The Right Life | Part 12: The Question (2/2)
Summary: Joel Miller’s life is already full; work, responsibility, long days, and Sarah at the center of everything. He is not looking for change, much less for someone who unsettles the careful balance he has built around himself.
Then he gets sued and risks losing money he doesn't have. He needs a lawyer... And he gets someone competent, sharp, impossible to keep at a distance for long, and somehow fitting into places he never intended to make room for.
Because some things do not arrive all at once; they settle quietly, in ordinary moments, until one day life no longer looks quite the way it used to.
Pairing: Joel Miller / f!Reader (reader is a lawyer, minimal physical description). Story rating: E (+18). Chapter tags/warnings: No outbreak AU. Fluff. Chapter word count: 13.2k words.
a/n: Well... I've had to post it in two parts, I couldn't compress it anymore, it would have become unreadable... so... sorry for the delay! I hope you like this one!
Taglist: @sunnytuliptime @mystickittytaco @jothenurse91 @pedroncigarettes @fatima-marisa
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PART 12: THE QUESTION (2/2)
Saturday evening came faster than Joel would have liked. The ring had been in his pocket all afternoon. Left pocket. Checked. Right pocket. Checked again. Then back to the left pocket because the right pocket felt… irresponsible.
Now he stood in the living room pretending to straighten his watch while his fingers kept drifting back to the inside of his jacket. Still there. Good.
Across the room Tommy sat on the couch flipping through channels he wasn’t actually watching.
Sarah stood on the coffee table like a tiny fashion critic, studying Joel with alarming seriousness.
“…You look weird.”
Joel frowned at her. “I do not.”
“You do,” she insisted. “You keep patting yourself.”
Joel froze.
Tommy didn’t even look away from the TV. “He’s checking the ring.”
Joel shot him a glare. “Lower your voice.”
Sarah gasped. “You lost it?!”
“I did not lose it.”
Tommy chuckled. “He’s checked his pocket like twelve times.”
Joel muttered something under his breath and checked it again anyway. Still there. Good.
Sarah hopped down from the coffee table and walked over to him, hands behind her back. She looked him up and down. Then she nodded once.
“You look handsome, dad.”
Joel blinked. “…Yeah?”
She shrugged. “Juliet’s gonna like it.”
Joel exhaled slowly. “…Thanks.”
It helped. A little.
Tommy stretched his arms along the back of the couch. “You look like a man walking to the electric chair.”
Joel ignored him.
Tommy kept going. “You’re sweating.”
“I am not sweating.”
“You are absolutely sweating.”
Joel wiped his palms on his pants.
Tommy smirked. “See.”
Joel opened his mouth to respond… And then the sound of footsteps came from the stairs. Everyone turned.
You appeared at the top of the staircase. Joel forgot how to breathe. You were wearing a dress he’d never seen before. Deep red. Simple but elegant, the fabric falling softly around you as you came down the steps.
Your hair was loose. No work clothes. No hurried ponytail. Just you. Beautiful in a way that hit him straight in the chest. Joel stood there staring like someone had unplugged his brain.
Sarah whispered, “…Whoa.”
Tommy let out a low whistle.
You reached the bottom step and looked between the three of them. “What?”
Sarah pointed. “You look like a movie star.”
You laughed. “Well that’s a first.”
Then your eyes moved to Joel. And you stopped smiling for a second. Because Joel was still staring. Completely speechless.
You shrugged slightly. “…Too much?”
Joel shook his head immediately. “…No.” His voice sounded a little rough. “Not even close.”
Sarah grinned.
Tommy leaned toward her and murmured, “Your dad just forgot how words work.”
Joel didn’t even deny it. Because all he could think was one thing: God help me. I’m actually going to ask this woman to marry me.
Then Tommy cleared his throat loudly. “Alright Romeo,” he said, standing up. “If you don’t leave soon you’re gonna miss your reservation.”
Joel blinked, like someone snapping him back into the room. “Right.”
Sarah waved dramatically from the couch. “Have fun!”
Tommy called after them. “Try not to pass out before dessert!”
Joel shot him a look that promised consequences later and ushered you out the door.
The evening air outside was cool enough to make the warmth of the house feel distant. Not freezing, just that dry December chill Austin got a few weeks a year. The kind that made you glad for a coat but didn’t bite. You tucked your hands briefly into the sleeves of yours as you crossed the driveway.
Joel opened the truck door for you. You climbed in, smoothing your dress as you settled into the seat.
“Thank you.”
Joel walked around to the driver’s side, trying very hard not to think about the ring sitting in his jacket pocket. He checked it anyway. Still there. Good.
The engine rumbled to life and for a few minutes the truck filled with the quiet rhythm of the road and your soft humming to the radio.
You seemed completely relaxed. “Okay,” you said lightly, “this is really nice.”
Joel kept his eyes on the road. “…Is it.”
