Chapter 40: Things are gonna get better
'Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.'
-Confucius
Joel was a man on a mission as he rode into town. Ellie was back home with Becca, which made him comfortable enough to leave her. She was starting to regain her strength back. Everyday, little by little she was healing.
Sharon said she could go off bedrest today. He would finish what he needed to do in town and then get back to her. She had a very special day today. One that he planned to be memorable for her.
Now though, he had something he needed to take care of. First things first.
He halted Dusty in front of the hospital as he hopped down. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. He was trembling with rage. It's been festering inside of him for over a week. Becca told him to leave it alone, but he couldn't do that. He refused to do that.
He walked into the hospital, feeling an uneasiness settle over him. He hated hospitals. They brought nothing but death and destruction. At least for him anyway.
Joel saw her standing by the nurse's station. He took a deep breath as he walked over to her. It took everything in him not to slap her across the face. He would never hit a woman. He's many things, but a woman abuser isn't one of them. He would give her a piece of his mind though.
Callie looked up at him and smiled softly,'Good morning, Mr. Miller. How are you today?'
He glared at her and yanked the clipboard out of her hands, placing it on the desk,'I'm pissed off this morning. That's how I am.' He took a deep breath to ease his anger, but it did nothing,'A week ago, you left her and she fell.' He nodded as her eyes widened,'Yeah, I fuckin found her in the hallway. You shouldn't have left. Nine to five. That's how long you were supposed to stay with her. Why the fuck did you walk out my door at two?'
She stared up at him dumbfounded. She was nervously wringing her hands,'I'm so sorry.' She shook her head,'I had a personal issue at home. She said it was alright.'
Sharon heard the commotion and stepped out of her office. She heaved an exasperated sigh. She wasn't even the least bit surprised.
'Alright?' He laughed and shook his head,'Yeah. Alright. Of course.' He leaned in close to her, shoving his index finger in her face,'You ever leave like that again. Personal or not. You'll regret it. Becca? She's personal to me. Very personal. You try that again and so help me God, I'll break your kneecaps.'
Callie burst into tears. Sharon sighed and walked over to them. She patted Callie's back soothingly,'Go and take a few minutes. I'll cover you here.'
Callie nodded as she ran down the hallway. She was crying hysterically, which made Joel even more satisfied. You can take the man out of the game, but…
Sharon turned to him and leaned against the desk,'This is the third time you made one of my nurses cry. What the hell happened now?'
Joel stared down the hallway she ran down. He didn't see her anymore, but it took all the strength he had within him not to follow her.
'About a week ago, she left the house early.' He frowned,'I came into the house to check on her and she was in the hallway.' He leaned in close so no one else could hear them,'She fell. She fucking pissed herself because she had to go so bad. That's unacceptable, Sharon. You know that as well as I do.'
Sharon frowned and shook her head,'It is unacceptable. Becca did tell her to leave though.'
'I don't care.' He shrugged,'She's told me that plenty of times and I still stayed. You know she's stubborn and hard headed.'
'Yeah well.' Sharon grinned,'They always say nurses make the worst patients.' She looked over his face and sighed,'Today's an important day. You should be focusing on that.'
'I am.' He nodded and sighed,'I just needed to do this. I don't ever want anything like that to happen again.'
'I agree.' Sharon squeezed his arm affectionately,'You got everything ready for today?'
'Mostly everything.' He cleared his throat,'She doesn't want anything big, but…I wanna make it special for her. She hasn't celebrated a birthday in a long time.'
Sharon looked up at him and smiled. No one would think this man was sweet and caring. Not after just ripping Callie a new one, but with Becca he was different. He was calmer and more patient. They balanced each other out.
Sharon leaned in close to him, whispering,'You get it?'
'Not yet.' He shook his head,'I'm going there, but I wanted to stop here first.' He shifted nervously on his feet,'Ya think she'll like it?'
'Like it?' Her eyes widened,'Of course she's gonna like it. She's gonna love it.' She shrugged,'It came from you.'
Joel breathed a sigh of relief. He's been planning this for a long time. For almost two months leading up to her birthday.
'I gotta get going.' He tapped his hand on the desk,'I'll see ya later.'
'Of course.' She shook her head,'I wouldn't miss it for the world.'
Joel nodded curtly before walking back down the hall. She slid her hands into the pockets of her lab coat as she watched him walking. She smiled to herself. He was rough around the edges and hardened than most, but he loved that girl and would do anything for her. She didn't need to know anymore than that. He was a good man. He just didn't allow himself to be.
