One Door Closes & Another One Opens
Joel x OFC!Divorce Lawyer
Explicit, 18+
Patience Is Key
Main MasterList & Series Masterlist - My AO3
Summary: She’s a divorce attorney and he’s a husband looking for help to save his daughter, and himself, from his gambling addict wife. Renae Russo is a woman who fights for her clients and wins. She’s satisfied with her life and what she does - but she wishes she could have a little more. What happens when Joel Miller becomes her client and an old flame of Renae’s reignites in the same breath?
Chapter Summary: Sometimes love is a waiting game.
Word count: 3.9k
-Here’s the finale babes…I can’t believe it’s here! I hope this lives up to everyone’s wishes…I know I’m very happy with the outcome.
Maybe there will be an extra chap for these two in the near future … who knows?
But I wanna say thank you to everyone who’s been here for this story, I’ll love these two forever. And I think this will be my last Joel series … but I hope you guys stay for what I have in the future<3
—
“Sarah!” Joel yells up the staircase, “Ya’ ready to go?”
“Coming, dad!” Sarah yells from her bedroom, causing Joel to chuckle as he grabs his bags from the bottom of the steps. Suddenly he hears the stomping of Sarah’s shoes descending the staircase, and he looks up with bags on both his shoulders to see her eyes sparkle with excitement. Joel can’t help but smile at the sight of her. She deserves this more than she knows, he thinks to himself.
They’re about to embark on an adventure that has been months in the making. Their destination is Joel’s cabin, a couple hours out of the city, a place where they can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life - for the week of the Fourth of July.
“You ready for the trip of your dreams, Renae?” Sarah giggles as she passes her in the driveway, now skipping backwards towards the truck.
Renae grins, excitement bubbling inside her, “I sure am!”
This road trip has been a long time coming, and she can’t wait to hit the open road with her boyfriend and step-daughter - Frankie coming along as well.
As Joel flies on the highway, the wind tousles the girl's hair and the music blares through the speakers, creating the perfect soundtrack for their adventure. With each passing mile, Renae leaves her worries behind and embraces the freedom of this week.
Because of their late start, the sun starts to set while they drive, casting a golden glow over the horizon. Renae can’t contain her excitement when she sees the sun descending in the distance. Joel can’t help but notice the radiant smile on her face as she gazes at the golden painting in the sky.
Her love for sunsets is infectious, so much so that Joel finds himself captivated by the beauty that illuminates her features. Her red hair shines, her blue eyes glimmer, and her cheeks are a bright gold.
The delayed start to their journey seems insignificant now, as they both bask in the mesmerizing sight before them. In the silence of the car, besides the sounds of Frankie smelling out the back window, a shared moment of appreciation for the simple joys of life bonds them in a way words can’t express.
"Dad," Sarah asks eagerly, "When we get there, can I start the fire?" Joel's eyes meet hers in the rearview mirror, his own smile mirroring Sarah's contagious excitement. "You most definitely can, dear," he replies warmly.
Renae marveles at the scene unfolding before her. Sarah's enthusiasm is a reflection of Joel's adventurous spirit, and as she playfully mimics his smile, Renae can’t help but notice the striking resemblance between father and daughter. They share the same twinkling eyes and infectious grins, a sight that never fails to melt Renae's heart.
"She's just like you, you know," Renae murmurs, planting her hand on Joel’s that rests on the center console. She smiles up at him, feeling a warmth spread through him at her words, Thank you, is all he chokes out and she feels his hand squeeze hers just a bit tighter.
—
Renae stands in awe as she gazes upon the cabin that Joel promised would be their sanctuary for the week. Its worn wooden exterior blends seamlessly with the serene forest surroundings, and a sense of peace washes over her. This is exactly what she needs - a break from the chaos of everyday life, especially work.
Her forest eyes sparkle with wonder as she stands at the edge of the lake, completely captivated by its simple beauty. The sun’s setting, casting a golden hue over the water, making it shimmer like a thousand diamonds. She inhales deeply, taking in the scent of pine trees and freshwater.
Feeling a presence behind her, she turns to see Joel, a soft smile tugs at the corners of his lips. Renae can’t help but smile back. "Wow," she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper. "This is just... beautiful."
"I knew you'd love it," Joel whispers, his eyes reflecting the same awe that Renae feels. Together, they stand in silence, letting the tranquility of the moment wash over them, taking in each and every second they can.
As the last rays of sunlight dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, Renae knows that this moment will be etched in her memory forever. It’s such a special moment, shared between two people in the presence of nature's breathtaking beauty, but in that simplicity, she finds a profound sense of joy and gratitude.
“Can I get some help back here, please!” Sarah hollers from behind them, back at Joel’s truck with a couple bags in hand, “I wanna start this fire, guys!”