“Yes.” you smiled. “We don’t do fancy dinner dates very often.”
Joel nodded once. “Been busy.”
“That’s true.”
You watched him for another moment. Then asked gently, “So what’s the occasion?”
Joel felt his pulse kick once in his throat. He thought about it for a second. Then he glanced at you.
“…Figured it was overdue.”
“How so?”
Joel shrugged a little. “We spend most nights dealin’ with work, homework, laundry, life…” He gestured vaguely toward the road ahead. “…Thought maybe it’d be nice to take you out. Just the two of us.”
You studied him for a second. Your expression softened.
“That’s… really sweet.”
Joel huffed quietly. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”
“I will absolutely make a big deal out of it,” you said, smiling. “This is romantic.”
Joel shook his head slightly but couldn’t quite hide the small smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.
He drove the rest of the way with you talking about a ridiculous email one of your coworkers had sent earlier that week. Joel nodded along when appropriate, but his mind kept drifting back to the same thought: Tonight.
The restaurant lights appeared ahead as you turned toward the riverfront. Joel pulled into the parking lot and cut the engine.
You looked out the window and smiled. “La Trattoria.”
Joel glanced at you. “You like it here.”
“I do.” You reached for the door handle. Then paused and looked back at him. “Thank you for bringing me.”
Joel swallowed once. “…Yeah.”
You two stepped out into the cool night air and walked toward the warm glow of the restaurant doors.
The inside was warm, softly lit, and pleasantly busy for a Saturday night.
Joel gave the host his name. “Reservation for Miller.”
The host checked the tablet. “…Ah. Yes. Table for two.”
Joel nodded. Good. Still on track.
The host grabbed two menus and started leadingyoudeeper into the dining room.
Joel slipped his hand briefly to his jacket pocket. Still there. Good.
You reached a small table near the window. Candles. White tablecloth. Quiet. Perfect. You smiled as you sat down.
“You did good,” you said softly.
Joel pulled out your chair and sat across from you. “Yeah?”
His heart was beating so loud he was honestly surprised the waiter didn’t comment on it.
You ordered drinks. Bread arrived. Joel picked up the menu but realized he’d been staring at the same line for about thirty seconds. He didn’t read a single word.
You noticed. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “Just hungry.”
“Mm-hm.”
You were smiling a little now, clearly enjoying this rare moment of Joel Miller trying to be romantic.
He exhaled slowly. Okay. He could do this. Dinner first. Then dessert. Then…
“Joel?”
He turned his head. And felt his soul leave his body.
Standing three feet away was Leanne. Emma’s mom. The one who had prompted him to say you were his girlfriend at pickup. Perfect hair. Perfect posture. Perfect passive-aggressive smile.
“…Well,” she said brightly. “What a coincidence.”
Joel closed his eyes for half a second. Of course.
You turned in your chair. “Oh, hi.”
Leanne clasped her hands together like she’d just stumbled upon the most delightful surprise in the world. “I had no idea you two came here.”
Joel muttered, “Neither did I.”
Leanne ignored him. “This place is so charming.”
You smiled politely. “Yes, it’s lovely.”
Joel prayed silently. Please leave. Please just leave.
Leanne tilted her head. “Are you celebrating something?”
Joel opened his mouth. “Just dinner.”
“Just dinner,” you echoed.
Leanne hummed thoughtfully. “Well isn’t that nice.”
Joel saw a man standing behind her. Tall. Nervous. Holding a coat. Her date. The poor bastard.
Leanne turned slightly and gestured. “This is Richard.”
Richard waved awkwardly. “…Hi.”
Joel nodded once. “Hey.”
You smiled politely. “Nice to meet you.”
Leanne looked around the restaurant. Then said the worst possible thing.
“Oh!” She brightened. “Richard, their table is bigger. We could just join them.”
Joel’s entire nervous system shut down. “…No.”
But Leanne had already pulled out the chair beside you. “Oh it’ll be fun.”
You looked at Joel. Joel looked at you. Neither of you could find a socially acceptable way to stop this train wreck.
Richard sat down slowly like a man who knew he was walking into something terrible. Leanne folded her napkin into her lap.
“Well,” she said brightly. “This is cozy.”
Joel stared at the table. The ring in his pocket suddenly felt like a ticking bomb. He closed his eyes for a second. This was officially the worst proposal night in human history… And it had barely even started.
A waiter appeared. “Good evening! Ready to order?”
Leanne answered before anyone else could. “We’re all together. Double date.”
Joel blinked. “…We are not-”
“Wonderful!” the waiter said. “We have a lovely shared appetizer board for couples.”
Before Joel could object, the menus vanished. You pressed your lips together. Your shoulders started shaking.
Joel leaned toward you. “You laughin’?”
You shook your head. “No.” you chuckled. “…A little.”
Leanne leaned forward. “So how long have you two been together now?”
Joel picked up his water. “…More than a year.”
