Holding on to normal conversation was a stretch, especially for the three of them all together at the table. Bobby complimented Dean on his grilling, Kayla on the house and both of them for the life they'd made. It was genuine; Bobby wanted this for them, more importantly he wanted it for Dean. He deserved a family and he'd earned his happiness. Bobby would have faked interest in paint colors if it meant keeping Dean off subject, but he was the one who asked about his hunt.

"Ah you know how it goes, you've done it enough." Bobby circled the details.

"Come on man." Dean urged him. "Spill it."

Bobby grimaced but appeased him by spitting out a short account of the hunt. He didn't offer up any graphic details; he didn't offer up anything that would peak Dean's interest.

Kayla was a bundle of nerves after dinner and she tried to load the dishwasher without shaking. Dean and Bobby had gone into the garage for a couple beers and she resisted going with them. She didn't know what she was so worried about, surely Bobby wouldn't ask him for help, or to go on a hunt with him. Even if he did, Dean wouldn't go, right?

She didn't think she'd ever know what was really going on in Dean's mind. He seemed to have adjusted as well as anyone could expect under his circumstances. He seemed to be happy, relatively. Every day he got a little better, a little more laid back, but there was always this deep rooted fear that it was all a front. That he was doing this for her, and that he would only be able to play house for so long.

"I don't know man." Dean tossed the empty beer bottle into the trash. "She's got the money, her friends say I'm a trophy husband."

Bobby laughed quietly. "We should all be so lucky."

"Shut up." He grabbed another beer. "It's all faking a smile through barbeques and dinner parties, talking about 'problems at home' with the guys at work." He laughed. "They think they have problems. They don't know problems."

But he saw the look on his face; the amused tolerance, the satisfaction. He shook his head. "You don't have to be tough with me boy, it's okay to like it."

"It's not." Dean grimaced. "Bobby he gave his life for this."

"And he wanted you to be happy. We all do Dean, why do you have to put yourself through this? If Karen were here…" he paused and composed himself. "I wouldn't be hunting if she were still here. I'd rather have this, right here."

He hesitated but admitted it. "It's kind of like, the thing I didn't know I was waiting for."

Bobby smiled. "You're gonna be a good dad."

"I wouldn't go that far." He smirked. "Don't tell anyone I'm into all this."

"Who would I tell?'

Content laughter was heard from inside the house and Dean smiled. "That, right there, is probably one of my favorite sounds on this planet. And I hear it all the time now."

"Who's she talking to?"

"I'd have to with our neighbor…she probably came to check on us since there's an 'unreputable' vehicle in the driveway."

"Nosy neighbors huh?"

"Kayla prefers 'concerned'." He led him back into the house and found Kayla in the kitchen with Shannon and her daughter.

"Hey Dean!" Katie piped cheerfully, her face lit up with excitement.

"Hey short stack."

She giggled ridiculously as she did any time Dean spoke to her, the tiny tot had a huge crush. "I'm taller today."

"Yeah, you look taller." He agreed and nodded to Shannon. "How's it goin'? Bobby, this is Shannon, Shannon, Bobby…"

"Hi!" Shannon smiled and shook his hand. "Kayla was just telling me that you came by for a surprise visit. Are you all excited to be a grandpa for the first time?"

Kayla caught his side-glance and tried not to laugh. She had told her that Bobby was Dean's stepfather.

"Oh yeah." Bobby mustered up. "Thrilled to be labeled as old."

"With age comes wisdom." Shannon noted. "I'll leave you guys alone, I just wanted to say hi. Have a good night."

"Aw mommy, can't we stay? Pretty please?" Katie tugged at her sleeve.

"No sweetie, they have a guest. We'll see Kayla tomorrow now come on."

Kayla waited for the backlash as the front door shut.

"That's great." Bobby nodded. "Grandpa."

"Come on grandpa." Dean patted his shoulder. "Get your bag out of the truck."

"Hell no." He pretended to be insulted. "Calling me old. This old man can drive in the dark."

He didn't push him because he knew that he was still a hunter first more than anything and well, hunters were uncomfortable around prolonged exposure to civilians. Not that they were quite civilians, but they sure as hell were surrounded by them.

"You okay?"

He smiled. "Yeah." And he actually was.