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pankowcrumbs · 4 months ago

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Perfect Family X Joe Keery

MasterList

Stranger Things and Cast Masterlist

I had made peace with the idea that love wasn't in the cards for me. My life revolved around my daughter, Maisie a bright-eyed, curly-haired bundle of joy who had changed my world from the moment she arrived. Her father and I had tried to make things work, tried to build something stable but love alone wasn’t always enough. It had been painful, but I had accepted that some things weren’t meant to last.

So, when my friends dragged me out for a rare night of fun, I went with no expectations. It had been ages since I let my hair down, and truthfully, I wasn’t sure I even knew how anymore.

The bar was buzzing with life, laughter spilling over the music. I found myself relaxing, enjoying the way the bass hummed through my veins and the way my friends teased me about finally escaping my mum duties for a night. I was sipping on a cocktail, smiling to myself, when I felt a presence beside me.

"You look like you’re having a good time," a voice said, warm and teasing.

I turned to find a man with a mop of brown hair, soft eyes, and a smile so effortlessly charming it made my breath hitch.

I blinked, not entirely sure if my mind was playing tricks on me. "I...yeah. It's been a while since I've done this."

His smile widened. "Then I guess it's my lucky night to meet you."

I laughed, shaking my head. "That was smooth."

"I try," he admitted with a grin, lifting his drink in a mock toast. "But only when the company is worth the effort."

I should have felt nervous, but there was something so easy about him. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and before I knew it, I was laughing really laughing in a way I hadn’t in what felt like forever. He made me feel like a person again, not just ‘Mum.’

Hours passed in what felt like minutes, and by the time my friends were ready to call it a night, I found myself hesitating, not wanting to say goodbye just yet. Joe seemed to feel the same way.

"Would it be crazy if I asked to see you again?" he asked, eyes searching mine.

It should have been crazy. I had Maisie to think about, and dating felt like uncharted territory. But something about Joe made me want to say yes.

"Maybe a little," I admitted. "But I think I’d like that."

He smiled, as though he knew that single moment had just changed everything.

Dating as a single mum was terrifying. It wasn’t just my heart on the line it was Maisie’s too. I wasn’t about to bring someone into her life unless I knew, truly knew, they were worthy of it.

Joe was patient. He never rushed me, never pushed for more than I was ready to give. We spent time together, slowly building something that felt real. And when the time finally came for him to meet Maisie, my nerves were nearly unbearable.

I had braced myself for every possibility her shyness, her reluctance, maybe even a full-blown toddler tantrum. What I hadn’t prepared for was the way her face lit up the moment she saw him, as though she knew, in her own innocent way, that Joe was someone special.

"Hiya, sweetheart," Joe said gently, crouching to her level. "I’m Joe."

Maisie eyed him curiously before grinning. "Joey!"

Joe let out a surprised laugh, eyes flicking up to mine in delight. "Joey, huh? I like it."

From that moment on, he was ‘Joey’ to her, and she was his biggest fan. He played with her, made her giggle until she was breathless, and carried her on his shoulders like she was his own. Watching them together made my heart ache in the best way.

What started as occasional visits turned into something more. At first, it was little things Joe coming by with coffee for me and a little treat for Maisie, tagging along on our trips to the park, helping me carry groceries while Maisie clung to his leg, giggling. He made her laugh so easily, something I had never seen her do with anyone but me.

Then came the nights where he'd stay for dinner, sitting cross-legged on the floor, helping Maisie build a castle out of blocks, acting devastated every time she knocked it over. He was a natural with her. Patient, playful, endlessly kind.

One evening, Maisie insisted Joe read her bedtime story instead of me. I had hesitated, not because I didn’t trust him, but because it was one of my favourite parts of the day the quiet moments where I could hold her close, watch her eyelids grow heavy, whisper goodnight as she drifted off. But I swallowed my selfishness and let Joe take over.

I watched from the doorway as he settled into the chair beside her bed, holding the book like it was the most important thing in the world.