You glanced at him, smiling faintly. “Almost two, actually.”
Leanne blinked. “Oh.” Her eyes flicked between them. “I didn’t realize it had been that long.”
You smiled politely. “Most people don’t keep a spreadsheet.”
Richard coughed into his napkin. Joel took another drink of water.
Leanne went on. “Well. That’s serious.”
You shrugged lightly. “Usually that’s how time works.”
The waiter returned carrying a large bottle of red wine. “And here we are-”
His elbow clipped the table. The bottle slipped. For one terrifying second it spun in the air. Then landed with a THUNK on the table. Everyone froze.
The waiter caught it before it rolled. “…Nailed it.”
Joel stared at him. “…You almost killed us.”
“I’m so sorry.”
You burst out laughing.
Joel looked at you. “You think that’s funny.”
“Yes,” you said breathlessly. “Very.”
Wine was poured.
Joel waved his hand. “None for me. I’m driving.”
Richard murmured, “I’ll have some.”
Then the appetizer board arrived. A massive wooden platter landed in the center of the table. Cheese. Olives. Bread. Prosciutto.
Leanne clapped lightly. “Oh that looks lovely.”
Joel leaned toward the waiter. “We didn’t order-”
“Compliments of the house for couples,” the waiter said with a wink.
Joel closed his eyes. You reached for bread.
Leanne watched you carefully. “So, Juliet, right?” she said sweetly, “do you work full-time or are you mostly helping Joel with Sarah?”
Joel slowly lifted his head.
You chewed calmly. “Full-time.”
Leanne smiled thinly. “Oh really?”
“I’m a lawyer.”
Leanne looked stiff. “Oh.”
You sipped your wine. “Trial attorney.”
Richard nearly inhaled his drink, and Joel felt a small grin pulling at his mouth.
Leanne recovered swiftly. “Well that must keep you very busy. I always wonder how women balance careers and… family responsibilities.”
“Coffee. Spite. And excellent time management.” you replied calmly.
Richard coughed again. Then the main dishes arrived. The waiter set a plate in front of you. You picked up your fork.
Joel glanced down. Then froze.
“…Hold on.”
You paused. “What?”
Joel pointed. “That got shrimp.”
You leaned closer.
“Oh.” Leanne gasped. “You’re allergic?”
“Very.”
The waiter went pale. “I am so sorry. This wasn’t supposed to include seafood.”
Joel shoved the plate away from you. You leaned back in your chair. And started laughing again. Full, helpless laughter.
Joel stared at you. “You’re gonna die and you’re laughin’.”
“I’m not gonna to die,” you said between breaths. “But this is objectively the worst date night in history.”
Leanne sniffed. “Well. Some people enjoy chaos.”
You wiped tears from your eyes. “I do.”
Joel watched you. Flushed from laughing. Eyes bright. Completely unfazed. The most beautiful woman in the room. God, he loved you.
“…Unbelievable.”
You looked at him. “What?”
Joel leaned closer, voice low. “I had a plan tonight.”
You raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
Before he could answer… Leanne leaned forward again.
“So Joel,” she said sweetly, “have you two talked about marriage yet?”
Joel’s brain stopped. Completely. Like someone had unplugged the lights in his head. So much that he choked on the water he’d been sipping.
You turned toward him slowly. Still smiling. But now curious.
Joel coughed and tried to recover.
“I mean,” Leanne went on lightly, “two years is a long time.”
You reached for your wine.
Leanne smiled at you. “And Juliet’s not getting any younger.”
The table went very quiet. Richard froze mid-bite. Joel’s jaw tightened. You set your glass down gently. Then looked at Leanne. And smiled.
“Oh don’t worry,” you said pleasantly. “I fully intend to age.”
Richard snorted. Joel coughed into his napkin to hide a laugh.
Leanne’s smile tightened a little. “Well,” she said, “I just think women sometimes waste their best years waiting.”
You leaned back in your chair. “Waiting for what?”
Leanne gestured vaguely toward Joel. “For men to make up their minds.”
Joel stared at the candle in the center of the table. The ring in his pocket suddenly felt like it weighed ten pounds.
You glanced at him briefly. Then back at Leanne.
“Well,” you said lightly, “if that’s the case I suppose I’ll have to start collecting cats.”
Richard laughed outright this time. Leanne shot him a sharp look. The waiter returned carrying the plate you had actually ordered. He set it down very carefully.
“No shrimp,” he said.
You smiled warmly. “Thank you.”
The waiter nodded and retreated quickly.
Joel watched you for a moment as you took your first bite.
You caught his look. “What.”
“You’re enjoying this.”
You swallowed. “A little.”
Joel leaned closer. “That woman is tryin’ to kill me.”
You whispered back, “She’s trying to kill me.”
Joel pointed subtly with his fork. “She asked me about marriage.”
Your eyes lit up mischievously. “Oh that’s delicious.”
Joel stared at you. “You’re evil.”
