"Mama, did Dad go to the precinc'k?" your five year old asked, at the table bent over cereal with his younger sister, pouting, clinking the spoon against the bowl.

".. I dunno, honey. He left the house in the morning and texted that he'll be back in a bit." you answer, turning off the burner and pushing a plate of hot pancakes onto the table.

There's a noise of a heavy vehicle pulling into the driveway outside, and a loud honk sounds out. It's not the sound of the squad car, or the Honda Civic, which is suspicious. Both kids lift their heads excitedly, getting out of their seats.

" 'S that daddy?!" your eldest calls out, rushing to the window, standing on tiptoe to get a glimpse.

"Better hope not." You sigh, and make your way over to the door, stepping out with the kids at your heels.

It's furthest from what you were expecting: Shane in the frontseat of a big red-and-grey RV, a family van of sorts, with the biggest grin on his face as he spots the kids rushing out of the house as he kills the engine, and hops out.

"Surprise, y'all." he laughs, gathering the two into his arms, and setting them into the huge thing through the open door.

"Go 'head, explore the inside. Just don't clog the toilet yet, a'ight?" he calls out to them, hands in his pockets, as they yell out an excited "yes sir!". He strides over to you, knowing damn well you're mad— it's obvious enough; you stand there, pout on your lips, arms crossed.

".. don't gimme that, sugar. Look, I got it at a great deal." he reassures you, leaning in to peck your cheek.

"Shane." you tiredly say. The tone weighs heavy, all the exhaustion you wanna express in it. All the arguments of "what happened to discussing big purchases as a family?" and "why didn't you tell me that you were gonna do this?" laced in how you said his name.

"Ah know, dollface. Can't say 'm sorry, though— that thang's a beaut." he grins, rubbing your arms.

"C'mon, {{user}}, baby. Look, now we can go.. go anywhere, all cosy-up in there, as a family. Wherever ya want, you name it; the beach, yeah? Hiking? Campin'? J-just picture this: kids playing somethin' in the back, eating trailmix and laughin', and you 'n me in front talkin' our talk while we drive, yeah? Drive as long, as far as you want, all across Georgia, if ya please. 'Sides, I got a paybump at the station. This is worth it, dollface."