"And then," he said in a dramatic whisper, "the little bunny said 'im hungry whats for dinner.'"

Maisie, tucked beneath her blanket, giggled sleepily. "Joey, bunnies don’t talk."

"Of course, they do," Joe said, eyes wide with pretend innocence. "I met a bunny just last week who told me he loves pancakes."

Maisie gasped. "No way!"

I leaned against the doorframe, my heart swelling. He wasn’t just being nice to her he truly loved these moments, as much as I did.

After he closed the book and Maisie’s breathing evened out, he turned to me with a sheepish smile. "Hope I didn’t butcher the bedtime routine."

I shook my head. "You were perfect."

I meant it.

It wasn’t long before Joe became part of our everyday lives. He was there for bath time giggle fits, for the chaotic mess that was Maisie’s attempts at baking, for lazy Sunday mornings when the three of us would curl up on the couch watching cartoons.

And somewhere in the middle of it all, I realised that Joe wasn’t just my boyfriend. He was part of my family.

One night, as we were lying on the sofa, Maisie sprawled across both of us, fast asleep, I whispered, "I love you."

Joe stilled beneath me. I had said it so softly I wasn’t even sure he had heard, but when I looked up, his eyes were bright with emotion.

"You do?" he murmured, like he couldn't quite believe it.

I nodded. "I do."

Joe exhaled a shaky laugh, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "I love you too," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Maisie stirred, murmuring something unintelligible, and Joe ran a gentle hand through her curls. "And I love this little one too."

That was the moment I knew, without a doubt, that he was the one.

It was one of those perfect evenings the kind that made me stop and appreciate just how far we had come. Joe had been in our lives for a while now, seamlessly slipping into the role of Maisie’s best friend, partner-in-crime, and bedtime storyteller. He wasn’t just my love; he was hers too.

That night, Maisie was curled up in Joe’s lap, her tiny fingers gripping onto his shirt as he read her favourite book for what had to be the hundredth time. I watched from the doorway, smiling at the way she leaned into him, completely at ease.

"And then, the little fox said, ‘I will love you forever and ever, no matter what,’" Joe read, his voice soft and warm.

Maisie let out a content sigh, her lashes fluttering as she fought off sleep. Then, out of nowhere, she whispered, "I love you, Joey."

Joe froze.

I saw the way his whole body tensed, his breath catching in his throat. He lowered the book slightly, his eyes wide with surprise as he looked down at the tiny girl in his arms.

"You… you do?" His voice was thick with emotion.

Maisie nodded, her little hands reaching up to touch his face as she blinked sleepily. "Yeah. 'Cause you love Mummy… and you chose her. And now I get to have a papa."

Joe’s face crumpled. He let out a shaky breath, pressing his forehead against hers, his arms tightening protectively around her.

"Oh, Maisie," he murmured, his voice breaking slightly. "You have no idea how lucky I am to have you and your mummy."

I felt tears sting my own eyes as I watched the moment unfold. Joe wasn’t just some man in our lives he was ours, and Maisie knew it as deeply as I did.

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, holding her close like she was the most precious thing in the world. "I love you too, sweetheart. So, so much."

Maisie let out a little hum of happiness before nestling into his chest, drifting off to sleep.

Joe lifted his gaze to me, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Did you hear that?" he whispered, like he still couldn’t quite believe it.

I nodded, stepping forward and brushing my fingers through his hair. "She loves you. And she’s right… you did choose us."

Joe exhaled a shaky laugh, pressing his lips to my wrist before looking down at the sleeping girl in his arms. "Best choice I’ve ever made."

I always thought if Joe ever proposed, I’d see it coming. I liked to believe I knew him too well, could read every little shift in his expression, every secret he tried to keep. But he got me. Completely and utterly blindsided me in the most beautiful way.

And, of course, Maisie was in on it the whole time.

It had been a normal day at least, that’s what I thought. Joe had insisted we go for a family picnic in the park, which wasn’t unusual. He loved spending time with Maisie and me, loved making the simplest things feel special.