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When Joel arrived home, he smiled when he saw her sitting on the porch with Ellie.
He helped her downstairs in the morning. He wanted to carry her downstairs, but she said she wanted to try herself, which he obliged. He wouldn't take that away from her. He kept a firm hand on her lower back though, keeping her steady as she took one step at a time. She did it.
He felt the pride swell up in his chest as he looked at them on their porch. These two women loved him. These extraordinary strong women chose him. He still couldn't wrap his mind around that. He wouldn't let them down though. Not anymore.
He put Dusty in the barn and checked his pocket, making sure her gift was secure. He was nervous, but he had no reason to be. He already knew her answer, but this would make things official between them.
Becca smiled when she saw him riding up the trail with Dusty.
Ellie looked over her shoulder and smirked,'That didn't take long.'
Ellie was aware of where he had been and what he was doing. When he told her, she was surprised. She didn't think Joel had it in him to be…romantic, but she's discovered he was way more than what meets the eye. He could be sweet and caring when he wanted to be.
She looked up at Becca, seeing the smile on her face as she watched him. Oh yeah, they had it bad for each other. It was fun to tease them and give them a hard time, but she was really happy for them
They were good together. If any two people were meant to be together, it was them. Honestly, she never thought they would get to this point. There was always something in the way, someone being kidnapped or killed.
The danger was still lurking, but they didn't let that deter them from being together. They've managed to come through to the other side. Together.
They were going to be married. Ellie's never been to a wedding before. She was excited for them. When she first met him, he wanted nothing to do with her. He was distant, cold and cruel. The only reason why he even helped her was because of Tess. Then she 'died' and they were left with each other.
When she met Becca at Silver Lake, she didn't trust her. She thought she was just like them. She surprised her though and helped her escape. Joel didn't like her at first. He didn't like anybody really. Until he did.
Ellie wasn't stupid or naive. She saw the signs between them. She noticed when things in their friendship started to change. The looks were longer and they always found ways to touch each other. She saw the writing on the wall a long time ago.
Joel walked up onto the porch, tucking his riding gloves into his back pocket.
Ellie looked up at him, wondering if he took care of what he needed. He had a knowing smile on his face as he nodded to her, silently letting her know it was taken care of.
Ellie pursed her lips to suppress her grin. They were really doing this.
He ruffled Ellie's hair as he walked over to Becca. He leaned down and kissed her lips, 'You're lips are cold. Aren't you freezing?'
'No.' She shook her head and smiled softly,'I've been cooped up for a month. I need sone fresh air.'
Ellie got up from the step and sighed,'Am I relieved of my babysitting duties now?'
'Yes.' Joel smirked as she didn't ask twice.
She grabbed her backpack, gave them a hasty goodbye and made a break for it in case he changed his mind.
He watched as she ran to the barn to grab her horse.'You know who she's going to see.'
'I know.' She laughed,'This is probably the longest they've stayed away from each other since they got together.'
He leaned over her and placed his hands on the back of her chair, trapping her in. He nuzzled his nose against hers and rested his forehead against hers,'It's someone's birthday today.'
'Really?' She smirked as she cupped the back of his neck,'Who could it be?'
He hummed softly as he closed his eyes,'Hmm, I think you know her. Red hair like fire, blue eyes that drive me crazy.' He sighed softly as he kissed her lips,'A body that makes me forget my own fuckin name. Ya wanna know what's the best part about her?' He waited a beat for continuing,'She loves me and I love her.'
She cupped his face in her hands, thankful he cleaned up his facial hair,'You're right. She does love you. Very much.'
He smiled at that as he kissed her forehead,'You feelin okay?'
'Yeah.' She sighed,'I'm feeling better than I have in awhile.'
'Good.' He kissed all over her face and tears filled her eyes at his tenderness,'You up for a little celebrating tonight?'
She looked over his face, seeing the small smirk on his face,'What did you have in mind?'
'I don't know.' He shrugged,'I was thinking about something small.'
'Who's coming?' She shook her head,'Not a lot of people right?'
'Just me, you and Ellie.' He sighed,'When you're feeling up to it, we'll have a party for ya or something.'
'I don't need a party.' She smiled tearfully,'I just want to spend it with you and Ellie. The two people who matter most to me in this world.'
He looked up at her and shook his head in disbelief. Sometimes he wonders if this is too good to be true. How can anyone love him this much? She didn't get sick of him. She actually wanted to spend time with him.
