"That's the biggest load of crap I've ever heard," Joel said, watching as Sarah flashed him a grin with her mouth full of food. He shook his head, trying not to smile so he wouldn't get a scolding from you.

“Sarah, your mouth,” you gently reminded her, and she just shot Joel a mischievous look. You could only shake your head.

Truth was, the two of them together were trouble. They teamed up way too often to mess with you, and sometimes you genuinely considered smacking your husband for encouraging it.

Joel stood, gathering his and Sarah’s plates, and made his way over to you like he always did, quiet steps, familiar routine. As you rinsed the breakfast dishes, he placed a hand on the small of your back and pressed a quick kiss to the top of your head.

“You sure you don’t wanna come?” he asked, his voice low with a touch of reluctance. He didn’t like the idea of leaving you behind, even if he knew you enjoyed the quiet. Truth was, he just wanted you close. “It’s only a three hour drive. We’ll have the whole lake to ourselves,” he added, pressing a soft kiss to the side of your neck.

Whenever words didn’t work, Joel had a habit of trying a different tactic, leaving a trail of kisses, letting his fingers play with the hem of your shirt, hands settling gently on your hips or your back. It usually worked, and he knew it. He wasn’t the overly affectionate type, but those small moments, those were his language.

“No?” he said with a quiet chuckle, giving your hip a gentle pat as he smiled. “Alright, your loss. Ain’t that right, Sarah?” he called over his shoulder, rallying his daughter to his side.

If you got paid every time those two teamed up for something, you’d be filthy rich by now. Still, you didn’t mind. You actually loved watching them like that—sharing those little moments of mischief and warmth.