Maisie had been buzzing with excitement all morning, running around with the kind of giddy energy only a toddler could possess. "Mummy! We go to the park! We go to the park!" she’d chanted over and over, bouncing on the bed as I got ready.

I didn’t question it.

Joe packed the picnic basket, stuffing it full of all our favourite things fresh strawberries, those little sandwiches he knew I loved, and a box of Maisie’s favourite biscuits. He even packed a blanket, the same one we’d used on our very first date.

I should have suspected something.

But I didn’t.

The sun was warm against my skin as we settled under a big oak tree, Maisie happily munching on her snacks while Joe and I stretched out beside her. It was peaceful, perfect, just another beautiful day with the two people I loved most in the world.

Then Joe turned to Maisie and gave her a tiny, knowing nod.

And that’s when everything changed.

"Mummy," Maisie chirped, her little hands fumbling with something hidden in her pocket. "I gots a surprise for you!"

I frowned playfully. "A surprise? For me?"

She giggled, nodding enthusiastically as she crawled into my lap. "Close your eyes!"

I laughed but did as she asked, letting her place something soft and delicate in my hands.

"Okay, open!"

When I did, my breath caught in my throat.

It was a tiny piece of paper, folded neatly in half. In big, wobbly crayon letters, it read:

"Mummy, will you marry Joey?"

My eyes shot up, heart hammering in my chest. Maisie was beaming, but behind her, Joe was kneeling, holding a ring.

Oh. My. God.

For the first time in my life, I was speechless.

"Y/N," Joe began, his voice warm and steady, but I could see the nerves in his eyes, the way his fingers tightened around the little velvet box. "From the moment I met you, I knew you were it for me. But loving you wasn’t just about loving you it was about loving her, too."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, glancing at Maisie, who was practically vibrating with excitement.

"I didn’t just fall in love with you, I fell in love with the little family we’ve built," Joe continued. "And I can’t imagine my life without either of you. So, I thought… maybe we could make it official?"

He opened the box, revealing the most beautiful ring I had ever seen simple, elegant, perfect.

Maisie gasped, clapping her hands. "Say yes, Mummy!"

I let out a shaky laugh, tears already slipping down my cheeks. "Yes," I whispered, my voice barely working. "Yes, yes, a million times yes!"

Joe exhaled a relieved laugh, slipping the ring onto my finger before pulling me into his arms. I felt Maisie squish in between us, her giggles ringing in my ears as Joe kissed my forehead, then my nose, then finally my lips.

When we finally pulled away, Maisie grinned up at us. "We a real family now?"

Joe ran a gentle hand through her curls, his voice thick with emotion. "We always were, sweetheart. Now it’s just forever."

The wedding day was perfect.

The sun shone brightly, filtering through the towering trees that lined the garden venue, casting golden light over everything. A soft breeze carried the scent of roses and fresh-cut grass, and there was a quiet hum of excitement in the air. It was the kind of day that felt like it had been made just for us.

Joe and I were getting married.

Maisie had been the most excited of all. As the flower girl, she took her duties very seriously, clutching her little basket of petals like it was treasure. She’d practised her walk down the aisle at least twenty times in the week leading up to the wedding, making sure she got it just right.

And when the moment finally came, she didn’t disappoint.

With her curls bouncing and her tiny feet stepping carefully down the aisle, she scattered petals well she ended up throwing half of them at our guests rather than the floor. But no one cared. If anything, it made the moment even sweeter.

And then, there was Joe.

Waiting at the altar, looking at me like I was the only thing in the world. His suit fit him perfectly, his hair a little messy despite his best efforts, and his eyes were full of love. When I reached him, his hands trembled as he took mine, his thumb brushing over my skin in that reassuring way he always did.

The ceremony was beautiful simple, heartfelt, perfect.

Joe Said his vows first

"From the moment I met you, I knew my life would never be the same. You walked into that bar, laughing, carefree, and in that single second, I knew there you were. The love of my life. The woman who would change everything for me."

