Chapter 31
Alex
Five days later, Alex leaned against the counter in the clinic’s break room before the clinic opened. Jordan was next to Alex. Lisa and Sean were there, too, taking a brief respite from each of their duties.
“So, we’ve worked out all the details for Stephanie’s arrival,” Alex began. “She’s flying from Chicago to Medford this afternoon. I’ve arranged a rental car for her to drive down to Brookings.”
Sean nodded in approval. “That’s good thinking, Alex. It’ll give her some independence while she’s here.”
Lisa, who was sipping her tea, looked thoughtful. “And where will she be staying?” she inquired.
Alex took a sip of his protein shake before responding. “She’ll stay at my place for the next couple of days. It makes sense, given I’m usually at Jordan’s all the time now. Dealing with the loss of a parent is never easy, and then having to sort through their belongings... it’s a lot. So, if we can make her comfortable while she’s here, that would be great.”
“She seems nice,” Sean said. “I’m working with Jason over at Stillhouse Funeral Home because she asked for us to cremate her father. The medical examiner released the body today, and I took the paperwork over that she emailed me.”
Lisa put her hand on Sean’s arm, looking at Alex and Jordan. “He’s a keeper!” They all laughed.
The late afternoon sun cast a warm, inviting glow over the clinic. Stephanie’s rental car pulled into the parking lot. Alex and Jordan had been anxiously awaiting her arrival. They stood up from the bench where they had been sitting.
As Stephanie stepped out of the car, there was a moment of hesitation before she walked toward them. Alex and Jordan approached her, their smiles welcoming and sincere.
“Stephanie, it’s so good to meet you in person,” Alex said, extending his hand. “I hope you had a pleasant trip, and the drive wasn’t too much.”
Stephanie replied, “It’s been a long day, and my emotions are all over the place. I laugh one minute and cry another. Dad’s death is hitting me harder than I thought it would.”
Jordan offered a gentle, reassuring smile. “We’re here for you, Stephanie. Anything you need.”
Stephanie shook their hands. “Thank you both so much for flying me out here. It means a lot.”
Before they could respond, a familiar bark sounded from inside the clinic. Shadow had gotten up from his spot. Rebecca stood in the doorway, watching. The dog bounded toward Stephanie with a joyous energy, despite his recent injuries.
The reunion between Stephanie and Shadow was heartwarming. Shadow whined and wagged his tail vigorously, nuzzling against her affectionately. Stephanie knelt, her arms enveloping the dog in a loving embrace.
“Oh, Shadow, how are you, sweetie?” she murmured, her voice choked with emotion. Alex and Jordan watched the scene, joy in their hearts.
As they all moved into the clinic, Stephanie spoke about her trip. “The flight was fine, and the drive gave me time to think. I can’t thank you both enough for making this happen.”
Alex and Jordan listened, offering words of comfort and reassurance. The conversation flowed naturally. Alex and Jordan showed Stephanie around the clinic. They discussed the next steps for Shadow’s continued care. Now and then, she spoke of her father. Throughout it all, Shadow stayed close to Stephanie. His presence was a source of comfort and familiarity for her.
As the afternoon turned into early evening, Alex noticed Stephanie looked tired. Sensing it was time for her to rest, he handed her the keys to his house. “Here, make yourself at home while you are here,” he said kindly.
Stephanie input the address into her phone’s maps app and noted it was only a ten-minute drive. Ever considerate, Alex offered, “Would you like Jordan and me to drive you there?”
Her response came with a grateful smile. “You’ve both done more than enough already. I’ll manage, but thank you,” Stephanie assured him.
As she prepared to leave, Stephanie paused, turning to Alex. “I’m meeting with Sean tomorrow to speak with the funeral director. Then we’ll go through my dad’s items at the fire station. I hesitated to want to come here, but I’m glad I did."
In response, Alex suggested, “How about we catch up for a late lunch or early dinner after you’re done tomorrow?”
“That sounds lovely,” Stephanie agreed, a small but genuine smile crossing her face. “I’d like that very much.”
Jordan, Alex, and Lisa gathered by the clinic’s door as Stephanie approached her car. The trio watched as she drove off.
Lisa broke the silence first. “She’s very nice, isn’t she?”
Jordan nodded in agreement. “I like her. There’s a kindness about her that’s genuine.”
Alex chuckled. “Jordan, you like everyone. You’re easy to please.”
Their laughter mingled in the cooling air.
The next day, Jordan noticed Alex was squirming in the breakroom seat of the clinic. Concerned, he asked, “Are your stitches bothering you?”
“No, dork, my ass hurts from you stretching it this morning with that dildo. If this is what it feels like with a dildo half your size, I may have to reconsider bottoming,” Alex replied.
