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tightjeansjavi · 10 months

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blue jeans n’Texas dreams | part 14

“Against all odds honey, we’re the big door prize” 𓃗

Pre! Outbreak/no! Outbreak Joel × horseback riding instructor f!reader

A/N: since horse dad! Joel lives rent free in all of our minds, I decided to dedicate my writing time to pumping out another chapter for y’all 🩷

~word count: 10.2k~

Summary: early mornings, rainy afternoons, board games and laughter all around. Could anything possibly go wrong?

Warnings: smut, protective p in v (wrap it kids) 69 action, teasing, dirty talk, praise kink, ass play, fingering (m receiving) consent, healthy discussion around sex/intimacy, doggystyle against the window, some choking, use of the word cockslut but not in a derogatory way, topics of trauma around past relationships for both Joel and the reader, pranks, nerf gun war, mentions of drinking, angst at the end, overwhelming emotions, fear, anxiety, overthinking, mentions of co-parenting, Joel has a bit of a freak out, Tommy to the rescue, ends on a cliffhanger (soz) reader has no physical description, readers nickname is clover because you’re Joel’s lucky charm, no age gap (Joel is 34 clover is 30) (+18) minors dni!

blue jeans playlist:

When Joel returned back inside to the kitchen after gathering up yours and his discarded clothing along the dock, he was met with Tommy’s still smirking face leaning back against the countertop. “Not a word. Ya hear me? You didn’t see nothin.’” Joel muttered under his breath as he strode past him.

Tommy chuckled with a shake of his head as he pushed himself off the side of the countertop. “Mhm. Whatever you say, big brother.”

Joel couldn’t help but chuckle under his breath as he softly padded back down the hall and up the stairs. It was still fairly early and the sun wasn’t visible due to some overcast, and he could hear some low rumbling of thunder along the lake. Early morning storms were his personal favorites and now even more so because he got to share them with you.

He used his shoulder to gently press open the bedroom door. He was met with your gentle, soft sleeping face with your cheek squished into the pillow. The comforter was lightly draped across your body, hanging loose over your lower back. He softly closed the door behind him and set yours and his clothes on top of his duffel bag before he returned to the bedside. He leaned down, ghosting his lips across the dip between your shoulder blades, languidly kissing your skin with the utmost tender affection.

“Mmm.” You hummed, voice sticky with sleep.

Your arms stretched forward as you wrapped them around the pillow. You could feel him smiling against your skin as his lips found their way to your forehead and cheek.

“Get back into bed.” You softly requested, eyes still closed.

“Missed me that much already?” He mused as he pressed a kiss to the tip of your nose, watching with adoration as your whole face scrunched up from his touch.

“Maybe…” You were already subconsciously grasping the comforter, lifting it slightly as an invitation.

“S’okay, honey bun. You can tell me that ya missed me a little.” He softly teased as he padded back around to his side of the bed and discarded himself of his boxer briefs before he climbed under the covers. He immediately was wrapping himself around your body, looping his arms around your waist as his legs tangled with yours.

“A little..don’t let it get to your head though, okay?” You nuzzled your cheek further into the pillow as your body relaxed into his warmth, melting into his arms like putty. “Where’d you wander off to anyway?”

“I would never. Had to piss and then went downstairs. Tommy is awake and he pointed out our clothes scattered about on the dock. Unfortunately, I think a pack of raccoons stole your bra and panties.”

“Are you serious?” you softly grumbled.

“Deadly.”

“What a bunch of bandits. You’re sure it was raccoons, baby?”

“Are you accusin’ me of stealin’ your undergarments honey? Cus’ I would never. I’m a gentleman after all.” He nuzzled his cheek into the side of your neck. You could feel his patchy beard lightly tickling your skin.

“I might be..” you held in a soft giggle. “It’s got your name written all over it, hun. If you wanted a pair of my bra and panties, all you’d have to do is ask.”

“Mmm. You’re filthy.” He cooed.

“Only for you.”

“Really know how to get your man all riled up in the mornin’, hmm?” He purred against your skin as his lips began to leave light kisses to the sliver of skin below your ear.

“It comes naturally to me I suppose.” You were grinning into the soft fabric of the pillow. “I do wish you were still sleeping..”

“Why’s that?” He gravelly inquired as the pads of his fingertips gently pressed against your hips as he trailed them slowly up your torso.

“I wanted you to wake up to the image of your cock shoved down my throat..”

Your Texas tall glass of water let out a surprised grunt, blowing a hot puff of air against the shell of your ear. “Fuck. Really? You wanted to wake me up with a blowie? Fuck me. I can always..pretend to be asleep? Jus’ so you can live out your dirty little fantasy.” He suggested.

“You're already awake though baby. It wouldn’t be as fun.” He could sense a pout spreading across your lips so he did what any good boyfriend would do, he let his hand slowly creep up the valley of your bare breasts to your chin where he then gently twisted your head to the side so his lips could meet yours.

“I’m real good at playin’ pretend. Trust me on this one honey pie.” His lips brushed your own as his thumb gently dragged across your cheekbone. “C’mon. It’ll be fun.”

“Mmm..” you hummed into the kiss, turning your body completely so you were facing him now. “I think I have an even better idea..”

“Oh? Now I am intrigued to hear what is better than you waking me up with a blowjob.” He chuckled. “I’m all ears sweetheart.”

“You’ve ever done 69 before, Miller?” Your hand gently rested upon the middle part of his chest as you eased him onto his back against the pillows. His bare cock twitched slightly under the comforter from the movement.

“You’d be the first, my dear. Y’know I’d never turn down an opportunity to eat your pussy. I’d be a fuckin’ fool if I did.”

Your thighs subconsciously clenched together at his words while your hand slowly slipped below the comforter and wrapped around his half-hard length. “Yeah? I’d be the first? Mmm.. is that what you want then baby? You want to eat my pussy while I suck your cock?” You hummed.

His nostrils flared as he let out a puff of air and a low grunt crawled up his throat. “Fuck. I’m really screwed with you huh?” He was already reaching for your thighs as he pulled you into his lap with ease while you maneuvered yourself into the correct position.

“What can I say, something awakened inside of me last night. You’ve got me absolutely dripping, and you haven’t even touched me yet baby.” You scooted your hips back towards his face slowly.