Leanne leaned forward again. “So Joel,” she said, “how is Sarah enjoying school this year?”
Joel blinked. “…Good.”
“I heard she’s quite attached to Juliet.”
You took another sip of wine.
Joel nodded slowly. “Yeah.”
Leanne smiled thinly. “That must be… complicated.”
Joel frowned. “What’s complicated.”
“Well,” she said lightly, “blended situations can be confusing for children.”
You burst out laughing. Not polite laughter. Full, helpless laughter.
Leanne blinked, looking outraged.
You wiped a tear from the corner of your eye. “I’m sorry,” you said between breaths. “I just-” you stopped because of some more residual laughter.
Leanne’s smile stiffened. “What?”
You gestured around the table. “This is the worst date Joel has ever planned.”
Joel sighed. “Wasn’t supposed to be.”
Richard looked at Joel. “You planned this?”
Joel rubbed his forehead. “Yeah.”
Richard nodded sympathetically. “…Rough start.”
You laughed again. Joel watched you. And something in his chest loosened. Because you weren't embarrassed. Weren’t annoyed. Weren’t upset… you were having fun. Even with Leanne. Even with the wine disaster. Even with the shrimp incident.
Joel leaned back in his chair. Exhaled. Then finally said quietly,
“…Alright.”
You looked at him. “What.”
Joel grabbed the bread basket. “If we’re stuck here we might as well eat.”
You grinned. “That’s the spirit.”
Leanne sniffed. “Well I hope the rest of the evening is less… chaotic.”
Joel picked up his water glass. Looked directly at you. Then said calmly,
“…I don’t.”
You burst out laughing again.
Joel took a sip of water. And for the first time all night… He stopped worrying about the plan. Because clearly the plan had died hours ago. Now it was just them. And chaos. And honestly? You looked more amused than you had all week.
Joel shook his head slightly. “…Unbelievable.”
You leaned toward him. “What.”
Joel muttered, “You’re worth every second of this mess.”
You smiled at him. And the entire table disappeared. Even Leanne. Even the disaster of a dinner.
Then Leanne spoke again. “So Joel, do you ever-”
Joel held up a hand. “Leanne.”
She blinked. “…Yes?”
Joel pointed toward Richard. “You should probably talk to your date.”
Richard raised his glass. “Thank you.”
You lost it again. Joel leaned back in his chair. He started to enjoy himself.
Dinner should have improved after that. It did not. Joel had just taken his second bite of pasta when the waiter returned carrying a plate none ofyouhad ordered.
“And the tiramisu for the table.”
Joel frowned. “We didn’t-”
The waiter set it down proudly. “Compliments of the house for couples.”
Joel stared at the dessert. Then at the waiter. “…There are four people here. And we still have to finish our first course.”
The waiter hesitated. “…Yes.”
You started laughing again.
Richard picked up a spoon immediately. “Well, I’m not letting it go to waste.”
Leanne sighed dramatically. “This place used to be much more refined.”
Joel muttered, “Should’ve gone to a burger joint.”
Leanne leaned toward you again. “So tell me, Juliet… do you see yourself staying in Austin long-term?”
You looked at her in a way that reflected the weirdness of the question. “...Yes? My job is here, my family’s here… No plans of going anywhere.”
Leanne smiled. “I just always imagined Joel ending up with someone more… settled.”
Joel slowly lowered his fork.
You squinted. “What does that mean?”
Leanne waved her hand. “Oh you know. Someone more… family oriented.”
You blinked once. Then burst out laughing again.
Joel stared at you. “You’re not even mad.”
“Oh I’m a little mad,” you said cheerfully, and then pointed at your plate. “But this is also incredible.”
Richard looked deeply uncomfortable.
“Leanne.”
She turned to him. “Yes?”
“You’re bein’ rude.”
Her smile tightened. “I’m just making conversation.”
You lifted your glass. “To conversation.”
Richard clinked glasses with you immediately. Joel rubbed his face.
The waiter returned. “Is everything alright here?”
Joel nodded. “Fantastic.”
The waiter beamed. “Wonderful!”
Then immediately knocked Joel’s water glass over while reaching for the empty bread basket. Water flooded the tablecloth. The candle tipped sideways. Joel caught it before it rolled. The waiter froze.
“I am… so sorry.”
You laughed so hard you had to cover your face.
Joel stared at the spreading puddle. “…I’m cursed.”
Richard stood up awkwardly. “Here, I’ll help.”
Leanne dabbed her napkin delicately. “This is exactly why I prefer quieter places.”
Joel looked at her. “You’re the loudest thing in this restaurant.”
You choked on your wine.
The waiter returned with a stack of napkins and wiped the table like a man defusing a bomb.
Joel sat back again. Exhausted.
Leanne leaned forward. “So Juliet,” she said sweetly, “do you want children of your own someday?”
Joel froze.
You blinked. “Maybe.”