"But you weren’t just you. You came with the most incredible little girl, and somehow, I got lucky enough to love you both."

"Maisie calls me Joey now, but I hope one day she’ll call me Dad. And I promise you both no matter what, no matter where life takes us I will always be there. I will love you every day, in every way, for the rest of my life."

"You and Maisie gave me a home. A family. And today, I get to stand here and vow to be yours forever."

"So, Y/N, I promise to love you fiercely, to stand beside you in every moment, to make you laugh when you need it, and to always, always be your best friend."

"You and Maisie are my heart, my world, my greatest joy. And I will spend every day making sure you never doubt that."

then it was time for mine.

"Joe, I never thought I’d fall in love again. I thought my heart had already written its story, and I was content with the life I had. But then, you came along."

"You walked into my life and changed everything. You made me laugh when I forgot how to. You reminded me that real love isn’t about grand gestures or perfect moments. It’s about the little things. It’s about cups of tea in the morning, about the way you tuck Maisie into bed with a new silly story every night. It’s about knowing that no matter what, I will never be alone again, because I have you."

"You love Maisie as if she’s your own, and that alone tells me everything I need to know about the man you are. You are kind, patient, and full of love, and I thank the universe every day that Maisie and I found you."

"So, today, I promise you this I will love you with everything I have, for all of my days. I will stand beside you, through every high and low, and I will never let you go."

"You are my heart, my best friend, my home. And today, I choose you. Forever."

The moment the officiant said, "You may now kiss the bride," and Joe dipped me, making our guests cheer as he kissed me like it was the last time he ever would.

The reception was just as magical fairy lights twinkled in the trees, laughter and music filled the air, and all of our friends and family were there to celebrate.

Jamie and Joseph had taken over the bar at one point, trying to mix drinks while Millie stood behind them, rating their efforts.

"This one’s called the Vecna’s Curse," Jamie said, sliding a dark red drink across the counter to Joe.

Joe took one sip, coughed, and shook his head. "That tastes like regret."

Millie doubled over laughing, while Joseph clapped Jamie on the back. "I don’t know, mate, I think you’ve poisoned the groom."

"Wouldn’t be the first time," Jamie quipped.

It was chaos, but it was perfect.

As the night went on, the speeches began. Our friends and family spoke, telling stories about us, making us laugh, making us cry. And then, when everyone thought the speeches were done, Maisie suddenly got up from her seat and tugged on Joe’s sleeve.

"Joey," she whispered loudly, pointing at the microphone. "I wanna talk."

The guests chuckled as Joe, without hesitation, lifted her up into his arms and carried her to the microphone. He held her close, steadying her as she leaned in to speak.

"I’m Maisie," she announced proudly, as if everyone in the room didn’t already know. "And I just wanna say I’m super happy Mummy and Joey got married today!"

Everyone let out a collective "aww," but Maisie wasn’t done.

"Joey is my best friend. He plays tea party with me and he always does the voices!" She giggled, glancing at him before turning back to the crowd. "And he always lets me win at hide and seek, even when I’m not very good at hiding."

The guests laughed, and Joe pressed a kiss to the side of her head, his eyes full of love.

"And I just wanna say…" She paused, looking at him seriously. "I’m really, really happy ‘cause now I have a daddy."

Silence.

Joe’s breath hitched. His arms tightened around her, his eyes widening slightly. I saw the exact moment those words sank in, the way his face crumpled, the way he blinked rapidly like he was trying to hold back tears.

The room was completely still, every guest caught up in the tenderness of the moment.

Maisie beamed, oblivious to the weight of what she’d just said. She wrapped her little arms around Joe’s neck, squeezing him tight.

Joe swallowed hard, pressing his face into her curls. His shoulders shook slightly, and when he finally pulled back, his eyes were red.

"Love you, sweetheart," he whispered into the microphone, voice thick with emotion. "So much."