A smooth, deep chuckle crawled up his throat as he used his free hand to fix the pillows behind his head before his eyes fixated on the way your pussy clenched and quivered around nothing. “Didn’t realize that my words could get ya goin’ so easily. You’re clenchin’ around nothin’ sweetheart. You know how fuckin’ sexy that is? Look at how needy your little pussy is right now. She’s so fuckin’ desperate—Oh.” His teasing warm breath along the seam of your cunt turned into a soft unsuspecting sigh when he felt your wet tongue lick a hot and slow stripe along the veiny side of his cock.

The rain had just begun to softly patter along the windows and roof as Joel used his middle and forefinger to spread your folds as his tongue dove in to lap up your early morning arousal. His cock twitched in your gentle grasp from the sound of a wanton moan slipping past your lips as you slowly sunk your mouth down around him. “Fuck me.” He grunted against you as his tongue paid extra care to your sensitive clit, flicking the bundle of nerves languidly with his lashes fluttered shut. “M’not gonna last long with your sweet fuckin’ mouth around my cock like that darlin.’”

“Don’t care.” You hummed against him as you slowly began to bob your head.

“Atta girl.” He praised you with a mouthful pussy.

It of course didn’t take long for either you or your Texas tall glass of water to hit your first orgasm of the day. He was already reaching for a condom from the box resting along the bedside table as you released your mouth from around his spent cock with a satisfying pop.

Your eyes were equally wild with lust as he coaxed you to turn around in his lap as he slipped his hand down between your bodies and slowly slid the rubber on. “Did ya enjoy yourself honey?” He mused as his freehand rested gently along your cheek. He loved you so much, and you could see the passion twinkling in his warm coffee-colored eyes.

“Mhmm. I did enjoy myself, baby. Did you?” You peppered kisses along his jaw earning a lopsided grin to grace his handsome face. “Absolutely, my darlin.’ I got an idea that I think you’d be into. Mind if I run it by?” His hand that wasn’t resting gently along your cheek was wrapped around the curve of your bare spine.

“Mmm. Lay it on me, Miller. Like you said last night, we have an entire box of condoms to get through.”

“Exactly..so, we’ll start off on the bed.” He responded with a soft hum. “A lazy, slow fuck. Wanna feel every inch of you huggin’ my cock. Then, I wanna take you up against that window ov’there.” He gestured with a suggestive tilt of his chin.

You couldn’t help but giggle at his suggestions. Your once shy, and unsure of himself sticky sweet man, was now turning out to be just as filthy as you were. “Yeah? I love a good lazy early morning fuck. We can go nice and slow. You’re just looking for an excuse to bend me over afterwards huh?”

Joel couldn’t help the heat that was rising to his cheeks. It had been years since the last time he felt comfortable discussing his sexual desires with a partner. It wasn’t that sex before wasn’t necessarily good, he just felt like his past partners never gave him a fair shot to discuss the things that he liked. “Yeah, I uh—wanna see your tits pressed against the glass..and if you’re comfortable with it, I wanna yank your hair a lil..’”

Your lips found their way to his own as you kissed him sweetly. “You can yank on my hair more than just a little. I don’t mind the pain, remember? If you want me to be your little plaything against the window, I would absolutely fucking enjoy that.”

He kissed you back sweetly, breathing out a puff of warm air through his nose as his knuckles gently stroked along your lower back. “So you wouldn’t mind me callin’ you my dirty little cockslut either? Jus’ testin’ the waters out with ya. Wanna know what you’re comfortable with.”

“Fuck no, I wouldn’t mind that all. I think that’s hot. Mmm.. but can you call me your pretty dirty little cockslut? I like the way that sounds more.” You mumbled against his lips. “Your needs and comfort are just as important as my own, okay? Speaking of which..for this lazy fuck, do you want my back pressed against your chest, or with our chests pressed together and legs tangled? I’m good with either one.”

“God, I fuckin’ love you so much.” He blurted out as his lips detached from yours and his strong arms wrapped around your lower back as he hugged you to his chest tightly. “I like the way pretty dirty little cockslut sounds too. Wanna be kissin’ you while I’m fuckin’ you. You know that thing ya did last night? When you were guidin’ my cock? That was so fucking hot..can you do that again, please?”

Your heart skipped a beat when he announced that he loved you. The feeling still hadn’t 100% sunk in after your admittance of feelings last night. “I love you so much, Joel. I just want you to know that we can partake in these conversations whenever we want, okay? Not just about sex, but our intimacy in general. You’re allowed a safe space to express your feelings just as I am.” You pressed a playful kiss to the tip of his nose as he gently rolled you over onto your side. His legs tangled with yours as he held you as close as he physically could. “I could tell you really enjoyed that..of course I can do it again baby.” You softly cooed as you slipped your hand between your nearly connected bodies and gently grasped the heavy weight of his cock in your palm. “Like this baby?” You guided his covered tip to brush between your folds.

“I always feel comfortable talkin’ to you, Clover. Never have I felt uncomfortable once, I promise.” He released a shuddered breath as his forehead rested along yours so he could glance down to see himself slowly slip inside of you. “Jus’ like that, yeah baby. Fuck.” He softly grunted as your never ending warmth accommodated his size as he stretched you open. “Not hurtin’ or nothin’ right? She took a bit of a beatin’ last night..so I wanna be sure.”

In response to his question, your hand that wasn’t presently guiding his cock grabbed ahold of one of his firm asscheeks to spur him forward. “You’re good baby, I promise. Please fuckin’ move, Joel.” You let out a soft moan between your tangled limbs.

He let out a surprised grunt when you grabbed ahold of his ass as he bottomed out completely. “Fuckin’ hell. You really are quite a naughty pretty lil’ thing.” He chuckled.

“Careful what you wish for, baby. A finger might just slip down..” You whispered through the heat of the moment as his hips slowly rolled into yours.

“Wouldn’t mind it if ya did actually. Tommy jus’ so happened to slip a bottle of lube in my bag. S’on the table next to the condoms.” He couldn’t help but take his lower lip between his teeth as he felt your pussy squeeze and flutter around his cock.