She sought him out. She could've chosen anyone in this town. He's seen the way men in town looked at her. He knew they desired her. He had eyes. He knew she was beautiful, but it's all they saw when they looked at her. He knew her. He fell in love with the person she is. Her looks were just an added bonus. He's learned beauty isn't only skin deep. She taught him that.
She started shivering and he frowned, rubbing her arms,'Let's get you inside before you get sick.'
'Yes, dad.' She laughed as he grabbed both of her hands, easily lifting her up.
He wrapped his arms around her for a moment and rested his chin on top of her head,'I've been thinking about that a lot. Being someone's dad.'
'You're Ellie's dad.' She smiled up at him,'You're the closest thing she has to one.'
'Yeah.' He nodded,'You're her mother too, Becca. You know that right?'
She blinked away tears and nodded slowly,'I do.'
He took a deep breath and kissed her on top of the head,'Been thinkin we could have a couple kids on our own too.' He cleared his throat,'I didn't think I wanted that anymore, but I do. I want that with you. We need to bring some more of your beauty into this world.'
Tears fell down her cheeks as she shook her head in disbelief,'This is real, right? You're not gonna become someone else when I marry you? You're not saying all this because you think it's what I wanna hear?'
Joel wasn't offended. He understood her hesitancy. When she married Ben and David, they became completely different men. They controlled, used and abused her.
He leaned back as he held her face in his hands.'You know I don't say shit unless I mean it.' He stared deep into her eyes, wanting her to see the sincerity in them,'I'm always gonna be Joel. Always gonna be your man. I wanna be someone you can rely on. I know you don't believe me now, but I'm gonna spend the rest of my life proving it to ya.'
'You don't have to prove anything to me.' She sighed,'Not a damn thing. I just…get scared sometimes that this is all too good to be true.'
He sighed as he pressed his lips against hers firmly.'I get scared too. We'll be scared together. Okay?'
She nodded and gave him a small smile,'Okay.'
Later on that evening, Joel was in the kitchen with Ellie, trying like hell to follow a recipe. Tommy and Maria just left. They came over to give her a birthday present. They gave her a new gardening shovel. She laughed when Tommy gave her a piece of paper. It was good for one whole day of yard work. He told her to use it wisely.
Richard wasn't feeling well so Sharon dropped off the gift herself. She gave her a new stethoscope. She had tears in her eyes as Sharon explained it used to be hers. It was the first one she had when she became a doctor.
Sharon knew Becca always wanted to be a doctor. She was looking through courses when the outbreak happened. She couldn't go to college anymore, but she was learning more at the hospital than she would've ever learned in school.
Becca was sitting in the living room, smiling to herself as she watched them bickering. Apparently, they were arguing over how much nutmeg to put into a dish. Joel swore it was more as Ellie complained he put too much.
No one would believe these two were cooking in the kitchen. A lot of people in town created their own fantasies in their head. They gossiped about them, saying they came here as fugitives. If they only fucking knew.
'Do you guys need any help in there?' She called out to them in the kitchen.
They both turned to look at her. Ellie placed her hands on her hips and huffed,'Your boyfriend doesn't follow instructions.'
Becca smirked as she looked over at him,'He's not my boyfriend.' She saw the flash of hurt come across his face, but it quickly dissipated as realization dawned upon him,'She's right, kid. I ain't her boyfriend.' He puffed his chest out,'I'm her fiancé.'
'That's right.' Becca smiled softly,'Honestly, I don't know if you're ever been my boyfriend.'
'Was always yours.' He sighed,'Even when I didn't know it yet.'
Ellie rolled her eyes and groaned,'If this is how it's gonna be every day than I'm moving out.'
Becca and Joel stared at each other and laughed.
Joel turned back to the mixing bowl and shrugged,'We're just getting started.
Ellie shook her head and let out an exasperated sigh. Straight people were so weird sometimes.
Becca tapped her hands on her legs,'Ellie's actually right.' She pursed her lips,'It's only a teaspoon of nutmeg.'
Ellie smiled triumphantly as Joel just shook his head.'I knew you two would start ganging up on me.'
Ellie smiled as she playfully elbowed his side, mimicking his words back to him,'We're just getting started.'
Becca laughed as Joel stared up at the heavens. There was a time in his life when he didn't have no one. Now, he could never imagine not having them in his life.