The entire room erupted into applause, and I swore I saw Jamie wipe his eyes, pretending there was something in them. Gaten was grinning like mad, and Millie? Millie was already halfway to the dance floor, yelling, "Alright, we have to celebrate that!"

Joe put Maisie down, brushing his fingers over his eyes before looking at me.

"Did you hear that?" he asked softly, still a little dazed.

I nodded, stepping forward and taking his hands. "Yeah," I whispered. "She called you Daddy."

Joe exhaled a breathless laugh, shaking his head. "Best day of my life."

And with that, the music kicked in, the night came alive again, and we danced like there was no tomorrow.

We laughed, we cried, we celebrated with the people we loved. And in the middle of it all, Joe held me close, whispering in my ear, "I love you, Mrs. Keery."

Life had settled into something beautiful. The kind of beautiful I never thought I’d have.

We were married. Officially the Keerys. Our wedding had been everything I could have dreamed of, and every day since had been nothing short of magic. Waking up beside Joe, watching him dance around the kitchen with Maisie as they made breakfast, the way he’d pull me into his arms for a slow dance in the middle of the living room when no music was playing it was all perfect.

Maisie was still over the moon about having a "real-life wedding," as she called it. Every morning, she proudly reminded us, "Mummy and Daddy are married now!" just in case we forgot overnight.

And Joe? He still got misty-eyed every time she called him Daddy. Every single time.

But what Joe didn’t know what I had been holding onto for the past two days was that our family was about to get a little bigger.

I had planned to tell him at dinner. Something sweet and sentimental. Maybe I’d bake a cake and write Baby Keery Coming Soon in icing. Or wrap up a tiny onesie that said Best Dad Ever and watch the realisation dawn on his face.

But, as always, Joe had a way of making me abandon every single plan the second he walked into the room.

It was a quiet evening. Maisie had gone to bed after an intense game of hide and seek where Joe once again let her win even though she hid behind the same curtain as always. Now, we were curled up on the sofa, his arm slung lazily around me as we watched some show neither of us was paying much attention to.

I was too busy thinking about how to tell him.

And he was too busy playing with my fingers, tracing lazy circles over my palm, oblivious to the fact that his whole world was about to change.

"You’re fidgety tonight," he murmured, shifting slightly to look at me better. "Everything okay?"

My heart clenched.

Joe was so good. So perceptive. So mine.

I turned to face him, my pulse hammering in my ears. "I, um… I have something to tell you."

His eyebrows lifted, curiosity flashing across his face. "Yeah?"

I swallowed, suddenly feeling like my whole body was buzzing. "Yeah."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. But Joe ever the impatient one grinned and nudged me. "Are you gonna tell me, or do I have to guess?"

I let out a nervous laugh. "You won’t guess."

He smirked. "Bet I will. Okay, um… you bought more scented candles even though we agreed we have too many?"

I rolled my eyes. "No."

"You secretly ate the last of the biscuits?"

I hesitated. "Okay, yes, but that’s not what I was going to say."

He gasped dramatically. "Y/N! I trusted you!"

I let out a laugh, and then, before I could lose my nerve, I just blurted it out. "I’m pregnant."

Silence.

Absolute silence.

Joe didn’t move. Didn’t blink. Didn’t breathe. Just froze.

I watched as his brain tried to process what I’d just said, his eyes widening slightly, his lips parting like he was about to say something, only for no words to come out.

"Joe?" I whispered, suddenly nervous.

Still nothing.

And then

"Wait." His voice was hoarse. "Like… pregnant pregnant?"

I nodded, biting my lip.

Joe blinked. Once. Twice. And then

He launched off the sofa.

I yelped as he practically leapt across the room, running his hands through his hair like a madman before spinning back to face me. His chest was rising and falling quickly, his eyes wild. "We’re having a baby?"

I laughed. "Yes."

His jaw dropped open. Then shut. Then open again. Then

And then he sprinted back to me, dropping to his knees in front of me, his hands cupping my face as he stared at me like I had just told him he won the lottery.

"A baby?" he whispered.