“So, you're giving me permission to finger your ass? Well, that wasn’t on my bingo card for the morning but..if that’s what you’d like, I’m all for it.” You softly responded as you released his cheek and reached around the bedside table. When you let out a huff of frustration because you were unable to locate the bottle of lube, Joel was already reaching for the table behind him. Somehow he located the bottle without having to pull away from the current activities and he gingerly placed it in the palm of your awaiting hand.

“I am givin’ you full permission, baby. Jus’ be gentle with me, okay?” He was kissing you now as your thumb pressed open the cap and directed it over his lower back. He let out a surprised hiss at the cooling sensation as it dripped down between his cheeks. “Fuck. Forgot how unnecessarily cold that shit can be.” He mumbled against your lips with a chuckle.

You dipped your finger along his spine gathering up the substance as you dragged it southwards. “Just relax, baby. Let me know if you want me to stop.”

Joel reached for your thigh in a haste as he hooked it around his hip so he could fuck into you slowly at a deeper angle just as your finger slowly circled the rim of his tight hole. He let out a sound you had only once or twice heard slip past his lips. Joel Miller fucking whimpered, and the sound alone had you clenching around him. He released your thigh gently from his hold so he could slide his hand down to rest over the top of yours, guiding you just like you had guided his cock.

The gesture alone was so erotic as he showed you wordlessy, sans his whimpering, exactly how he liked to be played with. “That’s it baby. Fuck. You know how good that feels for me? You can add a little pressure with your finger. S’alright with me. Oh—yeah. There you go. Good fuckin’ girl.” He praised you as your lubed coated finger slowly sank inside of him.

With you stimulating both his prostate and cock at the same time? Well, it was written all over your Texas tall glass of water’s face twisted in pure pleasure; he had so obviously drifted off into his own personal pool of heaven. You had never once heard a man fall into such unbridled pleasure, and it was by far one of the sexiest fucking things to witness. When he spent himself inside of the condom, his teeth were grazing your shoulder as he bit down on the skin. His muscles were twitching and trembling as you used your freehand to gently push his sweat stained hair from his face.

“I swear to god lil lady, Imma be puttin’ a goddamn shiny fuckin’ ring on your finger one of these days.” He mumbled against your skin, pressing kisses to the areas where he left his love bites.

“You wanna marry me, Cowboy?” You softly asked as you were coming down from your own high while his cock softened inside of you.

“Fuckin’ would be a goddamn fool if I didn’t. There’s no rush, my sweet n’pretty fuckin’ girl. No rush for that at all. Jus’ already know I’m puttin’ a ring on that finger.” He was grasping your face in both of his clammy palms and kissing you like a man starved.

“No one has ever..mentioned marriage to me before. It’s never been a topic of discussion, and I always just thought that maybe I wasn’t..marriage material?” You mumbled against his lips.

“Well than those guys are fuckin’ fools baby. You’re the whole goddamn package! No, I’m not just sayin’ that because sex with you is positively mindblowing, and this is the first time in years where I have felt comfortable discussing my sexual wants and desires in the bedroom. No, I mean what I’m sayin’ because I’m disgustingly in love with you, but also because you’re a wonderful fuckin’ human being. You carry so much kindness and grace in you, and that’s so fuckin’ admirable. You are such a strong and compassionate individual, and I admire the hell out of you for that.”

You couldn’t really comprehend why you were suddenly breaking down into post-orgasm tears as you detached your lips from his and buried your face into his sweaty chest. Your relationships in the past were nothing in comparison to the one you had with Joel. He proved to you everyday that good men truly exist, and that you didn’t have to fight tooth and nail for him to respect you. He understood and respected your opinions and beliefs, he stood alongside you, defended you without a second thought. He was so considerate of your feelings and it was overwhelming, to be loved unconditionally by someone that believed that you crafted the fucking sun in the sky just for them. To be loved for your heart and soul, and not your looks and body. Joel Miller saw you at the core, before he saw your external beauty.

“Baby..hey..hey..what’s wrong? Honey, I didn’t mean to make you upset. Oh, my sweet thing.” He whispered softly as his fingers gently petted down your hair and pressed his lips to the top of your head in a soothing kiss. He was presently so concerned as to what shifted your mood and he was prepared to do anything to provide you some form of comfort.

“You—you haven’t upset me.” You softly mumbled with a sniffle. “I’m just..overwhelmed with happiness. In all of my past failed relationships, my partners never respected me. I’ve struggled with my own intimacy issues ever since things ended with Logan. He was the worst out of all of them, and he made me believe that I just..wasn’t worthy of a healthy and stable relationship. This weekend with you has been amazing. I am so fucking happy that you invited me up here. I was nervous that maybe things between us were moving too fast, and the last thing I wanted to do was pressure you into having sex with me if you felt like it was too soon. You’ve been so good to me these past few months, and I just want to make sure that I’ve been doing the same for you. I love you so much and—”

“Clover, you deserve all the respect in the world. Logan was, and is a fuckin’ tool. Everyone deserves a healthy and stable relationship. That is the bare minimum and I am so sorry that he practically abused that. You asking him to respect you should have never been somethin’ that you felt like needed to be requested. He doesn’t own you, or your body. You still are your own person. Sweetheart, I have struggled respectin’ myself after Sarah’s mom left. The women I found myself hangin’ around with were not good for me, and It took me a long time to figure it out and realize that I too deserved better. My wife leavin’ us psychologically fucked with my head. Not to mention the fact that we were so fuckin’ young and I had to try and be the best father I could be to a practical newborn. I still struggle sometimes in’believin’ that I deserve you. Sometimes those thoughts creep up into my head, and I have to remind myself that I deserve love, happiness, and security too. Baby, you have shown me just how good it feels to be loved unconditionally by the most amazin’ woman that I have ever met.”

“Joel..” you whispered as you slowly peeked your cheek up from where it was smushed against his chest. Your arms wrapped themselves around him as you hugged him tightly. “You deserve everything and more, and I’m so incredibly lucky to be loved by you.”

“Now you’re gonna fuckin’ make me cry, dammit.” He chuckled through the tears brimming over his waterline. “What’re we in a fuckin’ love story or somethin?’ This shit doesn’t exist in just the fairytales?” He wrapped his arms under your own, hugging you just as tightly to him.

“It’s our own love story baby. All ours.” You lifted your head more so you could finally kiss him. “Now, enough of this sappy I love you shit.” You teased as you pressed your lips against his. “You still wanna yank on my hair a little, Cowboy.”