Leanne nodded thoughtfully. “Well… time does become a factor for women.”
Richard whispered, “Oh my God.”
You smiled politely. “Well,” you said calmly, “good thing that’s not a decision anyone else gets to make for me.”
Richard choked on the tiramisu.
Joel stared at you. “…Jesus.”
Leanne’s expression tightened. “I just think Joel deserves someone who understands his responsibilities and helps him with them.”
You nodded calmly. “You realise I live with them, right?”
Leanne blinked. Once. Then twice. “You…what?”
Richard stopped moving entirely.
Joel slowly looked up from his plate.
Leanne stared at him. “You didn’t mention that.”
Joel shrugged slightly. “Didn’t know I had to publish it on the school bulletin.”
Leanne’s smile returned, but it was thinner now. “Well,” she said lightly, adjusting her napkin, “that seems… rather fast.”
You returned her smile, but yours was authentic.
“It’s been two years.”
Leanne didn’t answer. She just picked up her glass and took a long drink.
Richard muttered quietly, “…I’m gonna need more wine.”
Joel leaned back in his chair and rubbed his face.
The waiter appeared again. “Dessert menus?”
Joel pointed at the tiramisu already sitting there. “We’re good.”
The waiter nodded and fled.
For a few minutes the table fell into an awkward rhythm of eating. Richard finished the tiramisu almost entirely by himself. Leanne complained quietly about the wine. You kept making small comments that made Richard laugh. Joel mostly focused on finishing his pasta and surviving the evening.
At one point the waiter brought Joel the next plate.
“Sir, your lasagna.”
Joel stared at it. “…I ordered chicken marsala.”
The waiter blinked. “Oh.”
You covered your mouth again.
Joel just pushed the plate slightly away. “Honestly, surprise me at this point.”
You laughed so hard you had to lean on the table.
Eventually the plates cleared. The check arrived. Joel paid quickly before Leanne could comment on that too. You stood. Chairs scraped softly across the floor.
Leanne smiled tightly. “Well,” she said, “this was… unexpected.”
You smiled back warmly. “It certainly was.”
Richard gave Joel a sympathetic nod. “Good luck, man.”
Joel nodded once. “Appreciate it.”
Then you two stepped outside into the cool December evening air. The door closed behind you.
Silence.
You lasted about three seconds before you started laughing again. Hard.
Joel shook his head. “You think that was funny.”
You wiped your eyes. “That was the worst date of my life.”
Joel sighed. “Yeah.”
You slipped your hand into his. “But it was also the best.”
Joel looked at you. Streetlights catching in your hair. Your cheeks still flushed from laughing.
The ring box pressed heavy in his pocket. He exhaled slowly.
“…I had a plan tonight.”
You smiled softly. “I figured.”
Joel ran a hand through his hair. “Plan’s dead.”
You squeezed his hand. “That’s okay.”
Joel looked at you again. And suddenly the night didn’t feel completely ruined anymore. Just… different.
“So what now?”
Joel sighed. “…Now we go home.”
***************
The truck rolled quietly along the dark road out of town, headlights cutting through the cool winter night.
For a while you didn’t stop talking.
“…and then when she said I’m not getting any younger”
You broke off laughing again, leaning back against the seat.
Joel kept his eyes on the road. “You found that funny.”
“It was funny,” you said, still smiling. “She was practically vibrating.”
Joel huffed quietly.
You wiped your eyes. “I mean, the woman really thought she was doing something.”
Joel shook his head. “She always does.”
You glanced over at him. “You’ve been dealing with that for years?”
“More than I’d like.”
You laughed again. “And poor Richard. That man aged ten years during dinner.”
Joel let out a low chuckle. For a few seconds the truck filled with the quiet hum of tires on asphalt.
You shook your head again. “I almost feel bad for her.”
Joel glanced at you. “You shouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
Joel kept driving a moment before answering.
“…You realize she’s jealous of you, right?”
You blinked. Then smiled. “Oh, of course.”
Joel frowned slightly. “You say that real casually.”
You shrugged. “Well.” You looked at him. Warm. Teasing. “Come on.”
Joel glanced over briefly.
Then you went: “Look at you.”
For a second he didn’t understand. Then it hit him. And something in his chest warmed so suddenly it almost hurt.
You leaned your head against the seat, still smiling softly. “I can’t blame her...”
Joel swallowed. His grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel. The road ahead stretched dark and empty.
He drove another hundred yards. Maybe two. Then suddenly slowed.
You looked over. “…Joel?”
The truck rolled onto the gravel shoulder. And stopped. The engine idled quietly.
You turned toward him. “What’s wrong?”
Joel didn’t answer right away. He just sat there for a second, staring through the windshield. And all at once the nervousness that had been twisting in his stomach for weeks… went quiet.
Because when you’d said ‘look at you’, not mocking, not teasing, just simple and sure, something in him settled.