I nodded again, feeling tears prickle at my eyes. "A baby."

Joe let out a breathless laugh, one hand immediately pressing against my stomach, even though it was far too soon to feel anything.

"Holy shit," he breathed. "We’re having a baby."

And then without warning he let out the loudest cheer, practically tackling me into a hug as he laughed into my shoulder.

I burst out laughing, wrapping my arms around him as he rambled excitedly.

"Maisie’s gonna flip oh my God, we have to tell her wait, do we know if it’s a boy or a girl? No, too early, right? Doesn’t matter, I’ll love them no matter what Y/N, we’re having a baby! I can’t believe this oh my God, I’m gonna be a dad again."

His voice cracked on the last part.

I felt his arms tighten around me, his whole body trembling slightly. When he finally pulled back, his eyes were wet, his face filled with so much love I thought my heart might actually burst.

"I love you," he whispered, pressing a kiss to my forehead, then my nose, then finally my lips. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," I whispered back, my own tears finally slipping free.

Joe exhaled shakily, then turned back to my stomach, resting his forehead against it. "Hey, little one," he murmured, voice soft. "I can’t wait to meet you."

The moment our daughter was placed in my arms, everything else faded away.

The exhaustion. The pain. The hours spent bringing her into the world. None of it mattered.

She was here. Our little girl.

Tears blurred my vision as I looked down at her, her tiny face scrunching up as she let out the softest little noise. My heart clenched so hard it actually hurt.

And then Joe.

Joe, who had been by my side the entire time, holding my hand, whispering how proud he was of me, how much he loved me he was suddenly silent.

I looked up at him, and the sight nearly undid me.

He was gone. Absolutely, utterly gone.

Tears streamed down his face, his lips pressed together as if he was trying to keep himself from completely falling apart. His hands hovered over our daughter, like he didn’t even know where to touch first, too overwhelmed by the tiny, perfect person in front of him.

"Joe?" I whispered, my own voice thick with emotion.

His eyes flicked up to mine, so full of love and awe and pure, unfiltered joy.

"She’s perfect," he choked out.

I smiled through my tears. "She really is."

Joe let out a breathless, shaky laugh. "Holy shit, we made her."

I giggled weakly, exhaustion creeping into my bones. "We did."

And then, finally, he moved. Carefully, as if he thought he might break her, he reached out and ran a single finger down her tiny cheek.

She stirred slightly, letting out a tiny sigh, and that was it. Joe was officially a goner.

A soft sob escaped him, and he pressed a trembling kiss to my forehead before whispering, "Thank you."

I reached for his hand, squeezing it. "You can name her," I murmured. "She’s yours just as much as she’s mine. You pick her name."

His breath caught. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, my heart full. "I trust you."

Joe let out a watery laugh, wiping his face before looking down at our daughter again. His expression softened, pure adoration shining through his tear-filled eyes.

After a long moment, he exhaled and whispered, "Isla."

I smiled, tasting the name on my lips. "Isla Keery."

Joe let out a soft, breathless laugh. "Yeah." His eyes flicked to mine, shining with love. "Do you like it?"

I leaned into him, our daughter warm in my arms. "I love it."

Joe had gone to get Maisie while the nurses checked me over. I was nervous. She had been so excited for her little sister’s arrival, but what if she was overwhelmed? What if she got jealous?

But the second she stepped into the room, I knew I had nothing to worry about.

"Daddy said she’s here!" she squeaked, running up to Joe, who scooped her into his arms.

"She is, baby," Joe said softly, kissing the top of her head. "You ready to meet your little sister?"

Maisie nodded so hard I thought her curls might bounce right off her head.

Joe carried her over to the bed, settling her carefully beside me as she peered over my arm. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of Isla, who was bundled up and sleeping peacefully.

"She’s so tiny!" Maisie whispered, completely in awe.

I smiled. "She is. Do you want to say hello?"

Maisie nodded furiously, but before she did, she looked up at me, her face serious. "Can I be the first person to tell her I love her?"