“Fuck yeah I do, my pretty dirty little cockslut.” He hummed against your lips as he gently slipped out of you to dispose of the spent condom.

You giggled at his pet name for you as you detangled your limbs from his and scrambled off the bed with your thighs still quivering as you placed your palms on either side of the window, pushing your ass out as you arched your back.

“Fuckin’ hell. That eager for me to give ya a proper poundin’ baby?” Joel suggestively asked as he returned from the bathroom and retrieved another condom from the box. “Lookin’ so pretty bent over like that. Think I want that image burned into my mind forever.” He rolled the rubber over his cock, giving it a few strokes as he approached you.

“Yeah, I want you to give it to me like I deserve, big boy. You gonna pull on my hair and call me your pretty dirty little cockslut?” You glanced over your shoulder at him, mischievous and lust plastered all over your pretty face.

“Yeah, gonna give it to you just how you fuckin’ deserve it. Gonna fill you up to the fuckin’ brim just how you like it.” He rasped as one strong arm swooped around your middle so he could secure you against his back. “You okay with a little bit of choking? S’okay if you aren’t.” He assured you as he used his thighs to spread your own apart further.

“You can use me as your plaything against this window however you desire to baby.” You hummed, letting your one hand slip down from the window and reach behind to guide his cock in once more.

“You don’t gotta tell me twice, my pretty dirty little cockslut.” He brought his freehand up to rest along the base of your throat as he sank down to the hilt.

Thank goodness for the rumbling of thunder and pounding of rain to drown out the sound of Joel’s skin slapping against yours, and the animalistic growl being released with each heavy thrust he gave you. Your Cowboy sure knew how to fuck like a man.

Shortly after, you and Joel found yourselves in the shower and discovered that water was a terrible lubricant and Pornhub was 100% a goddamn lie.

Getting fucked nice and deep against the bathroom countertop made up for it though.

When you finally emerged from the bedroom together after making yourselves presentable, only Tommy and Ryder were awake and hanging out in the kitchen. Your best friend gave you an eyebrow raise over the rim of her coffee mug when you came down the stairs, skin glowing and wearing one of Joel’s favorite flannels with a pair of his cotton shorts.

“Wow. Have you guys fucked yourselves out yet?”

Tommy nearly spit out a spray of coffee at his girlfriend's bluntness.

“Almost.” You shot her a wink as you went to retrieve your own mug and filled it up with the pot of coffee on the old style stove before you joined her at the table.

“Babe, is that toothpaste on the corner of your mouth or…cum?” She giggled over the rim of her mug.

“Toothpaste, I swear!” You felt the heat rise to your cheeks as Joel strode past you, leaving a ghost of a kiss on the top of your head.

“Just checking.” She grinned.

“Kids ain’t up yet?” Joel asked his brother as he went to pour himself a cup of coffee.

“Nah. Probably a good thing too, huh big brother?” He teased as he gave him a little hip bump.

“Shuddup.” Joel responded with a grumble and the tiniest grin.

“How many times did y’all go to pound town this mornin?’” Tommy had no shame in asking.

“Uhh—3? Or was it 4? Musta lost track.” He shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

“It was four all together.” You concluded for him. Continuing with,

“One was on the bed, then against the window, then in the shower but do we even count that one? My thighs are still burning. Water is not a good lubricant. Four would be against the bathroom counter.”

Tommy nearly choked on his coffee before he slapped his brother on the back proudly. “Well I’ll be damned. This one here has the stamina of a fuckin’ Thoroughbred.”

“Stamina of a Thoroughbred, but he’s built like a Mustang.” You winked at your man proudly.

“Yeah, and now this Mustang is absolutely fuckin’ starved because that filly ov’there wore him the fuck out.” Joel responded with a chuckle and suggestive wink over the rim of his mug.

“Y’all are fuckin’ disgusting.” Tommy snorted under his breath. “Hey, baby? If Joel is a Mustang, what does that make me?”

Ryder was doing her best to sustain her giggles as she looked over at her man. “Baby, you’re a fuckin’ Quarter Horse through and through.”

“Damn straight I am.” Tommy puffed out his chest proudly.

“That’s nice and all brother, but breakfast? What’re we havin?’” Joel asked as he rubbed his temples with a shake of his head.

“A feast because we all fuckin’ deserve one.”

God help me. Joel silently thought to himself as he grabbed the carton of eggs and bacon from the fridge. “Hey, honey? You wanna help me crack these eggs for an omelette?”

You were already up and out of your seat at lighting speed as you grabbed a bowl from the cabinet to crack the eggs in. “Absolutely would love to help you crack some eggs.” you shot him a little grin.

“Thank you so much sweetheart.” He wrapped his arm around your waist loosely, giving you a quick kiss before he grabbed a pan. Just as he pulled away from the kiss you swiftly tapped the egg along his forehead and cracked it into the bowl. Your impulsive thoughts got the best of you on that one.

Joel was deadly silent after he realized you had just gone and used his forehead like that. There was a bit of egg on his head and tiny bits of shell in his freshly washed hair as he looked over at you and blinked a few times. “What in the hell did ya go and do that for?” His Texas twang was strong and raspy as you did your best to suppress your giggles.

“You got a big ass forehead so why not put it to good use.” You teased.

“Why you little—” you cut him off with a kiss while simultaneously cracking yet another egg on his head.

“DID YOU JUST GO AND CRACK AN EGG ON MY BROTHER’S HEAD??” Tommy had seen what had happened the second time around and he too was trying to not laugh as his brother simmered with his arms crossed over his chest.

“Yes, yes I did.” You giggled.

“Swear to god I’m gonna crack you like a goddamn egg darlin.’” Joel grumbled. It was however hard for him to stay mad at you for something as silly as this. “Can ya please be a doll and get the bits of shell out of my hair please? Now that you’ve had your fun’n all.”

“Aw, baby. I’d love to see you try and crack me like an egg.” You kissed his cheek affectionately as you carefully began to pick out the stray bits of shell from his hair.

“You’re so fuckin’ lucky that I love ya.” He slowly uncrossed his arms.

“The luckiest.”

When breakfast was finally made, (no shells to be found) Sarah and Ellie had finally arisen from their long slumber as they padded into the kitchen rubbing the eye crusties with their fists.