Jordan, with an evil and loving smirk on his face, said, “I can’t wait for the first morning after l let loose on your ass. You know how my blowjobs are slow and tender, easing you into your orgasm? And when I face fuck you, I’m rougher and more demanding? Well, imagine the combination of those two—that is how I’m going to fuck you. ”
Alex’s mouth dropped open. “I thought we talked about making love, not pile-driving me into the New Year. Yep, rethinking this.”
Lisa walked nearby. “Rethinking what?”
Alex turned all shades of red, and Jordan smiled. They didn’t exchange any words.
Lisa caught on to the gist of the conversation. “Oh lord, get your butts in exam room three. Don’t bring this sexual tension into our breakroom. Some things must remain sacred.”
They all laughed. Alex reached into his bag and withdrew something. He handed it to her.
“Beef stick?” he asked.
Everyone laughed, and she got up to head back to work. “You wait until I tell Sean that your man is offering me his beef stick, Jordan.”
Jordan and Alex shared a tender moment, quietly staring into each other’s eyes. Then Alex shifted uncomfortably in his seat again, and Jordan laughed.
The dinner setting was warm and inviting, a large table set for six at a cozy local restaurant. Alex, Jordan, Stephanie, Sean, Lisa, and Aunt Lynn were together. Soft glowing overhead lights added to the homey ambiance. The gentle hum of conversation from other diners added to it, too.
As they settled into their seats, the conversation naturally gravitated toward Shadow’s recovery. They also discussed life in Brookings, Chicago, and Stephanie’s dad. Stephanie expressed her gratitude for the care Shadow had received. Her eyes lingered on Alex and Jordan with sincere thankfulness. The dinner continued with discussions about plans for the following day. They also arranged to meet to sort through Mr. Miller’s affairs.
As the meal ended, the group agreed to reconvene the next day, ready to tackle the challenges ahead. The farewells were warm. People promised to stay in touch and continue supporting each other.
After arriving home from dinner, Alex felt the familiar comfort of his surroundings. Not wanting to worry Aunt Lynn, he promptly called to let her know he had arrived safely .
Aunt Lynn answered after the first ring. Her voice was warm, but with a seriousness that caught Alex’s attention. “I’m glad you’re home safe, Alex,” she began. “There’s something I want to discuss with you about Stephanie.”
Sensing the gravity in her tone, Alex sat down, focusing on the conversation. “What is it, Aunt Lynn?” he asked.
Aunt Lynn sighed softly. “It’s just intuition, but I’ve seen enough in my life to recognize certain signs,” she said carefully. “I think Stephanie might deal with abuse. She said nothing explicitly, but there were hints in her behavior and how she reacted to things.”
Alex felt a weight settle in his stomach, the revelation bringing a new level of concern. “Do you think we should talk to her about it?” he asked, his mind racing with possibilities.
“I think we need to be careful,” Aunt Lynn advised. “We don’t want to make her feel cornered or accused. Just monitor her, be there for her. If she feels safe and ready, she might open up.”
Alex nodded, even though Aunt Lynn couldn’t see him. “Thank you for telling me. We’ll be mindful and supportive.”
After ending the call, Alex found Jordan in the living room, winding down for the night. He relayed Aunt Lynn’s concerns about Stephanie, watching Jordan’s expression turn thoughtful.
“That’s serious,” Jordan said, his brow furrowed. “If there is something to this, we need to make sure she knows she’s not alone. We can help her find the right support if she needs it.”
They lingered on the topic, discussing the best ways to provide a supportive environment for Stephanie without overstepping. Eventually, they made their way to bed.
As they drifted off to sleep in the night's quiet, Alex bellowed, “My ass still hurts!”
Even without hearing aids, Jordan heard his muffled words and smiled.
The next day at the clinic, Alex, Jordan, and Stephanie gathered in a quiet corner away from the usual bustle. Stephanie opened up about her father, her voice full of nostalgia and pain .
“We were so close when I was growing up,” she started, her eyes distant, as if visualizing her childhood. “But everything changed when he left for the Gulf. After his second tour, he wasn’t the same. He was distant, angry, and he started drinking a lot.”
As she spoke, Alex listened intently. Jordan, too, was fully engaged, his body language supportive and encouraging.
“Back then, PTSD wasn’t understood. There were very few treatment options available. It was tough watching him struggle and seeing him change,” Stephanie continued. Her voice cracked slightly. “I couldn’t help my daddy.”
She described the heartache of witnessing her father’s PTSD episodes. She described the panic attacks that would grip him unexpectedly.
