It was time for Wren’s follow-up appointment, and the nerves were palpable. Connor could feel Wren's hand trembling slightly in his as they walked into the doctor’s office. He squeezed it reassuringly, offering her a comforting smile.

“I hope she gives me good news,” Wren said, her voice tinged with anxiety.

Connor, determined to keep her spirits up, replied, “I think you’ve improved greatly. You’re doing amazing.”

They checked in at the front desk and settled into the waiting area, the anticipation making the minutes feel like hours.

The door to the doctor's office opened, and Dr. Evans walked in with a warm, professional smile. “Hello, Wren,” she greeted as she took her seat.

“Hello,” Wren replied, her voice soft.

“And hello, Connor,” Dr. Evans said, acknowledging him as well.

“Hello,” Connor responded, his tone friendly.

“How are the both of you?” the doctor asked.

Wren hesitated before answering, “Umm…fine, I think.”

Connor chimed in, “We’re doing well. I think you’ll see Wren has made lots of progress.”

“That’s wonderful to hear,” Dr. Evans said, her smile widening.

Wren reached into her bag and pulled out her journal, a tangible representation of her journey. She handed it to the doctor, her heart racing.

“Here are my latest journal entries,” Wren said.

Dr. Evans took the journal with a nod of thanks and began flipping through the pages. Occasionally, she glanced up at Wren, her expression one of encouragement. Wren’s anxiety grew with each smile the doctor gave.

What’s making her smile so much? Did I write something weird? Wren thought, fidgeting nervously.

Connor, sensing her discomfort, squeezed her hand again. He felt her lean into him, which brought a smile to his lips.

Dr. Evans finally set the journal down and looked at Wren. “Let’s discuss some of the things I’ve read.”

“Okay,” Wren said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“It seems you’ve taken my advice about intimacy,” Dr. Evans said, her tone gentle.

Wren’s cheeks flushed. “Well, umm…”

“There’s no need to be embarrassed,” Dr. Evans assured her. “I’m proud of your efforts.”

“You are?” Wren asked, her voice tinged with surprise.

“Yes,” Dr. Evans confirmed. “Your ability to compromise for Connor’s happiness shows you’re overcoming your past discomforts.”

Wren looked down, a mix of vulnerability and relief in her eyes. “I don’t like seeing him upset or feeling like I don’t love him.”

Connor, sensing the depth of her feelings, spoke softly, “I don’t feel that way. I understand what you’ve been through and why you hesitate at times.”

Wren’s eyes filled with regret. “But I don’t want to lose you by messing things up.”

Dr. Evans tilted her head. “What do you mean by losing him?”

Wren struggled to articulate her feelings. “I panicked during our intimate moments and felt horrible afterward. I thought I was ruining our relationship and that if I kept doing it, he’d get tired of me and leave.”

Connor was taken aback and visibly hurt by her words. “I’m sorry I didn’t make you feel secure with our love. I never wanted you to think that way. I love you always. I’m not going anywhere.”

“It’s not you,” Wren insisted, her voice breaking. “It’s my fault.”

Dr. Evans interjected gently, “This isn’t a matter of security; it’s Wren’s internal struggle. She’s feeling inadequate in the relationship due to her insecurities.”

Connor looked at Wren with unwavering love. “But I love you no matter what.”

Dr. Evans looked at Wren kindly. “Deep down, don’t you know that Connor loves you for who you are?”

Wren nodded slowly. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

“So what makes you doubt this sometimes?” Dr. Evans asked.

Wren sighed. “I guess I feel like I’m offering him a broken version of myself instead of a whole and clean one.”

Dr. Evans’s voice was reassuring. “You are not broken. Your past does not make you unworthy of love. Connor sees you as you are, not your past.”

Wren’s eyes softened. “I guess you’re right. I’m sorry, Connor, for not having faith in you.”

Connor pulled her into a tender embrace. “It’s okay, Sunshine. I understand why you feel that way.”

The two shared a loving look, their bond visibly strengthened. Dr. Evans smiled warmly. “Well, I think we’ve made a breakthrough.”

Wren returned the smile. “Me too.”

Dr. Evans continued, “I have a new task for you.”

Wren’s anxiety spiked. “What is it?”

“I’d like you to try returning to school,” Dr. Evans said. “You have a few weeks left before Christmas vacation.”

Wren’s face fell slightly. “I’m… I’m not sure I can do that.”

“There’s no need to be nervous,” Dr. Evans said reassuringly.

“What if people find out what happened?” Wren asked, her voice trembling.

Connor stepped in, “I’ll be there to help you every step of the way.”

Dr. Evans added, “Wren, you have good friends and a wonderful man by your side. Don’t let fear hold you back.”

Wren looked at Connor, feeling his unwavering support. The love in his eyes gave her the strength she needed. “Alright…I’ll give it a try.”

Dr. Evans’s smile was encouraging. “I knew you could do it. I look forward to hearing good news on your next visit.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Wren said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Connor echoed, “We’ll see you next time.”

Dr. Evans’s final words were a blend of warmth and encouragement. “And Wren… don’t be shy with your intimacy. Keep pushing yourself.”

Wren blushed but nodded. “Okay, I will.”

Time Skip

A few days later, Wren sat at the breakfast table with Connor. The morning light filtered through the kitchen window, casting a gentle glow over their faces.

Connor noticed her apprehension. “Are you nervous?”

Wren nodded, her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her coffee cup. “A little.”

“If anything happens, you can call me,” Connor said, his tone reassuring. “I’ll stop everything and come get you.”

Wren smiled, feeling a little more at ease. “Stormi and your brother will be there with me.”

Connor added, “I told Riley to stay near you.”

Wren laughed softly. “Well, with the two of them, I should definitely be okay.”

A car horn sounded outside, signaling the arrival of her friends.

“That’s Riley and Stormi. I better go,” Wren said, standing up.

“Hey, wait,” Connor called out.

Wren turned back, curious. “Huh?”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Connor’s eyes twinkled.

Wren’s cheeks flushed as she ran back to him, pressing a quick kiss to his lips.

Connor smiled, his eyes filled with love. “I love you. Have a good day!”

Wren returned his smile, her heart full. “I love you too.” She blew him a kiss as she headed out the door, ready to face the new challenges with Connor’s love and support guiding her every step of the way.