The weekend felt like exhaling after holding my breath for months.
Saturday morning, Finn and I hiked one of the easier trails that didn’t require technical skill and wouldn’t push his physical limits too hard. We moved through pine forests and across meadows still wet with morning dew, the Tetons rising in the distance like they’d been painted there specifically for this moment.
“You’ve been quieter this week,” I said when we stopped at a scenic overlook, both of us catching our breath.
“Processing,” he took a drink from his water bottle. “A lot’s happened.”
“For both of us.”
“Yeah,” he looked at me, something soft in his expression. “You solved it. The whole Catalyst thing. Just figured it out and made it happen.”
“Your dad showed me the model, helped me work through the details.”
“But you’re the one who saw the solution. Who convinced everyone it would work.” He reached for my hand and pulled me closer. “I’m proud of you, Alexandra.”
“I’m proud of you too, you know,” I brushed the lock of hair that had fallen across his forehead. “Finn, you’ve done so much hard work this week. I love you for that and for just being you.”
“Love you too, darlin’. Always will.”
On Sunday we drove into Jackson Hole, wandered through art galleries and grabbed lunch at a café that served the overpriced sandwiches that were worth every penny.
Over dinner at a small restaurant with mountain views, Finn reached across the table and took my hand.
“Second week with Elena starts tomorrow,” he said quietly. “Just wanted to say thank you. For being here through all of it.”
“How are you feeling about this week?”
“Ready. Mostly,” he squeezed my fingers. “Last week was about pulling everything apart to see what was broken. This week feels more like putting it back together.” He rubbed his thumb across my knuckles. “The joint session Wednesday though… I’m not gonna lie, that one still makes me nervous.”
“What are you nervous about?”
“Having Elena observe us together, assess how we function as partners. What if she sees something I’m missing? What if I’m doing damage I don’t even realize?” He took a breath. “But I also know we need to do it. That’s part of the work.”
My chest tightened. “We’ll figure it out together. Whatever she sees, whatever needs adjusting, we’ll handle it.”
“Yeah,” his smile was small but genuine. “We will. Partners.”
Chapter 48
Pass/Fail
Finn
It was a new week, and everything felt lighter. Alex was more relaxed—the Catalyst structure solved and everyone on board with her partnership plan. We’d spent the weekend hiking and exploring Jackson Hole, just being together without therapy sessions or business calls or anyone watching and assessing.
I’d almost forgotten Elena was still observing until she spoke up from across the table where the three of us were having breakfast.
“I’d like to schedule the joint session with you both for Wednesday afternoon,” her tone was casual but deliberate. “Does that work for your schedules, Alex?”
My coffee mug stopped halfway to my mouth. Joint session. Right. We’d known this was coming.
“Wednesday works,” Alex replied immediately.
“Perfect. Let’s plan on two,” Elena made a note. “Nothing to prepare for, just come as you are. We’ll talk through how you’re functioning as partners, what’s working, what could be stronger.”
“Sounds good,” I managed, setting down my mug before my hands could shake.
After breakfast, Alex kissed me and headed to Dad’s office to work. “Stop thinking so loud,” she murmured against my lips.