He cut the engine. Silence settled around them. The only sound was the faint ticking of the cooling motor.
You studied his face. “Joel?”
He turned toward you slowly. His expression had changed. Not nervous exactly. But serious. Quiet. Like he’d made a decision.
Joel opened the door and stepped out of the truck. Cold air rushed in.
You blinked in confusion. “Joel, you’re scaring me.”
He walked around the front of the truck, gravel crunching softly under his boots. He stopped beside your door and opened it.
“Come here.”
You climbed out slowly. “What are you doing?”
Joel didn’t answer. Instead he reached into his jacket pocket. Pulled out the small velvet box.
You froze. Completely.
“…Joel.”
He looked down at the box in his hand. For a second it felt unreal. Weeks of hiding it. Moving it. Checking it. Panicking about it. All of that… for this moment.
Then he looked back at you.
“Tonight didn’t go how I planned.”
You let out a breathless little laugh.
He opened the box. The ring caught the soft glow of the truck’s headlights.
Your hand flew to your mouth.
Joel took a breath. Then lowered himself onto one knee. The gravel pressed through the denim of his dark jeans but he barely noticed.
Because the second he looked up at you… everything else faded.
The road. The truck. The ridiculous dinner. All of it. All he could see was you. Standing there under the faint starlight. Eyes wide. Hand covering your mouth. Looking at him like the world had just shifted.
Joel ran a hand over the back of his neck.
“I had this whole thing planned,” he said quietly. “Dinner. Words. Timing.” He shook his head slightly. “That clearly didn’t work out.”
You stared at him, tears already gathering.
Joel’s voice softened. “But truth is…” He exhaled slowly. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to say this for weeks.”
He wasn’t a man who talked about feelings easily. Never had been. Most of his life, the important things had stayed locked somewhere behind his ribs. But this one… refused to stay there.
“I ain’t great at this kind of thing.”
You shook your head quickly through your tears.
“You’re doing fine.”
Joel huffed quietly. “Yeah well… let’s not set the bar too high.” Then he looked at you again. Really looked. “You walked into my life, without warning,” he said slowly, “and somehow made everything better.”
You wiped at your eyes and sniffled, trying to hold back tears.
Joel kept going.
“You love my kid like she’s yours. You make our house feel like a home. You laugh at disasters like tonight instead of runnin’ from them.” His voice dropped a little. “And somewhere along the way…” He shook his head faintly. “I stopped bein’ able to imagine my life without you in it.”
The quiet stretched between you. Just the two of you in the dark Texas night.
Joel exhaled slowly. “So I’m gonna skip the fancy speech.” A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Juliet…” He held the ring out. “Will you marry me?”
For a second you just stared at him. Like your mind was catching up with your heart. Then a breath escaped you.
“Oh my God.”
Joel’s pulse hammered.
You moved suddenly. Grabbing his face with both hands and pulling him up from the gravel.
“Yes.”
And then you kissed him. A real kiss. One that carried all the weeks of tension and laughter and fighting and making up and building something together.
Joel wrapped his arms around you instinctively, pulling you closer. Your fingers slid into his hair as you kissed him again, softer this time. Slower. Like you were trying to memorize the moment.
Joel felt something inside his chest loosen completely. Like the last tight knot he hadn’t even realized he was carrying had finally come undone.
You pulled back slightly, breathless and laughing through tears.
“Yes, Joel,” you whispered. “Of course yes.”
He slid the ring onto your finger. It fit perfectly. You looked down at it, shaking your head in disbelief.
“You did this… in the middle of nowhere.”
Joel shrugged slightly, one hand still resting on your waist.
“Any place is perfect… as long as you’re in it.”
You laughed again. Then pulled him down into another kiss. And this one was slower. Gentler. The kind of kiss that didn’t need to rush anywhere.
But you didn’t let go of him afterward. You stayed close, arms around his neck, forehead pressed against his.
Joel felt the small tremor in your shoulders and pulled back just enough to look at you.
“You cryin’?”
You sniffed, laughing weakly through it. “Yes.”
“Why?”
You wiped under one eye with the heel of your hand, looking down at the ring again like you still couldn’t quite believe it was there.
“Because, you idiot,” you said softly. “You just proposed to me.”
Joel huffed a quiet breath. “Yeah.”
You shook your head, another tear slipping free. “I had no idea.”
“That was kinda the point.”
You looked up at him again, eyes shining. “You’ve been planning this?”
“For a while.”
“How long?”
“Like three weeks.”
Your eyebrows lifted. “Joel.”
“What.”
You laughed through the last of your tears and leaned into him again, studying his face like you were seeing him differently now.
“You talked to Bill, didn’t you.”
Joel sighed. “Yeah.”
“And Sarah.”
“Had to.”
You smiled softly. “She knew?”
“She helped pick the ring.”
