Not broken. Just changed.
And maybe—finally—that was beginning to feel like enough.
Chapter 50
We’re all good here
Alex
The early-morning haze was burning off the fields by the time Finn and I emerged from our trail walk. Maggie bounded ahead, turning back every so often to check on us. She always stayed at my side during our walks, but the closer we got to home, the harder it was for her not to sprint ahead.
“Maggie, go find Mom,” Finn released her and she took off across the field, startling a flock of Mountain Bluebirds in the process.
Our morning routine had shifted since coming off my meds completely. Instead of taking things slow, I needed to get up, move, and process… usually around five. I felt less overwhelmed in general, working part-time had helped, but eventually I’d need to be able to return to full-time. Still, I missed what the medication did for me, and I hoped Peggy would see enough progress in our next session to let me try again.
Finn had been taking everything slower since his episode three weeks ago, walking instead of his usual, insane if you asked me, three-mile morning run, which meant I could join him. The last two weeks with Elena had changed something I didn’t know had been missing. He smiled easier now, moved through the day like he wanted to experience every part of it. Like the sun had finally come out.
Elena was leaving this afternoon, and we were on a good path. We’d had another session with her, just the two of us, going over how to check in on each other regularly, what warning signs to watch for, how to handle things if Finn had another episode. Having a plan for the hard stuff, knowing what to actually do instead of winging it, made everything feel more manageable.
We stopped at the house for breakfast, where Bridget would make sure we were fed and I had everything I needed to make iced coffee. I stood at the counter, pouring the oatmilk in a steady stream and stirring while Finn took our plates to the table. Nolan was reading the paper, his toast eaten and coffee half-gone already.
“You got a package yesterday afternoon,” Bridget set a small box next to Finn as I turned to the table with our coffees.
“Thanks,” his cheeks flushed slightly as he grabbed it with one hand and moved it to the floor next to his chair.
“And a big envelope for you, sweetheart,” Bridget handed me a thick manila envelope and then squeezed my arm before clearing Nolan’s plate and refilling his coffee.
“Legal documents?” Finn took a bite of bacon.
“Probably,” I opened the seal and pulled out the paperwork. Definitely legal documents, but they were the fun ones. Initial set up of the partnership structure, along with a handwritten note from Tabitha about how sending them through the mail instead of digitally would delight me. She was right.
I slipped everything back in the envelope for later and started in on my own breakfast.
“Last day with Dr. Martinez today,” Nolan folded his newspaper and looked at us. “How’s it feel?”
Finn swallowed and took a sip of coffee. “Little unreal, but it’ll be nice to get back to real life. New real life.” He bumped my shoulder with his and winked.
“You sure you don’t need us to help you get settled in Salt Lake?”
“I’m sure,” a smile tugged at his lips. “I only have a few things at Dom and Enzo’s anyway. Dom’s havin’ Paulie ship it all up so I don’t have to go get it.”
Over the weekend we’d shared the news about everything during family dinner; Elena’s final assessment, the possibility of teaching, moving in together. Everyone was thrilled, except maybe Lucas, whose heart was still set on Finn staying inWyoming. Even Lou hugged me tight and whispered, “thank you for being exactly who he needs,” before releasing me and accepting tissues from Elowyn so we could both wipe our eyes.
I added Finn to my family’s group chat, along with the news about our new living arrangements. My family had responded with their typical chaotic enthusiasm.
Holly replied that Madison, Sadie, and Rose wanted to know when they could have a sleepover with me and Uncle Finn. I told Finn I was pretty sure they only cared about seeing him, but they were trying to be nice.
“Probably my princess-assessment skills,” he’d responded smugly.
We finished breakfast and headed back to our room to get ready for the rest of the day. Finn had one more session with Elena, and I was going to Lou’s with Elowyn to touch-up my hair and so I could finally see the dahlias in person.
But first, I got to help Finn with his injection.
He laid out the supplies on the vanity while I scrubbed my hands, syringe still in its wrapper, alcohol wipes, the small vial of testosterone. He’d already prepped the top of the vial, the rubber stopper clean and ready.
“Okay,” I set my hands on my hips, looking over the setup. “Walk me through it.”
Finn tugged his shirt up and pushed his joggers down just enough to expose the upper curve of his left hip. “Upper outer quadrant,” he turned so I could see, touching the area with his fingers. “Ninety-degree angle, push steady into the relaxed muscle.”
