my permission to date, or whatever. Not that you need it, but yes. Sarah, what do you need to make this comfortable for you?”

“Well, transitioning to a new therapist will take time. Our professional relationship would need to finish before I agreed to date Zander.”

I interrupt. “Can I talk to you as a friend until I’m comfortable with someone new? You pointed out that I haven’t really needed your expertise in a while. We’ve just been talking, not solving problems.”

“Come on, beautiful,” Dad goads. “You’ll be in Summer’s life as a maternal figure, if I have my way, so you’ll be giving her advice and supporting her in that capacity. Just start now.”

Sarah looks exasperated, or maybe annoyed? I’m not sure. I’m used to sympathy, kindness, and understanding, not the spitfire she’s showing Dad right now. Oh, I think she’ll be a handful, and Dad will enjoy every minute of it. “I agree.”

Sarah sighs, and I laugh. “Are you sure you are comfortable stopping our sessions so abruptly, Summer? This is not how I normally do things.”

“As long as we can talk if I need to, I’m fine. Promise.” Looking up at Dad, he couldn’t smile wider if he tried. He’s the cat that got the canary. Despite my plan to live here for my first year of university, he needs someone in his life. I don’t want him alone, and I think Sarah is perfect for him.

Sarah seems to think. “Summer, you are very special to me, regardless of who your father is, and I would very much like to stay in your life. You are an extraordinary young woman. Since I am flying up for your graduation, we can use that weekend as a trial run. Does everyone agree?”

“Sure, and I think you are exceptional as well, and I’m so happy you’ll still be in my life,” I smile at her.

“On one condition,” Dad says. “You stay here at the house, no hotel.”

“You can’t help yourself, can you? You just have to push.” Sarah looks aggravated, but her eyes are sparkling. “Fine, agreed, but I’ll be in the guest room.”

“Done,” Dad instantly accepts.

“Summer, I’ll forward a list of three therapists to your email, and my take on each person. Please review the information when you have a moment and let me know which one you would like to talk to first, and I will be on the call with you. When you are comfortable with one, I’ll send them a copy of your files to review, and we can proceed from there.”

“Okay, Sarah, will do.”

“Good. I’ll see you on Friday unless you need me before then. Bye.”

Closing my laptop, I smile up at Dad. “So how long have you been crushing on Sarah?”

“Since our first dinner,” he admits. “I knew she would turn me down when I asked her out, but I wanted her to know I was interested. I’m shocked she brought it up today, but thrilled,” he grins. Getting serious, he continues, “I, we, would never compromise your mental health to be together, darling. I hope you know that. I left the ball in her court after my declaration, hoping one day she would agree, but you come first.”

Hugging him, I tell him I know that. “You guys will be perfect for each other. I’m happy for both of you.”

Kissing the top of my head, he pulls back. “Thank you, darling. That means everything.” He excuses himself back to the living room.

I take a few minutes to let all these fresh revelations settle. I’m giddy for Sarah and Dad. Not having her as a therapist is a colossal blow, but if she’s with Dad, I can still talk to her whenever. I have a vague memory of her telling me she only worked with kids when we first met, but it slipped my mind. Seems like an excellent solution to me.

Chapter 42

Monday morning, Dad and I dress in business casual for Jake’s trial. There will be three separate trials for Colette, Joseph, and then Erin. Mr. MacLeod doesn’t expect them to take long, and it should be over by the end of the week. Everyone is meeting us at the courthouse this morning.

Dad drives us over to the federal courthouse after breakfast, and we're the first of our group to arrive besides Jake and Ray. We find them in a room down the left hallway talking to Mr. MacLeod. Knocking on the doorframe, I wave hello. Ray waves us inside as I take a seat beside Jake at the table. “Hi handsome.” I kiss his cheek. Jake looks hot in his navy suit and black tie over a crisp white shirt.

“Hi Sum.” He smiles and grabs my hand under the table. Mr. MacLeod continues his prep, explaining no one will need to testify for Colette’s trial as the evidence should speak for itself. He and a federally approved defense lawyer will present the evidence, and then the judge will rule. Erin’s husband isn’t an approved lawyer for federal court, so he will act as an assistant of sorts. Mr. MacLeod is expecting to begin Joseph’s trial this afternoon, and his case is a little more involved because of the drugs.

When we leave the room, the rest of the guys are waiting for us. After hugs and greetings, we follow Mr. MacLeod into the courtroom. I take a seat directly behind Jake, with Ray on one side of me and Dad on the other. There is already a lawyer sitting at the defence table.

Shortly after, a tall, middle-aged man enters in an expensive looking suit and sits at the defense table with Colette. This must be Erin’s husband. Neither looks our way as he unpacks his briefcase, then they sit quietly waiting for the judge. Colette is wearing a pink dress with a black blazer over top, her hair up in a chignon with minimal makeup.