The Fallout (The Therapist #3) - W.S. Greer Page 0,55

we’ve been making sure to spend more time together. Both of us are rearranging things at work so we can come home and be together. I guess it’s just prioritizing our relationship more these days. It seems to have great benefits. It’s been good. It’s been really good.”

“That’s great to hear,” I say, mirroring Demi with a wide smile of my own. “I’m so glad to know you've been able to slow down and make adjustments to your lives that benefit the two of you as a couple. That’s great. Eli, how have things been for you?”

Eli smiles and nods his head. “Things have been great, Dr. Colson. I haven't had a chance to come in here and tell you how much I appreciated the solo session you did with me a couple of weeks ago. I took your advice, and I swear to you, everything has been much better ever since. You really opened my eyes, and I think if I hadn't come to see you alone, we might not be in as good a place as we’re in right now. I was hard-headed and I would've kept being stubborn, and I honestly believe Demi would've left eventually. My actions definitely warranted it, and I would've pushed her even further by being a jerk about it. I haven't even said this to Demi, but I really think my session with you is what saved our marriage. So, thank you for everything, Dr. Colson.”

I feel a rush of emotions swirl up in my chest. It’s so great when patients take your advice and have it work for them. There's nothing better than hearing from one of your patients that talking to you is what saved them.

“Wow, I really appreciate that, Eli,” I reply, still smiling. “We really did have a great session a couple of weeks back, but it was you who stepped up to the plate and saved your marriage. You didn't have to listen to me. That was a choice you made on your own, and you used that choice to your benefit. So, you should applaud yourself for being strong enough and smart enough to understand your mistake, but also for being brave enough to fall back and give your wife the space she needed to think for herself. It takes a really big person to admit they made a mistake and to willingly accept the consequences of that mistake. Most people try to stop the consequences or force the outcome to be what they want instead of what they deserve. Also, when Demi decided she didn't want to come to therapy with you, you could've chosen not to come at all. You made the choice to come on your own, and that was a great show of commitment to Demi and your relationship. Even if you didn't necessarily want to come here, you still came because you wanted to do what was right to save your marriage. I applaud you, Eli.”

“Well, not to keep all of this sentimental stuff going before we get into the actual therapy,” Demi jumps in, and all three of us share a much-needed laugh. “I wanted to thank you as well, Dr. Colson. I really wasn't sure what I was going to do after Eli and I had a big fight the night before he came to do his solo session with you. I was so confused and emotional. I had no idea how much weight I was carrying around by not forgiving Eli. I've learned that forgiveness is a very powerful thing, and had you not shown me the path to it, I never would've made it here on my own. I don't know if I would've left Eli, but I do know I wouldn't be anywhere near as happy as I am now. So, we’re both just really thankful for you and all your help.”

“It’s my pleasure, Demi,” I answer. “We all need a little bump in the right direction sometimes. So, I take it you two have decided to move on and past the mistake?”

Demi answers with a head nod. “Yes, we have.”

“Great. Have you been able to be intimate yet?”

This time, both of them smile and nod. “Yes, we have.”

“Oh, fantastic.” All three of us laugh again, and I'm utterly shocked how far this couple has come in a few weeks. “That’s so good to hear and such a big step, especially for you, Demi. I’m truly proud of you both. Way to go, you two.”

“Like I