I Completed The Program

(Damon's POV)

I approached the familiar suite. After a few more weeks of therapy I finally had reached my last appointment of treatment. This was the appointment where we would evaluate where I was and if the treatment had been good enough. I felt pretty good about how this one would go. I still had a little regret for not sticking with it the first time.

Because I was stubborn I made this whole thing last longer than It should have. It was too late to take anything back now though. The point was I was here and I was completing the needed steps. Sometimes it's not about how long it takes you but about the progress that was made.

I entered the suite and checked in with the receptionist. I waited for a few minutes and then Dr. Gordon called me into the office. This was a one on one appointment today. The appointments with Kaydence finished last week as Dr. Gordon felt we were in a good place. I felt the same way and she seemed to be more trusting compared to when I first returned to therapy.

"How are you doing today Mr. Tipton?" Dr. Gordon asked as we took our seats across from each other.

"Pretty well actually. Things at work are good and well, things at home have been amazing ever since Kaydence and the children came home." I answered.

"That's great to hear." Dr. Gordon flashed me a smile.

The rest of the appointment he was going over questions. They were similar questions that were asked when I first walked into this office. He didn't say it but I knew this was him seeing how much I had progressed since I started. I answered honestly as I knew it was important that the accurate answers were given. Even if it possibly led to more therapy I was prepared to take it on if it were needed.

Dr. Gordon finished up the questions and looked between the two papers. He seemed deep in thought as I sat patiently. I was a little nervous truthfully. Part of me had a fear that he would come back and say only little progress was made. I may have felt that I had made a huge amount but he was the professional here.

"Well Mr. Tipton." Dr. Gordon spoke as he proceeded to look up at me instead of the papers in hand. "From the assessment and everything over the last few things I would say you've managed to make a full recovery here."

"Well that's great then." I was pleased with his words.

"Now that doesn't mean the post traumatic stress disorder is completely gone. You will still have some moments here and there that may be triggering." Dr. Gordon's face held a serious expression. "But I think you've learned how to handle those moments and how to live with them so it doesn't affect your life."

I nodded in response. "I feel pretty confident that it won't throw me back into a dark place again."

"I hope not." He held his serious expression. "I do recommend we set up one appointment a month over the next six months, just to make sure you stay on track. That way if things start looking like they'll go down a dark path we can catch it early on."

"I think that's probably a great idea." I agreed without any protest.

We finished up the appointment and I thanked Dr. Gordon before leaving. As I exited the office I set up an appointment for a month out. I was more than happy to come back. Dr. Gordon had proved to be nothing but helpful.

I got into my black BMW and decided to go let Kaydence in on the good news. She was under the impression that this was just a regular appointment. I knew she would be relieved to know that the program had been a success. I knew she still worried from time to time about me, hopefully this would put her mind at ease.

I drove through the city until I reached Amethyst. I put the car in park once I was in front of the store and stepped out of the vehicle. I walked up to the door and opened it to let myself inside. Julie looked up from the counter as she had heard someone come inside.

"Hello Mr. Tipton." She greeted me in a pleasant tone.

"Where is my wife at?" I questioned right away.

"She's in the back room. Would you like me to go get her?" Julie offered.

"No." I answered. "I want to surprise her."

Julie nodded and went back to whatever she was doing. She was a damn good assistant to Kaydence. She was more than happy to take on anything when it was needed. She never complained once either when Kaydence was on maternity leave and she had helped me keep Amethyst running.

I pushed the door open carefully to the back room and noticed Kaydence was focusing on some designs. "Don't work too hard." I spoke.

I noticed her slightly jump in her chair. "Jesus Damon! You scared the crap out of me!"

I couldn't help the amused smirk that crossed my lips as I walked over to her. "I'm sorry Love. I just wanted to surprise you."

"Well I'm surprised, that's for sure." She spoke as she stood up from her chair. "What brings you by?"

"I just finished up at Dr. Gordon's office." I informed her. "I wanted to share an update with you."

"Okay. What is it?" I could see the look of concern on her face. I knew she was worried about the same thing I had been worried about. She tried to hide it but I knew she was worried about me getting set back or the treatment not being enough.

"I completed the program. I no longer have to go see Dr. Gordon." I spoke as I brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

I noticed she seemed to relax and let go of any tension she had. "That's amazing." She smiled.

"He does want me to have follow ups once a month for the next six months though. Just to make sure everything remains on the right track." My eyes looked into her beautiful green orbs.

"You're okay with that right?" She questioned.

"Of course." I reassured her.

"Does this mean you'll be going back on the hunt for your shooter then?" She asked.

I thought for a moment before answering her question. It was important the culprit could be found. I couldn't let it consume me this time. I had to be careful to not set myself back. "I will be looking into it, but I'll take my time. I promise I'll keep you informed this time."