“Good morning girls.” Joel chimed in as you and him had just finished placing the feast of a breakfast on the kitchen table. “How did y’all sleep?”

Sarah trudged right on over to her dad and wrapped her arms around his middle hugging him with her cheek smushed against the side of his bicep. “Good morning dad. We slept great. Super tired though. Stayed up waaay too late.”

Joel wrapped his arms around his daughter and kissed the top of her head. “I’m sorry to hear that you’re tired, baby girl. Didn’t I tell you and El to not stay up late?” He softly tsked.

“Daaad. Don’t be like that. We’re on vacation, remember?” She hugged him tighter.

“I’m your dad, sweet pea. I gotta be annoying every once in a while right? You girls are just in time for breakfast. You want some orange juice too?”

“You’re always annoying.” She playfully mumbled as he mussed up her head of curls. “Yes please to the juice.”

“We were up late reading ghost stories Mr. Miller, and Sarah is a big fraidy cat and kept thinking something was gonna jump out of the closet”

“Ahh. Ghost stories, huh? Well, I think with the weather so far..it’s gonna be a lazy day inside. If you girls wanna take a nap after breakfast. Think around noon we’ll set up some board games and maybe a puzzle?”

“If there’s Boggle, I’m all in.” Ellie said through a mouthful of pancakes as she was already seated at the table.

“Of course you’re in if there’s Boggle, kiddo. It’s cus’ you always win that damn game.”

“Precisely.” Ellie responded with a grin.

“Hey dad?…why do you have a bit of eggshell stuck in your hair?” Sarah asked curiously as she pulled away from the hug.

Joel slowly looked over at you with a playful huff. “Ask that pretty thing ov’there. She thought it would be real hilarious to use my big ass forehead to crack an egg on it.”

Both girls erupted into giggles and Ellie was already reaching across the table to give you a high-five. “Now that’s what I call an eggcellent breakfast.”

“You’re cracking me up.” Joel grumbled.

“Oh, don’t be such a rotten egg, baby. It was all in good fun.”

“Yeah, dad. You should be looking at life on the sunny side up.” Sarah giggled.

“Yeah, big brother. Don’t be such an egghead.” Tommy chimed in.

“Yolk gotta be kiddin’ me right now.” Joel deadpanned and the entire kitchen table erupted into contagious laughter.

When the laughter finally died down, and Joel took a seat next to you he leaned over and whispered. “Jus’ so ya know, I’m gonna have to get back at ya for that little prank of yours. Ain’t gonna tell ya when I do it either.”

“I thought your prank was stealing my bra and panties and blaming it on a pack of raccoons?” You glanced over at him with a small grin on your lips.

“Oh, you’re so gonna fuckin’ get it later sweetheart.”

You ever so innocently dragged your foot up his shin slowly, fluttering your lashes like the damn tease you were. “You wanna bet on that honey?”

Joel let out a grumbled sigh as he narrowed his eyes on you. Just when you thought he had a snarky comeback, he instead shoveled in a mouthful of eggs and washed it down with a gulp of coffee.

The only game that the lake house failed to have was Boggle, and Ellie didn’t even have to ask him to go to the nearest Walmart because Joel was already grabbing his keys to his truck and taking Tommy with him.

“So, how are you gonna get back at her for the whole egg cracking thing?” Tommy asked as he climbed into the passenger seat of Joel’s truck.

“I was thinkin’ we ambush her and Ryder with a little friendly game of nerf-gun war.”

“Ohh? Well, you know I never turn down a good prank opportunity. Should we do it inside the house or outside?” Tommy asked as Joel was already backing out down the gravel driveway.

“As long as there’s no lightning I think it would be pretty fun to watch ‘em slip and slide around in the mud.”

“All’s fair in love and war right?” Tommy responded with a grin.

“Exactly. They ain’t gonna see it comin’ either.”

While your men were out at the store to buy Boggle and a few nerf-guns, you, Ryder, Sarah and Ellie were working on a 1,000 piece puzzle when Sarah had popped you a question that you were least expecting.

“Hey, Clover?” She asked softly while placing down another end piece.

“Yeah, kiddo?”

“Did you and my dad say that you love each other last night?”

You and Ryder slowly looked over at one another before you turned your attention to Joel’s daughter. “Yeah, we did say that we love each other last night sweetie.”

“Good. I thought he was going to chicken out on you, or you on him. I just know how happy you make him and that makes me happy too. My dad can be a bit silly at times and he can be hard on himself. He doesn’t like to talk about my mom much, but I know she really hurt him bad by leaving. You’re not going to do that to him, right?” Sarah couldn’t help but ask you things genres of questions. You were the first mother-like figure in her life outside of her birth mother.

“Sarah, I love your father very much. He’s become my entire world, and I promise you that I would never ever leave him, or you. Okay?” Your heart broke for the 12 year old girl sitting across from you. You couldn’t even imagine what it was like for her to never really know who her mother was.

“I know you won’t, Clover. I just have to ask these things because my dad is the best dad ever and I just want him to be happy. You make him so happy, and you make me happy too.” She murmured softly.

You were already up from your chair and at her side pulling her in for a hug as she looped her arms around your neck and hugged you tightly. “I know you’re not my mom, but..if it’s okay with you, can I call you mom?” Sarah sounded so timid in her question that it had you squeezing the young girl tighter.

“Sweetie, of course you can call me mom. I love you so much Sarah. You’re such a wonderful kid.”

Sarah hugged you as tightly as she physically could as you gently smoothed down her head of curls. “I love you too mom.” She whispered.

When Joel and Tommy arrived back from the store they didn’t immediately get out of the truck to come inside, which in turn raised yours and Ryders suspicions that your Texas men were certainly up to something.

“So how the hell are we gonna get them to come outside genius?” Tommy asked as he was loading up his nerf gun.

“Dunno. I didn’t think that far if I’m bein’ honest smart ass.” Joel responded with a grumble.

“Well, what if you call Clover and tell her that we need help bringin’ some stuff in? Y’think she’ll suspect somethin?’”

“She’s a smart cookie that one. But hey, it’s worth a shot.” He pulled his phone out his pocket and dialed your number.

“They’re definitely up to something.” You and clover concluded when your phone lit up with Joel’s name. You answered it anyway, wanting to be a good sport and all. “Hey baby, what’s up?”