Joel and Ellie managed to bring the meal together.
Ellie made Becca wrap a bandana around her eyes to cover them. Joel kept his arm firmly wrapped around her waist to steady her as they walked into the kitchen.
Ellie put the finishing touches on everything before giving Joel a thumbs up, letting him know he was good to go.
He slid the bandana off her her eyes, whispering,'Happy Birthday, darlin.'
Her eyes widened as she looked around the kitchen. There was a banner strewn on the ceiling, written in big bold letters,'HAPPY 38th BECCA.' She pursed her lips. She forgot how old she was. When you're trying to survive, birthdays don't matter. Time is precious and fleeting.
There were four dishes on the table. Fried chicken, dumplings and hush puppies. Just like her mama used to make on her birthday. She told him this so long ago and he still remembered.
She was overcome with emotions as she shook her head.'You guys did all this for me?'
'Of course we did.' Ellie snorted, jerking her head towards Joel,'It was actually his idea. Believe it or not.'
Becca turned to him and smiled softly, whispering,'I believe it.'
He placed his hand firmly on her back as he swallowed the lump in his throat,'Happy Birthday, baby girl.'
'I'm almost forty.' She pouted teasingly,'I'm getting old.'
'Pfft.' Ellie snorted,'You're young compared to Joel. Sharon said he's almost old enough to get Medicaid if it still existed. Whatever the hell that means. He's almost a senior citizen.'
'Watch it. Or I won't let you see Lizzie for a fuckin month.' He glared at her, but his tone wasn't threatening. In fact, he seemed to be amused.
Joel sighed as he pulled Becca's chair out for her,'Let's eat.'
Dinner was really good. She ate almost two plates of food. She couldn't eat solids for a couple weeks and lost some weight. She was eager to put weight back on.
Joel cleared the table off while Ellie got the cake. She put a birthday hat on she made out of construction paper. She was surprised when Joel agreed to wear his. She wondered if he was drunk, but she remembered he was in love. She didn't see a difference between the two.
She turned the lights off and lit the candles on the cake.
Becca's back was facing her as Joel sat back down next to her. She turned her head, her eyes widening when she saw the birthday cake. She covered her face with her hands, feeling her cheeks burn.
Ellie leaned over her and placed the cake in front of her. She looked over at Joel. She hoped he would behave and sing. He promised her.
Ellie placed a birthday hat on her head. Becca laughed as she situated the hat on her head, making sure it was secure.
Ellie cleared her throat and started singing,'Happy Birthday.' Her eyes widened as Joel began singing too. She wished she had a camera or something to commemorate this. Not just for Becca's sake. She needed video proof Joel was a pussy for Becca. No one would believe her otherwise.
They finished singing and Becca leaned over the cake to blow out the candles. Ellie and Joel clapped.
He cupped her jaw and kissed her lips,'Happy birthday, baby. You make a wish?'
Becca smiled at him. She sure did. She wished to have this all the time. Not celebrations for her. Just to be together like this. All three of them.
She shook her head and smirked,'I can't give away all my secrets now. If I told you, it wouldn't come true.'
As Joel looked over her face, he wondered if she made the same wish as he did. He just wanted to be a happy with her, but there was always danger lurking. He could handle the danger. He wouldn't be able to handle losing her.
They ate their slices of cake and went into the living room to relax.
Ellie left the room for a minute and came running back downstairs with a wrapped gift in her hand. She placed it on her lap, shrugging sheepishly,'Happy Birthday.'
Joel's eyes widened up at Ellie. She didn't tell him she got her a gift, which was probably for the better. He wasn't very good at keeping secrets.
Becca looked up at Ellie, smiling softly,'Thank you, honey.'
Ellie scratched the back of her neck nervously as she shifted on her feet,'You're welcome. I hope you like it.'
Becca tore through the wrapped. Her eyes widened when she saw the hand painted photo of Sadie and Dusty on their farm. It was beautiful. It looked just like them.
'Sweetheart.' She shook her head,'This is amazing. You're so talented. I'm gonna hang this up in the living room so everyone can see it.'
Joel peered over Becca's shoulder to look down at the painting,'That's really good, El.' He grinned,'How come you ain't painted me for her instead?'
Ellie smirked and crossed her arms over chest,'I woulda ran outta paint for your head.'
Becca laughed at that and shook her head. He narrowed his eyes and pulled her close to him, kissing her temple,'You need to stop encouraging her.'
'I can't help.' She smiled,'She's funny.'
