Chapter 16 - Lessons in the Sun
By mid-summer, the new wing was completely framed and enclosed, and the estate was finally regaining its full, majestic silhouette. The afternoon air was thick and sweet with the smell of sun-warmed pine needles, damp earth, and freshly cut grass.
Down by the private wooden dock where the crystal-clear lake shimmered under a cloudless sky, Constantine sat on a weathered bench, his long legs stretched out, watching Mila try to train her golden retriever puppy, Buster.
"He won't fetch it, Daddy!" Mila cried out, stomping her small foot in affectionate frustration. Buster stood on the edge of the grass, barking happily and wagging his tail, but he refused to leap into the shallow, cool water to grab the floating yellow ring she had tossed.
Constantine stood up, rolling the sleeves of his crisp white linen shirt up to his forearms. He walked down to the water’s edge, his broad, imposing figure softening with every step he took toward the child. Kneeling in the damp grass right beside her, he gently took the backup toy from her small hands.
"Patience, Mila," he said, his deep, resonant voice dropping into that gentle, low register reserved strictly for her and Josie. "You cannot force anyone to jump into deep waters if they are afraid. In life, as with Buster, you have to make them feel safe enough to take the step themselves."
He knelt lower, letting Buster sniff the toy, and then tossed it just a few inches into the clear, shallow water where the puppy could still touch the sandy bottom. "Show him it isn't dangerous," Constantine whispered softly, taking Mila's hand in his massive palm.
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Mila took a step into the warm water, splashing gently. Inspired by her boldness, Buster gave a joy-filled bark, leaped into the water, grabbed the toy, and splashed right back out, shaking water all over both of them. Mila burst into high-pitched, ringing laughter, jumping up and down as the dog trotted around her in circles.
From the shade of the kitchen porch, Josie stood holding two large glasses of iced tea. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes as she watched the scene unfold. Seeing the man who had once ruled an international underworld with an iron fist now sitting on his knees in the mud, patiently teaching a young girl how to play with a puppy, brought a deep, aching happiness to her soul. He was no longer a monster bound to the dark; he had genuinely, wholeheartedly chosen to walk in the light.
