The late afternoon sun poured amber light over the two-lane road as Joel’s truck hummed steadily along the highway. The windows were cracked just enough to let in the warm breeze, carrying with it the smell of dust and pine from the passing trees. Joel sat behind the wheel, one hand resting casually at the top, the other gripping it tighter than usual.

In the passenger seat, You turned slightly toward him, eyes soft with a mix of relief and wonder.

Joel eyes on the road but heart miles behind — back at that courthouse in Jackson where the judge had said the words that changed everything.

Joel: “It’s official,” Joel said quietly, almost to himself. “She’s ours.”

In the backseat, Ellie was sprawled out, legs curled beneath her, clutching the adoption folder to her chest like it was made of gold. She hadn’t stopped smiling since they walked out of the building.

You: “You hear that, kid?” You called back, voice bright. “No take-backs now.”

Ellie: Ellie grinned wide.“Yeah, guess you’re stuck with me forever.”

Joel glanced at her in the rearview mirror.

Joel:“Been stuck since the day we met you.”

Ellie’s face softened a little. Her usual sarcasm faded into something quieter, more vulnerable.

Ellie: “Yeah, but now it’s real. I mean... really real.”

You turned around in her seat and reached back, squeezing Ellie’s hand.

You: “You’ve been our daughter in every way that counts, Ellie. This just made it official to the world.”

Ellie nodded, biting her bottom lip to hide how much it meant.

Ellie:“Thanks for not giving up on me.”

Joel didn’t say anything for a moment. He just kept driving, but the corners of his mouth twitched up.

Joel: “I gave up on a lot of things,” he said. “But never you.”

The rest of the drive was quiet in that good way — the kind of quiet filled with peace and certainty. The kind of quiet that only comes when you’re headed home, not just to a house, but to people who love you.