“Hey, honey. Can you and Ryder be a doll and come out and help us with some of the bags? It ain’t stormin’ anymore.”

“Sure thing. We’ll be down in a minute.”

Joel and Tommy silently fist bumped as he hung up the phone. “Okay, so we’re gonna hide out behind my truck so they can’t see us and when they’re close enough..we attack. Sounds like a plan?”

“Somethin’ tells me that they’re gonna outsmart us somehow, but I’m still all in, big brother.”

“Let’s get ‘em.”

You and Ryder were equally as prepared because shortly after you and Sarah had your touching moment together, you filled the girls in on your plan to prank the boys again. So both Sarah and Ellie helped you fill up a few water balloons.

You and Ryder walked out through the porch door casually with the water balloons hidden behind your backs as you approached the truck. “Joel? Tommy? Where the hell are you guys?” Both the driver's seat and passenger seat of Joel’s truck were empty.

“One. Two. Three!” Joel and Tommy whispered to each other as they prepared for battle. In a split second they shot up from behind Joel’s truck with their nerf guns at the ready.

“OH FUCK, JOEL! I TOLD YOU THEY WERE GOIN’ TO OUTSMART US!” Tommy yelled when he saw you and Ryder at your water balloons at the ready.

“Hey, baby? All’s fair in love and war, right?” You yelled from a few feet away.

“FIRE!!!” Joel yelled dramatically as if he were in an actual battle scene.

Nerf darts shot out from both guns as you and Ryder chucked your water balloons right back.

Ryder hit Tommy square in the chest and he dropped like a sack of potatoes. “Brother! I’m hit! I’VE BEEN SHOT! YOU HAVE TO CONTINUE ON WITHOUT ME!” He clutched his hand over the wet patch on his shirt from where the water balloon hit him.

“I WON’T LET YOU DOWN BROTHER! I WILL AVENGE YOU!” Joel let out a battle cry as he dodged your first two water balloons. His nerf darts just barely missed you as you threw another balloon that hit him in the thigh, so on cue he dropped to one knee in the muddy grass.

“GIVE UP!” You playfully demanded him.

“NEVER!!!” Joel shouted back as he aimed his nerf gun right at your chest before he was knocked back by a water balloon.

“VICTORY IS OURS!!” You and Ryder exclaimed excitedly as you stood over your ‘victims’

Joel and Tommy had one last trick up their sleeves however as they held their hands up in surrender.

“OH PLEASE! PLEASE SPARE US!” They pleaded as you and Ryder bent down over them.

One. Two. Three.

Joel had grabbed ahold of you while Tommy had grabbed ahold of Ryder and easily flipped you under them.

Joel leaned in close as he whispered against the shell of your ear, “all’s fair in love and war, right baby?”

“Bullshit! We won fair and square! You cheated!” You giggled as you playfully hit his chest.

“Just for that, we’re really gonna go and take a tumble in the mud sweet cheeks!”

“NO NO NO. I TAKE IT BACK YOU DIDN’T CHEAT!”

“Tooooo laaate.” Your Texas tall glass of water singsonged.

From the safety of the porch deck, Sarah and Ellie were watching in pure amusement as you, Joel, Tommy, and Ryder wrestled playfully in the muddy grass before both men scooped each of you up and raced down the dock before jumping in.

“What’s that word the owl uses in the movie Bambi? Y’know the part where Bambi, Thumper, and Flower get distracted by girl deer, skunks, and rabbits?” Sarah asked.

“OH! I think the owl says the word “twitterpated?” Ellie answered back.

“Yeah! That’s the one. Well, that’s what they are. They’re twitterpated.” Sarah giggled.

“Yeah, and it’s super disgusting! I don’t ever want to be twitterpated.” Ellie stuck her tongue out playfully.

“Me either.”

After yet another shower, you all sat down to finally play a game of boggle. Ellie won the first round, (of course) but Joel was more than willing to be a good sport and play again. Boggle turned to Scrabble, which then turned into a very serious game of monopoly. It was around 5:30 that everyone decided to take a break and head into town for some dinner.

There was a big family style Italian restaurant that Joel and Tommy had been going to since they were kids. The food was good, the decor was outdated, yet charming. The best part was the paper tablecloth and big cup of crayons that even the adults could have some fun with.

Joel frankly looked like a goddamn snack. He was wearing a navy blue tee-shirt paired with a red baseball cap and some cut off jean shorts. He was wearing a watch on his wrist that you later found out from Sarah that the watch was broken, and she was planning on fixing it for his birthday in September.

When he wasn’t paying attention you snuck a quick picture of his side profile on your phone just because he looked so handsome. He did however catch you at the last minute and gave you a playful wiggle of his eyebrows.

Yeah, you were pretty twitterpated.

When dinner was finished and Joel and Tommy argued briefly on who was going to pay the bill, you and Ryder decided to take the girls to the ice cream shop next door. During that time the Miller Brothers finally came to an agreement to split the bill instead.

They met you, Ryder and the girls outside the ice cream shop where Joel got a nice spoonful of your two scoops of blue moon.

“Mmm. Tastes like cereal milk.” He hummed as you replaced the spoon with your lips giving him a sweet kiss.

“Gross! C‘mon Mr. Miller! Not in front of our ice cream!” Ellie playfully gagged.

Joel chuckled into the kiss, returning it sweetly before he pulled away and wrapped his arms around Sarah and Ellie’s shoulders with a big grin. “Hey, sweetie pie? Would ya mind takin’ a picture of my girls and I? Wanna have somethin’ else to hang up on the fridge.”

“Of course! Hey, Ryder? You still have your Polaroid camera on you right?”

“Yeah babe!” She responded and reached into her purse pulling out her camera and handed it to you.

“Okay, on the count of three I want you to all say cheese! Okay? One, two, three.”

The camera flashed as the shutter clicked shut, and shortly after the photo was dispensed out. It turned out cuter than expected. Sarah had the sweetest smile to match Joel’s soft dad smile, and Ellie in her playful fashion was sticking her tongue out.

Once you all arrived back home to the lake house, Joel hung the photo up on the fridge with a horseshoe magnet. Another storm was rolling in as night fell and everyone hunkered down in the living room for a movie night. It ended up being a unanimous decision on watching Spirit Of course.