Hand in hand, Renae and Joel chuckle to themselves before walking back towards the vehicle to unload their luggage, their hearts full and their spirits uplifted.
Walking into the cabin with bags in each hand, Renae's heart swells with anticipation. She can’t quite pinpoint why, but there’s an inexplicable electricity in the air that makes her pulse quicken. Perhaps it’s the way the trees whisper ancient secrets or the way the sunset casts a beautiful glow over the water.
A couple hours later, everything is set up to everyone’s liking, and Renae feels like she has stepped into a fairytale. In her leggings and loose sweater, she glides towards the living room area and is finally able to appreciate the work that Joel put into this space. The interior is cozy and inviting, with plush couches, a dark fireplace that crackles, filling the room with a warm, earthy scent that envelopes her.
Joel has truly outdone himself, and she can’t wait to spend the week here with him and Sarah.
Renae sinks into one of the plush couches, feeling utterly content in this environment, something she could get more than comfortable with.
Then, Joel and Sarah emerge from the kitchen, carrying steaming mugs of hot cocoa and laughter in their eyes. As darkness settles over the land, a canopy of stars emerges in the sky, twinkling like diamonds against the velvet backdrop.
As the night passes, they sit by the fire, just listening to the pops and cracks every few seconds. Renae feels a sense of serenity wash over her as Joel’s arm wraps around her shoulder, pulling her closer to his side, leaning her head against his shoulder and chest. While Sarah lays over Renae’s lap on her side with Frankie curled up to her, as she lets Renae softly run her fingers up and down the side of her torso and arm.
She’s not sure when she falls asleep, but between Joel holding her and Sarah’s love, she does.
—
Renae sits on the porch of the cabin early the next morning, cradling her steaming cup of coffee, she feels a sense of tranquility wash over her. The early sunlight filters through the dense foliage surrounding the cabin, casting dappled patterns of light on the wooden floor.
The gentle rustling of the leaves in the nearby forest provides a soothing soundtrack to the peaceful moment. It’s as if the trees are whispering ancient secrets, their branches swaying in a synchronized dance to an unheard melody.
She takes a deep breath, inhaling the crisp, pine-scented air. With her legs folded to her chest, she closes her eyes, allowing herself to be fully present in the moment, soaking in the sights and sounds of the wilderness around her. Even after her numerous hiking trips around the state of Texas, she had never encountered a place quite like this.
The cabin sits nestled among towering trees, their thick trunks reaching towards the sky like sentinels guarding a hidden realm. The earthy scent of the forest mingles with the aroma of her coffee, creating a sensory symphony that fills her with a sense of profound peace.
As Renae sips her coffee, she watches a pair of squirrels playfully chase each other through the underbrush, their chittering laughter adding to the magical atmosphere. She can’t help but marvel at the beauty of the natural world and the sense of harmony that seems to permeate every aspect of the forest.
Lost in contemplation, Renae feels a deep connection to the wilderness around her. It’s a place of serenity and wonder, a sanctuary far removed from the business of everyday life. A place she can most definitely get used to enjoying, with Joel and Sarah… and maybe one day, a little one of their own.
“Mornin’ darlin’,” his sleepy voice emerges from the front door, “Thank you for makin’ coffee.” A soft chuckle follows as she turns to see him approaching with a steaming cup in hand.
“Thanks for puttin’ me to bed last night,” she chuckles as she slides over for him to sit next to her, “That couch is comfy, but I would’ve felt like shit this mornin’.”
The corners of his eyes crinkle with amusement as he settles down beside her, his presence brings a sense of comfort and familiarity. He takes a sip of his coffee, the steam rising in the crisp morning air, and then, as if on cue, lifts his left arm behind the back of the swing. She knows that’s her invitation to nestle into her spot against him, the spot where their bodies fit together effortlessly as if they’re two pieces of a puzzle.
The peaceful moment lingers between them, the soft sounds of nature providing a soothing melody and their breathing synchronized into one. In that simple gesture of leaning on him, she finds a sense of belonging and contentment that words can never fully capture. It’s a quiet intimacy shared between two souls who have found solace in each other's company.
And as they sit there, savoring the warmth of the morning sun and the comfort of each other's presence, they know that no matter the things they’ve been through for the past two years, they have found a safe haven in the embrace of their love and they both are comfortable in knowing their love it true.
—
Renae hums to herself as she chops vegetables in the cozy kitchen, the aroma of a delicious stir-fry filling the room. Joel and Sarah’s laughter float in from the beach, where they’re engrossed in a friendly game of volleyball. Surrounded by the sounds of the beach and the sizzle of the pan, Renae can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing from her life.
As she stirs the vegetables in the pan, her thoughts drift to motherhood. Watching Sarah grow up has been a joy, but lately, Renae finds herself yearning for a child of her own. Someone she can raise from infancy, pass on her wisdom to, and watch grow into a remarkable individual. The desire for motherhood tugs at her heartstrings, making her question her own path in life.