I felt my breath hitch.

Joe let out a soft noise beside me, like someone had just knocked the air out of him.

"Oh, Mais," he murmured, his voice breaking.

I nodded, barely able to speak through the lump in my throat. "Of course you can, sweetheart."

Maisie turned back to her sister, her tiny fingers gently reaching out to stroke Isla’s blanket.

"Hi, Isla," she whispered. "I’m Maisie, your big sister. And I love you so much."

Joe made a wrecked sound next to me, pressing his face into my hair as his arms wrapped around us both.

Maisie turned to him with a big, proud smile. "Daddy, isn’t she the cutest baby in the whole world?"

Joe’s breath caught.

He stared at her, his face crumbling in the best way. Then, without a word, he reached out and pulled her into his arms, holding her so tight, like he never wanted to let go.

And judging by the way Joe was desperately trying to hold it together, this was everything he had ever wanted.

I smiled through my own tears, running my fingers through his hair as he buried his face in Maisie’s curls.

Our little family was complete.

And I had never been happier in my entire life.

The house was quiet.

Well as quiet as it could be with a newborn and a four-year-old under one roof.

I stood in the doorway of the nursery, my heart softening at the sight before me.

Joe was sitting in the rocking chair, cradling Isla against his chest. His fingers traced slow, absentminded circles on her back, and his head was tipped back against the chair, his lips pressed into a thin line.

He looked exhausted.

Physically. Mentally. Emotionally.

I knew that look.

"Hey, baby," I said softly, stepping into the room.

Joe opened his eyes, and even in the dim glow of the nightlight, I could see the weight of doubt swimming in them.

I knelt beside him, resting a gentle hand on his knee. "Talk to me, love."

He exhaled, his grip on Isla tightening ever so slightly. "I just..." He trailed off, glancing down at our daughter, who was nestled so trustingly against him. "What if I mess this up?"

I frowned. "Mess what up?"

"This." He swallowed. "Being a dad to a newborn. Being a dad to two kids now." His voice wavered. "What if I don’t do it right?"

Oh, Joe.

I reached up, brushing my fingers through his hair. "Joe, look at her," I whispered.

His gaze flicked back down to Isla, and I saw his throat bob as she let out a tiny sigh, completely content in his arms.

"She adores you," I murmured. "Just like Maisie does. You are an amazing dad, Joe. To both of them." I reached for his free hand, lacing our fingers together. "You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be. and you are. Every single day, you show up. That’s what matters. That’s everything."

Joe let out a shuddering breath, his fingers gripping mine like I was the only thing keeping him afloat.

"You’re doing perfectly, my love," I whispered.

His shoulders sagged with relief.

"Yeah?" he murmured.

I smiled, leaning up to press a kiss to his lips. "Yeah."

Just then, a little voice piped up from the doorway.

"Daddy, do you need help?"

Joe and I both turned to see Maisie standing there in her little princess pyjamas, her curls wild from sleep, her face full of concern.

Joe let out a soft laugh. "Help with what, bug?"

Maisie tiptoed into the room, her hands clasped together like she was ready for a very important task. "With Isla. Mummy said being a big sister means I get to help. I can rock her if you’re tired!"

I bit back a smile.

Joe’s lips parted slightly, his gaze flicking to me for a moment before he looked back at Maisie, something indescribable filling his eyes.

"Come here, then," he murmured, shifting Isla slightly so Maisie could climb onto his lap.

Maisie settled in, her little hands gently stroking Isla’s tiny arm. "See? I can help."

Joe let out a watery chuckle, his arm wrapping around Maisie as he pressed a lingering kiss to the top of her head. "You’re the best big sister in the world, you know that?"

Maisie beamed. "I know."

I snorted, shaking my head fondly.

Joe lifted his gaze to mine, and I swear, I could feel the love in his eyes.

I smiled, stepping forward and kneeling in front of them.

My whole world was right there.

Joe. Maisie. Isla.

Our family.

And it was perfect.