Joel didn't say anything but shake his head. She was right. Even if she wasn't. He was already outnumbered so it wouldn't have mattered anyway.
He looked up at Ellie and nodded, letting her know it was time.
Joel wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans. He took a few deep breaths to steady his nerves. He didn't remember being this scared the first time he asked her.
Ellie sat on the loveseat, watching them with trepidation. She knew this was important to Joel. This was important to her too. She loved them both. She looked to them as being the closest thing to parents she ever remembered having.
She wondered if it was a good idea sitting in on something so private, but Joel admitted he wanted her there. Just as she should've been the first time around.
Sometimes, she imagines what it would've been like if they were really her parents. She wouldn't have ever been at that school. They would've protected her and kept her safe. Just as they do now.
Without her noticing, he took the small box out of his pocket. He slid off the couch and got down on his knee before her.
Becca looked down at him, shaking her head confusingly,'Joel, what are you doing?'
'Doing this the right way. The way it shoulda been the first time.' He sighed softly as he placed his hand on her knee,'For the last four years you've been my friend. My best friend. I can talk to you about anything. Even if you don't understand. I…I was so afraid after what happened. I kept going back and forth, wondering if you were safer without me.' She frowned at that as he continued,'I realized I couldn't do that. I couldn't handle you just being my friend when you're so much more than that to me. You're everything.' He cleared his throat as tears filled his eyes,'You've shown me love I'm gonna need for the rest of my life.'
He took a deep breath as he opened the lid off the box, revealing a ring. It was silver and had an Amethyst in the middle of it. Her birthstone.
Joel spent almost four months looking for a ring. Sharon connected him with an arms dealer who also specialized in gem stones. He had to give up a goat and a sheep for it, but it was worth it.
Her face crumpled into tears as he took the ring out of the box. He held it up as he looked over her face,'You wanna marry me and make me the luckiest son of a bitch from here to Boston?'
She smiled through her tears, understanding the significance of that. She nodded as tears fell down her face,'Yes. Of course. My answer will always be yes, Joel.'
He closed his eyes momentarily and sighed in relief. This is all he's ever wanted. If she loved him, everything else was secondary. He could handle anything as long as she was with him.
He slid the ring onto her hand and sighed,'It ain't expensive. You deserve something better, but it's all I can give ya.'
She stared down at the ring on her finger and shook her head,'It's perfect. I wouldn't want anything else.'
She knew she couldn't wear it out in public. At least for the time being anyway, but here in this house. She would never take it off.
He looked at the ring on her finger. He couldn't believe this was actually going to happen. He wouldn't want anything else.
He leaned over and kissed her lips, whispering.'I'm so in love with you, baby. Thank you. Thank you for choosing this.'
'It was one of the easiest choices I've ever made.' She shook her head,'One of the better ones too.'
He smiled as he saw the exhaustion in her eyes. She had a long and eventful day.
He pulled from her and kissed her forehead,'Let's get you on up to bed.' He whispered in her ear,'I wanna hold you in bed.'
Ellie looked over at them, wondering what Joel was whispering in her ear. Becca was grinning from ear to ear. Knowing Joel, it was probably something dirty.
They seemed happy though. She hoped it would stay that way.
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Becca was happy she could walk on her own without any assistance. It's been almost six months since she was shot. Looking back on it, it didn't seem real. It felt like she wed watching as it happened to someone else.
Joel was still Joel though. He was still cautious with her. He only ever kissed her. She understood he was just being protective over her, but she missed him. Even though he slept next to her every night.
She thought about what he promised her that night. Before she had been shot, he was planning to take her to bed. He does take her to bed, but nothing else happens.
Physically, she felt stronger than she had in awhile. The stitches from her incision were taken out and the wound was healing nicely. She would be going back to work in a few weeks. She wouldn't work as many hours in the beginning. She didn't want to overdue it, but she was excited to get back into the swing of things.
She was reading a book on the porch while Joel was working out on the farm. Ellie was at school. She relished in the peace and quiet.
She saw Tommy charging down the trail on his galloping horse. She's never seen him ride this quickly. She felt an uneasiness in her stomach. What the fuck happened now?
She got up from her chair to greet him as he parked the horse in front of their house. She saw the sad look on his face and her heart dropped,'What happened?' Her heart started pounding in her chest,'Is it Ellie?'
'No.' He shook his head sadly,'It's Richard.' He frowned as tears filled his eyes,'Sharon…she came by the house and…' He sighed shakily.