“Hey Tommy?” Ellie asked as she sat on the floor next to Sarah.

“Yeah, kiddo?”

“You didn’t tell me that you were dating a total badass.”

“Ryder? Oh, yeah. She’s pretty cool huh?”

“Cool doesn’t even cover it. Dude…she barrel races! That’s like..so unbelievably badass!” Ellie threw her hands up in the air in emphasis.

“You’re right, El. It is unbelievably badass of her. She pretty much can run circles around me any day.” Tommy confirmed with a chuckle.

“Who can run circles around who?” Ryder plopped down on the couch next to him with a bowl of popcorn in her hands.

“Jus’ was tellin’ Ellie here that you can run circles around me any day. She thinks it’s pretty cool that you’re a barrel racer n’all that.” He grinned as he draped his arm across her shoulders.

“You’re right about that kiddo. I can run circles around this man all day like it’s my job. Have you ever gone horseback riding before?”

“Yeah, a few times. Barrel racing has always looked so fun though.”

“Well, I’d be happy to teach you the ropes of it if you’d like?”

“Wait, really? That would be so awesome!”

“Of course! I’d love to teach you.” Ryder reached down and gave the younger girl a fist bump.

Once everyone was situated, you leaned over and whispered to your boyfriend, “Baby, just admit that he’s a handsome horse.” You were referring to adult Spirit that was voiced by Matt Damon.

“I ain’t gonna do that.” Joel whispered back as he brought his arm around your waist.

“Why not? Look at him!” You whispered back while gesturing to the screen.

“Fine. He’s a very handsome horse, baby.” Joel grumbled his response.

“Was that so hard?” You whispered.

“You got a crush on an animated horse now or somethin?’”

“..maybe.”

“I knew all along that you were a lil’ freak.” He teasingly whispered as he lightly tickled your side.

After the girls were tucked in and Tommy and Sarah retired to their room for the evening, Joel led you upstairs with his hands covering your eyes gently because he had a surprise waiting for you. “Watch your step baby. I have eaten shit on these stairs way too many times to count.” He whispered softly against the shell of your ear.

“Oh, I can only imagine how many times you’ve eaten shit going up these.” You responded with a giggle. “Now, this is the part where you murder me, right?”

“Nah. I promise I’d never do such a thing. Jus’ wanna have a nice relaxing evenin’ with my girlfriend.”

“Okay, good.” You breathed out a faux sigh of relief. “Cause if you ended up secretly being a serial killer, I’d be super disappointed.”

“Unless me murdering your pussy counts..than no my darlin’ I am not a serial killer.” He chuckled.

“Ha. Ha. Ha. You’re hilarious Texas. Came up with that one all by yourself huh? Good job baby.”

“They don’t call me Joel Miller the pussy murderer for nothin.’” He snickered softly as he gently pushed open the bedroom door and led you to the bathroom.

“Okay, now you can open your eyes in just a second baby I promise. Gotta make sure everythin’ is nice and perfect for ya.” He kissed your cheek sweetly as he slowly removed his hands from covering your eyes.

You heard him putzing around for a few seconds before he gave you the okay to open your eyes.

“Oh, baby. You did this all for me?” Your Texas tall glass of water had ran a comfortably warm bath with all kinds of candles illuminating the space in a soft golden glow. There were even little flower petals scattered about the mountain of bubbles in the tub.

“Yeah, I figured it would be nice for us to take a bath together. The tub is big enough to fit us both comfortably.” He smiled softly as he poured you a glass of wine.

“Wow. Wine too? You’re too kind, baby.” You clinked your glass with his before taking a sip.

Shortly after you both slowly undressed and climbed into the tub that was spacious enough to fit you both comfortably. You sat across from each other with your knees poking out from under the bubbles. Joel could tell something was on your mind by the way your chin was gently resting along your knee. You appeared to be deep in thought as he leaned forward and resting his own chin on his knee to be more level with you.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just..I have something to tell you and I don’t want you to freak out on me or anything okay? I was going to tell you earlier today but there wasn’t exactly the perfect opportunity for me to tell you until now.”

Joel felt a frown slowly tug across his lips. He was already racking his brain to see if he could come up with a possible solution as to why your mood had suddenly shifted. He couldn’t deny the fact that his nerves were beginning to bubble up. Had he done something wrong? Was this morning too much? Was it the nerf-gun fight? Was it something else?

“Okay, I promise you whatever it is that you have to tell me, I won’t freak out.” He assured you.

“Pinky promise?” You reached your pinky out in his direction.

“Pinky promise.” He linked his pinky with yours loosely.

“Okay, so when you and Tommy left to go to the store, Ryder and I were working on a puzzle with Sarah and Ellie.”

He kept his pinky looped with yours as he listened.

“It came out of the complete blue, but Sarah..she asked me if last night you and I said that we loved each other.”

“Did you tell her that we did?..” Joel softly asked.

“Yeah, I did. It just caught me off guard y’know?”

“Baby, I understand. Sarah and I talked about it when I was tucking her in last night. She asked if I was going to tell you that I love you. I told her that I was going to tell you last night, and she also said that she’s really happy that I found someone.”

“That’s not all she said to me though Joel.”

He squeezed your pinky gently and gave you a reassuring nod. “What else did she tell you, baby?”

“She said that she was afraid either of us would chicken out and not admit our feelings. She also said that you could be a bit silly at times, and you can be hard on yourself. She then said that you don’t like to..talk about her mom much, and her leaving hurt you really bad, and then she asked me if I would ever leave you..”

Joel let out a heavy deep sigh as his daughter's words hung heavy in the small space between you.

“She’s..a really observant person. I’m sorry that she threw that all on you like that. I know she meant well of course—”

“Joel, it’s okay. I’m not upset that she felt comfortable speaking to me about these things. It actually made me feel really good inside that..she is comfortable coming to me like that.”

“How did—how did you respond to her question?” He bit down on the inside of his cheek, tasting copper along his tongue.

“I told her that I love her father very much, and he’s become my entire world. I promised her that I would never leave either of you.”

Joel was fully grasping your hand in his now with your fingers gently interlocked.

“Joel, your daughter also asked if it would be okay for her to call me mom.”