“It made me feel so helpless,” she admitted, a tear slipping down her cheek. “I didn’t know how to reach him or bring back the dad I knew and loved.”
As Stephanie shared her experiences, Alex was pierced by her words. They resonated with him, echoing his journey. He realized that, like Stephanie’s father, he had initially ignored treatment. He believed he could handle his PTSD on his own. Jordan reached out, placing a comforting hand on Stephanie’s back.
The atmosphere was thick with emotion. Alex turned to Stephanie. “I’m so sorry that you went through this with your dad,” he began, his words deliberate and sincere. “Isolating is something I used to do a lot, too. In fact, for the last few years, I’ve been a lot like your dad, trying to push through the pain. It cost me some friendships.”
Stephanie’s eyes met Alex’s. She nodded slowly.
Alex continued. “Aunt Lynn is as stubborn as I am. I’m a little afraid of her,” he said with a faint smile, trying to lighten the mood. “She saw I was hitting rock bottom and had me move here. I mostly hated the idea of moving somewhere new, but I agreed when a nurse at the VA told me that she is throwing me a life preserver and I would be a dumbass for not taking it.”
Sitting beside Alex, Jordan placed a supportive hand on his shoulder.
“Then, once here, Shadow changed my life,” Alex said, his gaze drifting to the dog who lay quietly nearby. “Because of him, I met Jordan and all the wonderful people here and built connections. My life has transformed over the last few months since I moved here.”
Stephanie listened, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The parallels between her father’s struggles and Alex’s journey were striking. Yet Alex’s story showed a glimmer of hope.
“I know this is little solace,” Alex added softly, “but you brought Shadow into your dad’s life to save him. Shadow is so amazing, Stephanie, and I need you to know he saved me. I can never thank you enough for what you’ve done, for the enormous impact you’ve had on my life.”
The emotion in the room was palpable as all three teared up. Stephanie’s lips quivered as she absorbed Alex’s words. Jordan squeezed Alex’s shoulder. Stephanie reached across the table, finding Alex’s hand.
“Stephanie, are you okay? Are you safe? You mentioned your circumstances changed recently?” Alex asked gently.
Stephanie’s initial response was a brave front, her face a mask of composure. But as the seconds ticked by, the facade crumbled. “As a military brat, I ended up marrying a Marine, too,” she started, her voice wavering slightly. “We were married for twelve years, and toward the end, it got rough... it got violent.”
Alex and Jordan exchanged glances. Jordan reached across the table, offering a supportive touch.
“He did his best to beat me down,” Stephanie continued. “But I got away, and a few months ago, I completed the divorce.” Her voice had a hint of pride despite the pain that lingered in her eyes.
“He gambled away all our savings. Right now, I’m couch surfing with friends, looking for a job,” she added with determination. “I used to be an office manager at an accounting firm, but I had to leave because I was missing so much work... because of him.” She sounded like someone who believed she was on the right track to recovery.
Alex and Jordan listened intently. When she finished, Alex spoke. “Stephanie, if you ever need anything, like a place to stay or someone to talk to, please know that we’re here for you."
Jordan nodded in agreement. “We’ve got shoulders you can lean on,” he added. “You’re not alone in this. ”
Stephanie looked at them, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you,” she whispered. “That means a lot to me.”
The next day, the clinic arranged its main conference room for a somber meeting. Sean led. Stephanie, Aunt Lynn, Lisa, Alex, and Jordan gathered around the table. Everyone prepared themselves for the finality of the shared news.
Sean began the meeting. “The official cause of death was a heart attack,” he confirmed, his voice steady. “I spoke with the funeral home. The ashes will be ready for you to take back home with you tomorrow, Stephanie.”
Stephanie nodded. Sean’s straightforward approach provided a sense of closure, albeit painful.
“We went through the boxes that the state police gathered from the cabin,” Sean continued. “Stephanie, you’ve kept all that you wanted to, correct?”
“Yes, I have,” Stephanie replied, her voice soft.
The room was heavy with emotion. Stephanie dealt with the last aspects of her father’s affairs. Then she turned to Alex, a small box in her hands.
“He kept this,” she said, opening the box to reveal a Silver Star medal. “I don’t understand why. I saw him destroy everything else in a fit of rage one night. It was horrible.” The room fell silent, the weight of her words sinking in.
Stephanie continued, her voice cracking with emotion. “This medal symbolizes how heroic my dad was,” she said. “But to me, it’s a constant reminder of how I lost him years ago. Will you keep this safe for him? For the man he once was?”
Alex’s eyes filled with tears as he took the box from her hands. “Of course I will,” he said, his voice shaking. “I’ll honor his memory as a father and a soldier.”
