Joel enters his home with a heavy sigh. The sound of the door clicking behind him fills the silent house. His exhaustion is clear, woven deeply into the lines of his face. His day spent at work weighs heavily on his shoulders. He’s quick to kick off his shoes, followed by sluggishly unbuckling his tool belt. The clatter is almost like shedding the burdensome work day away.

For a moment, he finds himself standing still, eyes closed, in the dimly lit hallway. Just allowing him a moment to rest. The house is abnormally quiet, but this silence doesn’t bring about the usual worry it once did if Sarah was home alone. Because now, she never is. Not with you here.

Turning the corner, he finally spots you on the couch. Sarah close to your side, sound asleep, with her head nestled in your shoulder.

The scene is just so reassuring to him, a feeling that seeps into his very soul. It’s easy for him to reflect, knowing marrying you was one of the best things to happen to him. Every aspect of you just brought joy to everyone else, and he is so grateful to share that with Sarah.

He’s been making small adjustments, trying to help you settle into your new life with them, but you already seem to have it handled. After all, you managed to earn the trust of his daughter. That is not an easy feat.

A smile tugs at the corners of his lips, brightening his tired eyes. You look up at him, but still remain careful not to wake Sarah. "Looks like you two kept busy.” Joel comments with a chuckle. The sight already putting him at ease. “Sarah’s out like a light.”