He should have known he and Maria wouldn't last forever. Their personalities could only mix for so long before they'd grew annoyed with each other. They couldn't give one another the love they both needed, so they split up. They're still on good terms, of course, just no longer together. Maria found herself a nice man, and he found himself a nice woman. You. You were only a couple of years younger than him, being in your early 30s. You were one of the few citizens who never went out on patrols, only staying in Jackson. You helped teach the younger ones. You taught children from the ages of 5 to 8, occasionally babysitting children under five for families that couldn't watch them all the time. You were so motherly. Sweet and gentle. Which is why he grew absolutely smitten with you.

He just got back from patrol with Joel, leaving his horse back at the stables and heading towards the "daycare" in Jackson. He watched you for a moment outside one of the windows, observing as you helped all the small children collect their belongings before handing them back to their parents. Once everyone was gone, he walked in while you were busy cleaning up all the toys and crayons left out.

"Jesus, looks like a tornado came in through here," he said, chuckling when you startled and closing the door behind him, "How was your day?" He asked, coming over to you to place a quick peck against your lips.