Joel could feel his emotions begin to rise from the pits of his stomach. The idea of you becoming so close to Sarah that she thought of you as a motherly-figure was both comforting, but also slightly terrifying for him to grasp. No woman in his life ever bothered to grow close with his daughter. This was a huge step and it truly felt a little overwhelming for the single father.

“Clover, what did you tell her?” He asked with uncertainty laced in his tone. You were afraid that at any moment the wire would snap between the two of you.

“I told her that of course she could call me mom and that I loved her.” You softly spoke the truth.

“Did she—she say that she loved you back?” He asked just above a whisper.

“She did, Joel. She said, ‘I love you too, mom.’”

“She called you mom?” He nearly choked out.

“She did.”

“Clove, you know what this—this means right?” Joel squeezed your palm gently.

“It means that we’re a family?” You could feel your emotions begin to bubble over.

“I just..I wish you would have run this by me before just—telling my daughter that she can call you mom.” His voice fell flat and you immediately felt yourself recoiling from his touch.

“Joel, what was I supposed to tell her? That she can’t call me mom? I told you yesterday that I already think of her as my own. I thought this would..make you happy?” You could feel tears begin to brim along your waterline.

“Clover wait, please. Please don’t get ahead of yourself, okay? I just—this is a big deal. You realize that, right? Sarah has never had a mother figure in her life. No woman I have ever been with since her mom left us has gotten close to my daughter as you have.”

“You’re making it sound like this is some terrible thing that has been said. I love you, and your daughter. I love what we have, and if you think for a second..that—that I don’t want this? Is that what you’re insinuating?”

“Baby, that’s not what I’m insinuating at all here. It’s just a big fucking responsibility. One that is completely new to you. I don’t want you to feel like you have to drop everything to become Sarah’s step-mother.”

“Please don’t call me baby right now. Please don’t. I’m well aware that it’s a responsibility to take on, Joel. I’m thirty years old. I take care of my six horses seven days a week and I work shifts at the bar to cover their extra expenses. I have my own apartment, I have a good credit score, and I like to think that I’m somewhat successful. I have no experience in being a mother you’re absolutely right about that, but if you think for a minute that I don’t want to take on these responsibilities with open arms? I have never once thought about family or marriage until I met you. Just this morning you were the one bringing up marriage! Did you not mean it? Were you just saying it because it was the heat of the moment? You can’t just throw something like that around—”

“Clover, all I’m asking is for you to fucking think about this for a second, okay? You have to understand that I have been a single father for Sarah’s entire life. Tommy helped out sure, but I raised my daughter primarily on my own. She comes before anything in my life and I know you are aware of this, and this is why I need you to understand why I am voicing this to you. I think it’s wonderful that Sarah thinks of you as her mom. I know how much you love my daughter, but as partners we need to discuss what this means for us and our relationship.” His tone was much softer now as he tried to talk you both down from getting into a heated argument.

You sank back into the now lukewarm water with your face buried in your hands as your shoulders slumped inwards. “I’m sorry Joel. I shouldn’t—I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions like that. I understand that you raised your daughter on your own and she’s never had a real mother figure in her life till now. I shouldn’t have allowed myself to get worked up like that, and I understand you’re just trying to voice your concerns and have a conversation with me.”

“Clover, it’s okay. I’m not upset at you for reacting the way that you did just now.” He gently placed his hand along your exposed knee giving it a gentle squeeze. “I should have also rephrased my words and thought about how they would make you feel. I wasn’t thinking about how you were going to react, and I’m sorry I didn’t. All I am trying to convey to you is that this is a big deal for you, me, and my daughter.”

“Joel, I understand why it’s a big deal. Of course it is. It changes the entire dynamic of our relationship, and that’s okay. I don’t want you to think that I don’t want this next step in our relationship to happen. You said it yourself that we don’t have to get married right away. Joel, we can take baby steps, and no one can tell us the right or wrong way to co-parent.”

“I’m sorry, I’m just incredibly overwhelmed right now, okay?” He slipped his hand off your knee as he rose from the tub and grabbed a towel to dry himself off with.

Your heart sank deep into the pit of your stomach as you watched him get out of the tub.

“Joel, I understand that you’re overwhelmed, but we can still have a conversation about—”

“Stop saying you understand why I’m overwhelmed, okay? You don’t understand why because this is an experience you’ve never lived through before. You’ve never been a mother. You’ve never been a single parent, and I love you, but please stop telling me the things you think I want to hear right now.” He gently pleaded with you as he quickly slipped his boxers on.

“Joel, I’m just trying to empathize with you the best way that I know how..” you bit back your tears from spilling over as your gaze casted down along your reflection in the water.

“I just..need to be alone for a minute, okay? Please don’t take it personally. I just feel like I can’t breathe in here. I need to go outside and clear my head, and when I'm ready we can talk. Okay? I promise.” He yanked his shirt back over his head before his gaze fell upon your sheltered body language in the tub. You were well aware that couples got into disagreements all the time. It was something completely normal, and yet you couldn’t help the way your heart caved in on itself from his words.

“Okay.” You whispered.

The bathroom door softly closed behind him as he left the room and as soon as you could no longer hear his footsteps, your tears finally fell.

Joel raced down the stairs straight to Tommy and Ryder’s room. He banged on the door thrice with a sense of urgency that his brother hadn’t experienced in years. “Tommy, open the fuck up please.” His tone sounded desperate and Tommy wasted no time to properly dress himself before he opened up the door.

“Joel? Hey, what’s going on?” A frown etched across the younger Miller brothers face as he could sense Joel was on the verge of having a breakdown.

“Can you please..come outside with me? I—I need to go for a drive or something. Please come with me.”

“Okay, sure. How about I drive? Your hands are fuckin’ tremblin.’”

Joel was already tossing his keys at his brother in a haste as his other hand was raking through his hair nervously.

“Let me just tell Ryder we’re going to go out for a drive, okay?” He softly shut the door and grabbed his hoodie from the bedside. “I’ll be back in an hour. Something happened between Joel and Clover. I don’t know what, but why don’t you go and check on her and see how she’s doing.” He pressed a kiss to her temple.

Ryder let out a sigh as she already had her suspicions as to what got Joel all riled up.

“Tommy? I think I know why Joel is freaking out right now..”

“What do you know?” Tommy asked her softly.

“Sarah called Clover mom.”

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