Chapter 6: Strangers, Softened

The morning light was soft through the kitchen windows as Henry tossed his overnight bag in the back of the truck. Esme stood barefoot by the door, coffee mug in hand, watching as Joel pulled into the driveway in his dusty Chevy. “Don’t let her eat too much sugar,” Joel called with a faint smile as Henry climbed into the passenger seat. Esme held up three fingers. “Only three donuts. Scout’s honor.” Joel looked at her for a long second. “Thanks again. I owe you one.” “Maybe two,” Esme said with a grin. “I’m taking her to a movie later.” “God help you,” Joel muttered, then gave her a nod and pulled away. She watched the truck disappear down the road, then sipped her coffee, thinking about the afternoon ahead. After Henry left for the job site, the house fell into a still, unfamiliar quiet. Peaceful, but odd. Esme moved from room to room like she was waiting for something, nerves humming just under the surface. Then the doorbell rang. She opened it to find Joel standing at the door with a coffee in one hand and Sarah’s backpack slung over the other. Sarah was in front of him before Esme could say anything — a blur of pink T-shirt, goggles, and foam swords. “Ready for a swordfight?” she asked eagerly. Esme laughed, crouching to her level. “I’m ready if you are.” Joel offered a small smile, nodding toward the bag. “Snack’s in there. Emergency goldfish crackers are in the side pocket. And… good luck.” “Thanks,” Esme said, shouldering the backpack. Their eyes met for a brief second — polite, but with something a little heavier underneath. He hesitated like he might say more, then thought better of it. “Text me if she gets too wild,” he added with a crooked grin. “No such thing,” Esme replied. Joel gave Sarah a quick hug and headed back toward his truck. Sarah waved dramatically as he drove off, then turned to Esme, practically vibrating with excitement. “Can we swim first? I brought my fastest goggles.” “Absolutely,” Esme said, already smiling. And just like that, the quiet was gone. They swam and had the long-awaited sword fight. Painted their nails — bright turquoise for Sarah, chipped navy for Esme. Then Esme let Sarah braid her hair while a Disney movie played quietly in the background. As the afternoon unwound, Esme felt a sense of ease she hadn’t expected. It was like she was finally starting to fit in. When Joel returned to pick up Sarah, he found Esme and Sarah curled up on the couch, laughing over a snack disaster. He watched from the doorway for a moment before stepping in — Esme and Sarah side-by-side, laughing like they were old friends. Esme didn’t even seem to realize how naturally she fit in. The way she softened around Sarah, the way she listened without interrupting, how quick her laughter was even though she carried something heavy behind her eyes. Joel’s gaze drifted toward her again. She was leaning on the counter, nodding along to one of Sarah’s stories. And then she glanced up — just for a second — and caught him looking. Something flickered between them. Not heat exactly, not yet. But something cautious. Curious. Hopeful. As Joel helped clean up after dinner, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Esme was different. She wasn’t just a babysitter or a friend — she was someone who understood him. And he wasn’t sure if he was ready for that. But as he watched her help Sarah with her homework, he felt a sense of peace wash over him. Maybe, just maybe, he was ready to let someone in. The house was quiet now, the evening light casting a warm glow over the furniture. Esme was sitting on the couch, typing away on her laptop. Joel sat down beside her, watching as she worked. “You okay?” he asked softly. Esme nodded, not looking up. “Yeah. Just trying to get some work done.” Joel nodded, sitting there in comfortable silence with her. It was a feeling he hadn’t experienced in a long time — a sense of peace, of calm. As the night drew to a close, Joel walked Esme to her car. “Thanks for tonight,” he said, his voice low and husky. Esme smiled up at him. “Anytime.” Their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss. Esme felt like she was melting into him, like she was finally home. As they pulled away, Joel smiled at her. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Esme nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness. She knew that she was taking a chance on Joel, but she was ready to see where things went.