It looked like it was the hardest thing he had to do. Tears were already in her eyes. She didn't have to be a mind reader.
'From what?' She crossed her arms over her chest.'Did anyone hurt him?'
'Absolutely not.' He frowned,'Sharon came home to find him on the kitchen floor.' Tears filled his eyes,'There wasn't anything that could've been done. He was dead for almost two hours before she found him.'
Becca closed her eyes. She knew this would be tough on Joel. He really respected the man. He looked up to him as a role model. He was studying with him to become an engineer. She didn't know how to break the news to him.
Joel was in the field repairing a fence when he saw Tommy and Becca hugging. For a split second, he had that nagging doubt. Would Tommy or Becca betray him like that? Right in front of his face?
He had to laugh at that. He was being paranoid, but he didn't feel an uneasiness, like something was the matter.
He ran back to the house and up to the porch. Becca was crying and Tommy had tears in his eyes.
Joel wrapped his arm around Becca's shoulder, pulling her close to his chest,'Who died?'
His question was simple and straight to the point.
Tommy took a deep breath to gather his courage,'Richard. He died of a stroke.'
Joel's eyes widened. It felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. Richard was a man he respected. He valued his friendship and willingness to take him under his wing. He's learned so much by being his friend
He closed his eyes, feeling the stinging sensation behind his eyes. He was crying. He couldn't help it. The loss affected him deeply.
Tommy placed his hand on Joel's shoulder,'I'm sorry. I knew you were close.'
He nodded as he kissed the top of Becca's head, 'He didn't suffer?'
'No.' Tommy shook his head,'Not at all.'
Joel felt relief in that. He didn't understand why good people were taken so soon. Maybe that's why he outlived everyone he knew. Even his creator didn't feel like dealing with his shit.
Tommy averted his eyes between the two,'We're gonna have a service for him. We're gonna bury him on his land.'
Joel nodded and blinked away tears,'I'll help in anyway I can.'
Tommy's eyes widened in surprise. Joel never willingly gave his help to anyone. Could it be his older brother was turning over a new leaf?
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His funeral had been a somber affair. Everyone in town came. They were devastated by the loss. He's lived in Jackson for almost sixteen years with Sharon. He was a pillar of the community. Everyone respected him.
Joel stayed up two days straight to make a casket for him. He made it out of wood. It wasn't ideal, but it's the best they could do. Sharon seemed to appreciate it.
Becca and Joel both stood next to Sharon, flanking her on each side. Ellie was standing next to Ellie, holding tightly onto her hand.
Becca held tightly Sharon's hand as she sobbed for her dead husband. Her heart went out for her. She's lost too.
Becca glanced over at Joel, seeing the deep sadness etched into his features. She thought about what she would do if she lost him. She would be beside herself with grief. She doesn't think she would ever get over it. Joel wasn't the kind of man you easily forget.
After the funeral, Joel and Tommy buried Richard into the ground.
Everyone went to Tommy and Maria's house for lunch.
Becca was standing with Maria as she looked over at the little boy and girl they rescuers from the military base. They stood close to each other, looking around uneasily. They were starting to open up to them and then Richard died. She could see the looks on their faces. They were sad to lose him too.
'What's gonna happen to them?' Becca nodded towards the children.'
Maria followed her gaze and shrugged,'Sharon said she's gonna keep them. It's what Richard would've wanted.'
She nodded as she pursed her lips,'We should help her.'
The women looked over at Sharon, who seemed lost as people crowded around her.
Maria nodded and smiled sadly,'Without a doubt.'
Becca saw Joel walk outside. She excused herself from Maria and followed him out the door.
He was standing on the porch, arms crossed and back facing her.
She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around him,'You okay?'
He sighed as he grasped one of her arms,'I will be.' He shook his head,'I just can't believe he's gone. I'm really gonna miss him.'
'Me too. You can keep his legacy alive though. By continuing his work.
He laughed and shook her head,'I ain't nowhere near as smart as him.'
'Sure you are.' She smirked, 'You were smart enough to choose me.'
She was teasing him, but she couldn't be more right. Choosing her was the best decision he's ever made. He just hoped he could live up to it.
( Next up, the moment you've all been waiting for I also really struggled with killing Richard off because I really loved him as a character. He was the father Joel needed anyway, there's always reasons for things to happen. Thanks to everyone reading this. I know it's long, but it means a lot to me.)