He stood up and embraced Stephanie, offering comfort in the shared sorrow. The others around the table watched respectfully. As the meeting ended, there was a sense of collective support for Stephanie .
Holding the box with the Silver Star, Alex felt a profound responsibility. He knew he wasn’t just holding onto a piece of history in keeping this medal. He was also preserving the memory of a man who had suffered.
“Lisa and Linda helped me sort through everything,” Stephanie shared. “They found some paperwork about my dad’s life insurance through the VA. He continued making payments to keep it active.” She paused. “He left it to me, so it looks like I’m going to get my fresh start. Get on solid footing again. Knowing the VA, it might take a while,” she added with a small smile. “But once it comes through, I’ll finally be able to get a place to live.”
At this moment, Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out a cashier’s check. He extended it toward Stephanie. “Well, here are the proceeds from the sale of Shadow, twenty-five thousand dollars.” he said.
He also presented some paperwork. Stephanie took it. Her eyes widened in realization as she saw Alex’s name as the buyer. A look of happiness crossed her face.
As she held the check, Stephanie turned to Jordan.
“I’ll sign this over to the clinic for the medical bills,” she said.
Before Jordan could respond, Aunt Lynn chimed in, her voice filled with kindness. “Our law firm has handled all Shadow’s medical bills. We have a fund for giving back to the community, and we wanted to cover the expenses in your father’s name. Shadow and he were together for over two years, and I believe Shadow took good care of your dad. In this way, we honor your father’s memory.”
The room was silent momentarily, absorbing Aunt Lynn’s generous gesture. Alex said, “This check is for you, Stephanie. For the fresh start you need immediately.”
The impact of these acts of kindness was visible on Stephanie’s face. Her eyes brimmed with tears. She stood up and hugged everyone in the room, one by one. Each embrace was a wordless thank you. Alex, Jordan, Aunt Lynn, Lisa, and Sean each returned her hugs.
Aunt Lynn spoke up, intensifying the atmosphere with an unexpected announcement.
“That’s not all, Stephanie,” she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “I reached out to a friend who owns a law firm in Chicago. They have an open office manager’s position. If you’re interested, I can arrange an interview for you.”
Stephanie’s reaction was immediate and overwhelming. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Then Aunt Lynn’s words sank in. Tears streamed down her face. She covered her mouth with her hand.
Aunt Lynn and Alex quickly moved to comfort her. Their arms wrapped around her in a supportive embrace.
“It’s too much... I can’t believe this,” Stephanie said between sobs. “Thank you, thank you so much.”
Aunt Lynn held Stephanie close, her voice gentle and reassuring. “Honey, don’t you see? Even though your dad is gone, he’s still looking out for you. After he passed, your daddy sent Shadow to Alex. From there, everything skyrocketed into a lot of good happening for good people.”
Stephanie looked up, her tear-stained face a picture of mixed sorrow and hope.
“Your dad is your guardian angel, honey,” Aunt Lynn continued, her voice warm and firm. “What he couldn’t do physically and emotionally, he’s doing spiritually. Take strength from that.”
Alex stood beside them, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears.
The next day, all of them gathered once again outside the clinic. Shadow sat at Stephanie’s side. It was time for Stephanie to say her goodbyes. She packed her car, ready to return to a new chapter in her life. Alex, Jordan, and Aunt Lynn stood nearby. Each wore mixed expressions of sadness and hope.
Stephanie turned to them, her eyes glistening. “I can’t thank you all enough,” she said. “You’ve all been so incredible. I promise to stay in touch.”
Alex stepped forward, offering her a warm, reassuring hug. “We’ll be here, Stephanie. Anytime you need anything, reach out,” he said.
Stephanie bent down and hugged Shadow. “Thank you for caring for Daddy when I couldn’t.” With tears streaming down her face, she embraced the loving dog tightly and stood.
Jordan echoed the sentiment, his hand resting on her shoulder momentarily. “We’re just a call or an email away. Don’t be a stranger. ”
Aunt Lynn smiled warmly at Stephanie. “And remember, we scheduled your interview for next Monday. I’ll email you all the details,” she said. “Don’t worry—my recommendation carries a lot of weight.”
Stephanie nodded, a small smile breaking through her tears. “I’ll never forget what you’ve all done for me. Thank you sincerely.”
As Stephanie got into her car, Alex took a deep breath, excited that she was ready to face the road ahead.
Sean and Lisa offered Aunt Lynn a ride home. She gathered Alex and Jordan in one big group hug. “I am so proud of you both. I’m so proud of the men that you both have become.”
Jordan laughed. “We’re a work in progress, Linda.”
Alex kissed her on the cheek. “Call me when you get home.”