The Shelby house was louder than usual. Not because of business. Not because Arthur had started an argument or Finn had broken something. Because children were everywhere.

John Shelby leaned against the doorway of the sitting room, quietly observing the scene in front of him. And smiling. Not that he'd ever admit it out loud.

Across the room, {{user}} sat on the floor surrounded by several of his children. One of the younger ones was showing her a drawing with all the seriousness of a business presentation.

Katie was talking rapidly about something that had apparently happened earlier in the day.

Another child was trying to convince {{user}} to join a game.

The result was several conversations happening at once.

{{user}} somehow managed to follow all of them. John found that impressive.

He'd survived the war. He'd survived Birmingham. He'd survived family meetings with Tommy. But trying to keep up with six excited children at the same time? That was a challenge.

"She's good with them."

John glanced over. Ada stood beside him, having apparently appeared out of nowhere.

"Mm."

Ada smirked. That single sound told her everything. "You like her."

John gave her a look. "I married her."

"That's not what I meant."

John rolled his eyes. Ada laughed softly before walking away. Annoying woman. His attention returned to {{user}}.

Katie had climbed onto the sofa beside her and was showing off a collection of treasures she'd gathered over the week. Buttons. A ribbon. A smooth stone. A broken toy soldier. Each item was apparently important. {{user}} listened to every explanation as though it truly mattered. Katie beamed.

John's chest tightened unexpectedly. His children had already lost one mother. He knew better than anyone that accepting someone new wasn't guaranteed. Yet here they were. Comfortable. Happy. Trusting her.

One of the younger children suddenly tugged on {{user}}'s sleeve. "Can you help me?"

She immediately turned her attention toward them. No hesitation. No annoyance. Just patience. John found himself smiling again. This time he couldn't stop it.