But Renae knows that bringing up the topic of having a child with Joel is a delicate matter. She’s not sure if he’s ready to start a family all over again, especially considering that Sarah’s already a teenager. The uncertainty of Joel's feelings about marriage and starting a new family weigh heavily on Renae's mind, causing a mix of hope and apprehension to swirl within her. But she refuses to bring it up to him, it’s just not the right timing.
Each rhythmic slice of the knife brings a sense of calm, allowing her mind to wander freely. As she continues cutting, the thought of expanding their little family lingers at the forefront of her thoughts - it won’t stop replaying on loop in her head. She imagines Joel's laughter blending with the innocent giggles of a child, filling their home with more joy and love.
Lost in her daydreams, Renae's focus wavers, and she winces as the blade nicks her finger. It’s a small cut, but enough to startle her. "Fuck," she mutters under her breath, unaware that Joel heard her from outside.
In a swift motion, Joel enters the cozy cabin, a look of concern flashes across his face. "Are you okay?" he asks, his voice laced with worry as he approaches Renae at the sink.
Renae plasters on a smile, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yeah, just a tiny cut. Nothin’ serious," she replies, her attempt at reassurance tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
Joel reaches for her hand, inspecting the minor injury with furrowed brows. "Ya’ know you don't have to pretend with me, right?" he says softly, his gaze searching hers for any hint of what she’s truly feeling. “What’s really goin’ on?” He sincerely asks as he wraps her pointer finger in a piece of paper towel.
“Nothing-“
“N’ don’t lie,” he cuts her off, not rudely but stern enough to tell her to just tell the truth.
Tears well up in her eyes as Joel's warm touch envelopes her hand, the paper towel absorbing the blood from her wounded finger. The vulnerability of the moment makes her voice tremble, "I just… I don't wanna pressure you… but I want a baby of our own."
Joel's deep, chocolate eyes met hers with understanding. "One of our own?" he says at the same time, his voice full of compassion and love.
Her breath catches in her throat as she nods in response, her lip quivering as tears stream down her cheeks. The weight of her confession hangs heavy in the air, but she feels a glimmer of hope as Joel speaks, his words filling her with shock and disbelief.
“I do too,” he reassures her, in fact he gladly embraces the idea of starting anew, “You’ll be an amazin’ mother, just from the way you are with Sarah, I can tell you’ll rock it. I haven’t brought it up cause I didn’t think you’d want to have a child with me. So I left it alone, but darlin’…it’s what I want more than anythin’.”
She can sense a longing evident in his words as he expresses his desire for another child. The notion that Sarah would relish the role of an older sister brings a wave of comfort over Renae, her heart swells with gratitude for Joel's unexpected acceptance.
Renae throws herself into Joel's arms, their embrace is a sanctuary of understanding and unspoken promises. As they stand together in that peaceful silence, a newfound sense of togetherness and possibility enveloped them, igniting a flame of hope for a future filled with love and the pitter-patter of tiny feet.
“I love you so much,” she whispers into his neck, “you’re my world and I’d be so lost without you. Thank you for loving me.”
“I love you too, mama.”
—
Ouh baby, I'm a love man
That’s what they call me, I’m a love man
I’m six feet one, weigh two hundred and ten
Long hair, and pretty fair skin
Long legs and I’m a-out a sight
Hey, little girl, I’m gonna take you out
‘Cause I’m a love man
Renae softly sings to herself, her voice blending with the gentle lapping of the water against the pontoon. As the sun's warm rays kiss her skin, she closes her eyes, feeling utterly at peace. Sarah's laughter and splashing adds to the symphony of summer sounds, creating a harmonious atmosphere that seems to encapsulate the essence of happiness.
Joel had expertly maneuvered the boat to a sandbar near their cabin, a secluded oasis where time seems to stand still. The sky stretched endlessly above them, a canvas of blue punctuated by fluffy white clouds. The whole day had been a lazy blur of swimming, sunbathing, and endless laughter - and it’s only three in the afternoon.
Since the Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday, the whole week Joel says the lake will be busy. And just like he said, the sandbar is buzzing with kids and families all enjoying the summer heat. Children play in the shallow waters, their giggles echoing across the lake. Families picnicking on the shore, the smell of barbecue lingers in the air. It’s a scene straight out of a postcard, a snapshot of summertime bliss.
Renae's voice carries across the water, the melody weaving through the chatter and laughter. Next thing she knows Sarah joins in, her voice blending seamlessly with Renae's. Joel sits by the steering wheel, a content smile playing on his lips as he just watches the two girls sing, now to one another.
Which one of you girls want me to hold you?
A-which one of you girls wants me to kiss you?
A-which one of you girls want me to take you out?
