MacBook bro with a broken screen, stuck in recovery mode

Using a MacBook Pro 13” from I think 2017, most recent OS is 12.5?

Accidentally broke my screen so I can’t see anything on it. 900+ repair, figured I don’t use the laptop as much these days, could make it into a desktop setup and just use the computer as the brains. Purchased a wireless keyboard, mouse and a USB-C to HDMI screen. Was working great the first 2-3x I used it. Have two external hard drives that each had various things on them, so moved the stuff from Hard drive B to hard drive A so I could clear B and use it to backup my system because it’s been waaaay too long. Did the move, but then shut down the comp because I was done for the time being and figured it was good to let the computer rest.

Now went to restart and only sometimes does the plugged in screen recognize it’s plugged in, and if it does, it’s an extended screen, not a mirrored. Command+f1, command+fn+f1, command+shift+f1 all don’t help. And because the keyboard and mouse are wireless, they don’t work…. Even tried plugging the mouse into the usb doggle to see if that might work - nope.

When I close the laptop I can see the screen on my desk monitor and it’s the recovery assistant, saying I can’t sign in cause something about my password and offering to reset it, but I can’t click any buttons or do anything because I need to open the computer to do it - which transfers the screen back to the broken laptop one.

The only thing I can get and click on when the secondary monitor is running is the Apple Symbol in the top left - I can find my regular HD and enter my password for it…. But if I click “restart” which pops up afterwards I’m back into recovery mode and no further ahead.

Any help that might work without completely losing everything on the comp? Pretty sure my photos are saved on external drive A which is the biggest thing, but would like to save the rest.

Please and thank you for any tips or tricks!