Epilogue #2
Today had already demanded a lot from him.
And as much as Bode believed in its importance, speaking about his mental health journey took a toll.
And even well-meaning sponsor talk could quickly become overwhelming, triggering the same pressures that had contributed to his breakdown in the first place.
“I’m so sorry to interrupt,” I said, stepping forward with an apologetic smile. “But we actually have an appointment we need to get to. Bode will email his next concept. He has the storyboards at home, though.”
Alex nodded. “Of course, no problem. Bode, great job today, man. This topic is something close and personal to me, and I’m really thrilled to see you bringing attention to it.”
Relief flooded Bode’s features, though he masked it quickly with a professional smile. “Thanks for coming all the way out here. I really appreciate the support Kona’s been giving me. And Lucky’s right, the storyboards are amazing. I think you’ll love them.”
That wasn’t just politeness. Kona had surprised everyone by sticking with Bode through his decision to step back from competition, creating a new kind of sponsorship focused on mental health advocacy, occasional public appearances, and promotion of the sport to new riders.
It was the kind of flexibility that was rare in the industry.
Sachi gave me a knowing look as we made our excuses. She missed nothing. “Dinner Sunday? My mom is bringing her newest recipe.”
“We’ll be there!” Wade was always a slut for Fumiko’s food.
We made our way through the backstage area and out a side door, the October air hitting us with a welcome chill after the stuffy auditorium. Bode took a deep breath, shoulders dropping as the tension began to leave his body.
“Thanks,” he said simply.
“How bad?” Wade asked, falling into step beside him as we crossed the parking lot toward his truck.
Bode considered for a moment. “Five out of ten. Would’ve been fine if it had been just the talk. But then Alex started talking about the videos, and all I could think about was how many more I’d have to make, and how much I’d have to perform, and—“
“And your brain started doing that thing where it spirals,” I finished for him, linking my arm through his.
He gave me a wry smile. “Pretty much.”
Wade unlocked the truck with his key fob. “You did good using the signal. A few months ago, you would have pushed through until you crashed.”
“Progress, right?” Bode’s tone was light, but I heard the genuine question beneath it.
“Definitely progress,” I said, snuggling close to him as we walked, no longer afraid to be public about how close we were.
The small town of Elkhead had absorbed the knowledge of our relationship in its own way, some curiosity, some gossip, but mostly acceptance.
It helped that Sachi and Bode already had such strong connections in the community, and that Wade was the hospital’s newest star surgeon, drawing patients from all of the nearby towns.
We were halfway to the truck when I felt it, a tiny cold touch on the tip of my nose. I looked up just as another snowflake drifted lazily down, then another. The first snow of the season, earlier than last year.
“Holy shit!” Bode stopped in his tracks, face tilted toward the sky. The transformation was immediate and complete, all the remaining tension vanishing as a grin broke across his face. “First snow!”
Before I could respond, he let out a whoop that echoed across the parking lot, spinning in a circle with his arms outstretched. The sound cut through the quiet afternoon, drawing stares from a few lingering students.
Wade laughed, the deep, genuine laugh that made his eyes crinkle at the corners. “Look who’s excited for winter now.”
Bode didn’t answer, just grabbed Wade by the front of his jacket and pulled him in for a kiss, not a quick peck but a proper kiss, deep and thorough, right there in the school parking lot. When they separated, Bode’s eyes were bright with a joy that still made my breath catch.
He turned to me next, his cold hands framing my face as he kissed me with the same intensity. I melted into it, my fingers finding their way into his hair, holding him close for just a moment longer than necessary.
“First snow,” he murmured against my lips before releasing me. “You know what that means.”
I did know. It meant that the mountains would soon be covered, the resort would open, and the three of us would be spending our weekends carving fresh lines together.
It meant Bode and I would be teaching Wade more intermediate skills, and maybe even get him on a few black diamonds.
It meant the season that had brought us together was beginning again.
I watched them as they continued toward the truck, Wade’s arm slung over Bode’s shoulders, their heads bent close together. The snow was falling more steadily now, catching in their hair, on their shoulders. My boys. Mine.
A year ago, I’d been hiding so much of myself, my art, my desires, my need for the mountains. Now I stood in the open, snowflakes melting on my skin, watching the two men I loved with a fullness that sometimes still scared me with its intensity.
I would never have to hide my passions again. I would never have to leave these mountains. And I would never have to pretend my heart wasn’t exactly where it belonged, split perfectly between these two beautiful, complicated men who had somehow become my home.
Of course, I’d never let them talk me into anything as ridiculous as leaving Elkhead. My good boys knew better than that.
***
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