Your hand flew to your mouth again, fresh tears appearing instantly. “Oh my God. That explains so much. Like why she talked like she was on a sugar high all the time…”
Joel watched you for a moment, something warm spreading through his chest again. “You alright?”
You nodded quickly. “Yes.”
Then suddenly you grabbed his coat and tugged him toward the truck. “Come here.”
Joel blinked. “Where we goin’.”
You pulled open the passenger door and climbed inside, then reached for him.
“Inside.”
Joel climbed in after you, shutting the door behind you.
The cab of the truck felt instantly warmer, the quiet night wrapping around the vehicle. You didn’t give him time to say anything. You grabbed his jacket and pulled him into another kiss.
This one wasn’t slow. Or gentle. It was the kind of kiss that came from too many emotions hitting at once: relief, joy, disbelief, love.
Joel let out a quiet breath against your mouth before his hands found your waist again, pulling you closer across the seat.
You shifted sideways, half climbing onto his lap without even thinking about it, your arms sliding around his neck as you kissed him again. Harder.
Joel’s hand moved up your back, fingers brushing the curve of your spine through the fabric of your dress as he kissed you back just as fiercely now.
You broke the kiss for a second, laughing softly against his cheek. “This is insane.”
Joel murmured against your neck, “You’re the one who dragged me in here.”
“Because you proposed to me on the side of the road.”
Joel huffed. “Seemed like the right moment.”
You kissed him again before he could say anything else, your fingers sliding into his hair.
Joel leaned back against the seat, one hand steady at your waist while the other brushed your thigh as their kisses slowed again, deeper now.
The windows had started to fog. And Joel had very successfully forgotten where you were. Which was exactly when red and blue lights flashed behind them.
You froze.
Joel closed his eyes. “…You gotta be kiddin’ me.”
A car door shut somewhere behind them. Boots crunched on gravel. Someone knocked on Joel’s window, making you jump to your seat with a style and speed he’d previously only seen in felines. Then a familiar voice called out from the darkness when Joel slowly opened the window.
“Well now.”
He turned slowly. The same cop from their first date stood a few yards away, hands resting on his belt. He raised an eyebrow at the fogged windows.
“Y’all again?”
You buried your face in Joel’s shoulder, laughing helplessly.
Joel sighed. “…Evenin’, officer.”
The cop glanced at your hand still resting on Joel’s chest. Then at the ring sparkling under the dashboard lights. His eyebrows lifted.
“Well I’ll be damned.”
You lifted your head, still smiling. “We just got engaged.”
The cop nodded slowly. “Yeah… that tracks.”
Joel rubbed his face.
The officer tipped his hat slightly. “Congratulations.” Then he jerked a thumb toward the road. “Now maybe take the celebration somewhere that ain’t the shoulder of Highway 71.”
You laughed again. “Yes, sir.”
The officer tipped his hat once more, amused, then turned and walked back toward his patrol car. A moment later the cruiser’s door shut, the engine started, and the red and blue lights blinked off as he pulled back onto the road and drove away.
Inside the truck, you grabbed Joel’s hand and squeezed it, still grinning.
“Still the best date ever.”
Joel looked at you. At the ring. Then back at the road.
“…Yeah,” he said quietly. “Yeah it is.”
****************
The truck rolled into the driveway a little after ten. The porch light was still on. Joel noticed it immediately.
“…Why’s the light on.”
You smiled faintly, turning the ring on your finger again like you still couldn’t quite believe it was there.
“Maybe Tommy forgot.”
Joel parked the truck and cut the engine. you walked up the short path to the house, you still holding his hand.
Joel opened the door. The moment you stepped inside… Sarah appeared from the living room like a tiny tornado.
“YOU’RE BACK!”
Joel blinked. “…Why are you still awake.”
Sarah ignored him completely and ran straight to you. “How was dinner??”
You opened your mouth… Then Sarah saw the ring. And the world exploded.
“OH MY GOD!” She grabbed your hand with both of hers, staring at the ring like it had descended from heaven. “YOU DID IT!”
You laughed helplessly. “Yes, apparently he did.”
Sarah spun toward Joel. “You proposed?!”
Joel shrugged a little. “…Yeah.”
Sarah screamed. A full, unrestrained, neighborhood-alerting scream.
“OH MY GOD!”
Tommy appeared from the kitchen doorway, arms folded, clearly having been listening the whole time.
“Well,” he said, strolling closer with a grin, “that answers that question.”
You looked up at him, still laughing.
Tommy didn’t hesitate. He pulled you into a big hug.
“Welcome to the family, sister.”
You hugged him back just as tightly. “Careful,” you laughed into his shoulder. “I might hold you to that.”
Tommy pulled back and looked at the ring. “Well I’ll be damned.” Then he stepped past you and grabbed Joel by the shoulder, pulling him into a quick, rough hug. “Congratulations, big brother.”
Joel huffed a small laugh into his shoulder. “…Thanks.”