Go on, I got you, gonna knock you all night
‘Cause, baby, I’m a love man
Both Renae and Sarah instinctively splash the water to the beat of the song and both end up laughing at the fact they did the same thing. “This is why I love you, Renae!” Sarah admits with a huge smile across her lips and Renae freezes.
It’s the first time she’s said it and it’s genuine, not forced by any means. It sounds so natural coming from her but it means the world to Renae. “Love you too, Sarah,” she chokes, still with a smile on her face.
Ottis Redding fades from the speaker and Elton John takes over, Your Song. The very song that Renae branded as her and Joel’s song, because it was the first song to play after Joel officially asked her out almost five months ago.
Without a second thought Renae turns her head behind her to look for Joel, “Baby, It’s our song-“ she stops her sentence as she sees Joel already standing in front of her with his right hand reaching for her to stand up. She pushes herself up from the pontoon floor and reaches for his hand for support, adjusting the strap of her bikini top so it’s not digging into her neck.
“May I have this dance?” He purrs softly with a smirk.
“Of course,” she feels her cheeks heat up from his words, her heart fluttering with excitement. The gentle melody floats through the air, creating a magical atmosphere around them.
Joel pulls her closer, and they sway to the music, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, the boat rocking just enough to feel like a dream.
Oh, I know it’s not much, but it’s the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one’s for you
And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that’s it’s done
I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind
That I put down into words
How wonderful life is while you’re in this world
The world fades away, leaving only the two of them lost in the moment. Renae looks into Joel’s shiny orbs, seeing nothing but love and adoration reflecting back at her. She finally feels like she’s where she’s supposed to be in life - she’s finally found her happiness.
You see, I’ve forgotten if they’re green or they’re blue
Anyway, the thing is, what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I’ve ever seen
And you can tell everyone that this is your song
The song slowly comes to an end and Joel dips her slightly, causing her to let out a laugh of pure joy. He brings her back up, his arms wrapping around her in a tight embrace. “I love you,” he whispers, his voice filled with sincerity.
Tears gather in Renae’s eyes as she leans in to kiss him, her heart overflowing with happiness. The kiss is passionate but also sweet, short lived even. But the next thing she knows, Joel’s on one knee as he holds both her hands.
“Joel…”
“Renae,” he starts, “You are the love of my life. Your heart is so pure and full of joy, the way you’re passionate about your job is liberating. I find it incredibly attractive that you are your own woman and always have been. You don’t let others sway you, you stand on what you believe in.” He takes a breath to stop himself from crying.
“The way you treat Sarah, like she’s your own, is something that I love about you. N’ I know she loves you and would love to have you in her life as a mother figure. Then we can eventually have a little one of our own, to make you n’ me complete.” His words start to crack from the emotions he’s trying to hide, “Renae Russo, will you make me the happiest man n’ marry me?”
She's starstruck, she can’t believe he’s really asking her to marry him. Renae never thought he’d be open to the thought of marriage again, “Yes! Yes, of course I’ll marry you!” She practically sobs between laughs of disbelief.
He stands up and wraps his arms tightly around her body as she latches hers around his torso, then quickly lifts her face to kiss him with love. Their love story has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs, but through it all, they have grown closer and stronger together.
Joel, a man who had sworn off marriage after a painful divorce, that she had officiated, is so in love with her that he broke that promise to himself. He feels like Renae’s worth breaking his own rules, because of the way she treats him and his daughter.
Then just like that, Sarah comes from behind Renae and pulls out a small black velvet box and hands it to Renae with a large smile with happy tears. Renae’s heart flutters at the act of Sarah giving her the engagement ring.
Renae's heart skips a beat as she opens the box to reveal a stunning engagement ring glistening in the light of the sun. Tears of joy well up in her eyes as she gazes between the ring, Joel, and then Sarah. With shaky fingers she takes the glistening diamond in her hands and she slides it on her ring finger, and she finally loses her composure.
“I love you both so much,” she chokes out as she reaches for both Joel and Sarah.
As the rest of the evening unfolds, Renae finds herself unable to take her eyes off the exquisite ring adorning her finger. Every glance at the diamond fills her with a sense of gratitude and wonder, reminding her of the love that transcends boundaries and embraces all possibilities.
Joel, unable to contain his own happiness, showers Renae with affection, his touch a constant reassurance of their shared journey ahead. With every caress and whisper promise, he silently vows to be the rock on which their unconventional love story can always thrive.
Renae knows that with Joel by her side, she has the unwavering support to pursue her dreams and create the life she has always envisioned. Their love was a testament to the beauty of breaking free from societal constraints and embracing a connection that defied all odds.
And as Renae drifts off to sleep that night, the tears of joy that had welled up in her eyes earlier now sparkles with a newfound hope and determination. She knows that with Joel and Sarah standing beside her, anything is possible, and her heart brimmed with excitement for the adventure that lay ahead.