Tommy pulled back and gave him a firm clap on the back. “I knew you’d get there.”
Joel frowned. “You did not.”
Tommy raised an eyebrow.
Joel gestured vaguely toward the door. “I almost didn’t. Dinner was a complete disaster.”
You snorted.
Tommy laughed. “Still got it done.”
Sarah was still staring at the ring like a tiny dragon guarding treasure.
“It’s so shiny.”
Joel rubbed the back of his neck. “Alright, let her breathe.”
Sarah ignored him completely and hugged you around the waist. “Are you gonna marry my dad for real?”
You crouched down slightly so you were face to face. “If that’s okay with you.”
Sarah threw her arms around your neck immediately. “YES.”
Joel watchedyoufor a second. Something in his throat tightened.
Tommy noticed. He leaned closer and muttered quietly,
“…You’re lookin’ real emotional over there.”
Joel elbowed him. “Shut up.”
Sarah finally released you and grabbed your hand again. “Can I tell people tomorrow??”
Joel sighed. “…We’ll talk about it.”
Sarah bounced in place. “This is the best night ever.”
You stood again, slipping your hand into Joel’s. He squeezed it instinctively.
Tommy clapped his hands once. “Alright,” he said. “That’s enough excitement for one night. Kid’s supposed to be asleep.”
Sarah grinned. “Worth it.”
You laughed and leaned into Joel slightly. He looked down at you, then at the ring again.
“…Best night ever.”
You squeezed his hand. “Absolutely.”
The adrenaline of the evening had burned through Sarah fast. Somewhere between the fourth time she asked to see the ring and the second glass of milk Tommy had handed her, she’d started yawning.
Joel had carried her to bed not long after.
Now the hallway light was off, her bedroom door cracked just enough for the soft glow of her nightlight to spill out.
In the living room, you paced across the rug with your phone pressed to your ear, the ring flashing every time you moved your hand.
“Yes, Mom,” you were saying, laughing breathlessly. “Yes, of course I said yes.”
Joel leaned against the kitchen counter, arms folded, watching you.
You had already called Annie. Then at least three friends. And after every call you looked down at the ring again like it had just appeared there.
Tommy stood beside Joel, quietly opening a soda. He leaned closer.
“…She’s been doing that for twenty minutes.”
Joel nodded. “Yeah.”
Across the room you gasped suddenly. “Yes, Bill, I know,” you said into the phone, laughing again. “You don’t have to threaten him.”
Joel groaned under his breath.
Tommy grinned. “Told you.”
You turned away from them, still talking.
Joel finally pushed away from the counter and grabbed a soda for himself.
Tommy tipped his chin toward the living room. “So.”
Joel glanced over. “Yeah.”
Tommy waited. “…You gonna tell me how it actually happened?”
“…Disaster.”
Tommy immediately smiled. “Good.”
Joel snorted. “No, I mean actual disaster.”
He leaned back against the counter again. “Leanne showed up.”
Tommy’s eyebrows shot up. “…You’re kidding.”
“Nope.”
“With a date?”
“Yep.”
Tommy let out a low whistle. “That’s rough.”
Joel nodded. “Waiter almost launched a wine bottle at us.”
Tommy choked on his drink. “What?”
“Then they gave Juliet shrimp.”
Tommy blinked. “…The one thing she’s allergic to?”
“And the waiter thought it was a double date.”
Tommy started laughing.
Joel pointed at him. “It wasn’t funny.”
“It’s hilarious.”
Joel shook his head. “She kept laughing the whole time.”
Tommy wiped his eyes. “Of course she did.”
Joel looked toward the living room again.
You had finished your call and were now texting rapidly, clearly sending pictures of the ring.
“…Plan was dead,” Joel muttered.
“So what happened.”
Joel shrugged. “Pulled the truck over.”
Tommy straightened. “You what.”
“Side of the road.”
Tommy stared at him.
Joel took a drink. “…Highway 71.”
Tommy burst out laughing again. “You proposed on the shoulder of a highway?”
“Yeah.”
Tommy shook his head. “That’s incredible.”
Joel exhaled slowly. “Then we started making out in the truck.”
Tommy stopped laughing. “…Please tell me you’re kidding.”
Joel took another drink. “Windows fogged.”
Tommy leaned back against the counter, howling now. “You’re thirty-two years old.”
“Cop showed up.”
Tommy froze. “…No.”
Joel nodded. “Same one from the first date.”
Tommy nearly collapsed laughing. “Oh my God.”
Joel rubbed his face. “Worst date in history.”
Tommy shook his head, still grinning. “Best one, apparently.”
Joel looked at him.
His brother reached over and gave his shoulder a firm squeeze. “I’m real happy for you.”
Joel nodded once. “…Yeah.”
Tommy looked toward the living room. “You did good.”
Joel looked at you again. At the ring. At the way you still couldn’t stop smiling.
“…Yeah,” he said quietly. “I know.”
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