him

"Luke unlocks the front door and walks inside. He lazily kicks off his shoes and lets out a tired sigh. Mind hazy with exhaustion, when he sees a pair of female shoes, his heart races at the thought of Abigail being home for once. It races even fast when he smells something delicious from the kitchen, he walks towards it excitedly while calling out to his wife."

"Abigail? Are you home? This smells like the pot roast you made all the time when we first got married."

"Luke's face immediately deflates when I see that it’s just beendamean2 instead of his wife. It’s the 3rd day in a row that Abigail said she’d stay home but then decided to run off. Not wanting to seem ungrateful, he gives beendamean2 a tired smile."

"Oh, uh, sorry, beendamean2. I've just been really exhausted lately," "he looks away briefly, trying to find the right words to say before looking at beendamean2 gratefully." "I really appreciate all that you do. I'm sorry that you have to deal with this mess, but it is what it is, you know?"

"Feeling a mix of gratitude and disappointment, I nod appreciatively."

It's alright, thanks for being here. And thanks for dinner, it smells amazing.

"Glancing at your sister's absence, I suppress a sigh."

Maybe she just needed some time out. How's the little one doing? "I ask, smiling at the baby in your arms."

"I chuckle softly."

You're always so thoughtful, thank you. I think I'll take her for a bit. I could use some daddy-daughter time.

"Extending my arms to take the baby, I smile gratefully at you."

Why don't you go ahead and have a seat? I'll join you in a moment.

"Smiling appreciatively, I hold my daughter close as she drinks from her bottle. As you head back to the kitchen, I walk over to the living room and settle into the couch with the baby."

"Looking down at her, I feel a surge of love and protectiveness. It's just me and her now, and I'm determined to give her the best life possible. After a moment, I glance up at you."

So, beendamean2, how was your day today?

"Smiling back at you, I listen to your story and nod appreciatively."

That sounds like a good day. Nothing wrong with spending some quality time with family.

"As you ask about my day, I let out a deep sigh."

It was pretty exhausting, honestly. Work was busy as usual, and then when I got home Abigail had gone out again. It's been like this for weeks now, and I'm starting to feel like a single dad more than a husband. But enough about me. Let's focus on enjoying this delicious dinner you made. "I say, giving you a grateful smile."

"I meet your gaze, feeling a mixture of relief and appreciation."

Thanks, beendamean2. I really appreciate that. It means a lot to know I have someone I can count on, even when things get tough.

"Leaning in slightly, I offer you a warm smile."

And you know, you're more than just my sister-in-law. You're a good friend too. "I say softly."

"Laughing softly, I nod in agreement."

Alright, here you go.

"I carefully hand you the baby and her bottle, making sure she's secure in your arms."

Pot roast sounds perfect right about now. Thanks again, beendamean2. "I say sincerely before heading to the kitchen to serve myself dinner."

Not at all, please, have a seat.

"I gesture to the chair opposite me, smiling warmly."

It's nice to have some company. "I say, feeling grateful for your presence."

"I meet your gaze, feeling a wave of gratitude and relief wash over me."

Thank you, beendamean2. That means the world to me.

"Smiling softly, I reach across the table to squeeze your hand."

You're a true friend, and I'm lucky to have you in our lives. "I say sincerely."

"As you pull out the rings, my eyes widen in surprise and confusion."

Abigail's rings...why were they in the bathroom drawer?

"I take them from you and turn them over in my hand, examining them closely. The weight of their significance hits me all at once, and I feel a lump form in my throat."

beendamean2, why did you find these? What does it mean?

"Feeling a mix of emotions—confusion, hurt, and betrayal—I struggle to find the right words to respond."

It's okay, beendamean2. You didn't do anything wrong.

"I set the rings down on the table, my mind racing with questions and doubts."

I just...I don't understand why she would leave them here. "I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper."

"Watching the scene unfold before me, I feel a mixture of shock, anger, and sadness. My heart goes out to you as I witness the crumbling of your trust and the betrayal of your sister."

beendamean2, I'm so sorry.

"I reach out to gently touch your hand, offering whatever comfort I can."

You deserve so much better than this. "I say softly, my voice filled with sympathy."

"Meeting your gaze, I offer a small smile."

Yeah, we really do seem to have a knack for choosing the wrong ones.

"Shaking my head ruefully, I take a deep breath."

But you know what? We're gonna be okay. We've got each other, and we'll figure things out one step at a time.

"As you make your request, I look at you with a mixture of surprise and gratitude."

Of course, beendamean2, that's really kind of you. You're always welcome in our home.

"Smiling gratefully at you, I reach out to squeeze your hand."

And thank you for offering to help with Flora. I could definitely use another pair of hands around here.

"After a beat, I lean back in my seat and let out a deep sigh."

As for Abigail...I don't know what I'm going to do yet. But one thing's for sure: I can't just sit around and wait for her to come back this time.

"Feeling a surge of emotion, I reach out to gently lift your chin, meeting your gaze."

Hey, it's not your fault, beendamean2. You couldn't have known. And I don't blame you for any of this.

"With a soft smile, I offer you a reassuring squeeze of your hand."

We're going to get through this together, okay?

"I watch you go, feeling a pang of sadness at the sight of your tears. Standing up from the table, I follow you into the kitchen."

Hey..."I say softly, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder." You don't have to do this alone, okay?

"With a gentle touch, I turn you to face me, offering you a supportive smile." Let's get through this together.

"Seeing through your attempt to mask your emotions, I give you a knowing look."

beendamean2, it's okay not to be okay.

"Stepping closer, I wrap my arms around you in a comforting hug."

You don't have to pretend with me. "I whisper softly."

"Holding you gently, I let you cry into my chest as I stroke your hair soothingly."

beendamean2, you are enough. You are more than enough.

"With a gentle touch, I lift your head to meet my gaze."

You're kind, and caring, and compassionate. You deserve someone who will appreciate and love you for all of those qualities. And someday, you'll find that person.

"With a soft smile, I offer you another comforting hug."

But for now, let's focus on being here for each other, okay?

"Smiling warmly down at you, I shake my head."

Don't worry about it.

"Reaching out, I gently brush a stray tear from your cheek."

You can keep the shirt if you want. It's got a few tears, but it's yours if you need it.

"I offer, trying to lighten the mood."

"Smiling softly, I give you a grateful nod."

Thanks, beendamean2.

"Taking a deep breath, I straighten up a bit."

Well, I should probably finish up here in the kitchen.

"I glance at the sink filled with dishes, then back at you."

Unless you want to tackle those together?

"Grateful for your willingness to help, I nod in agreement."

Sounds like a plan. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?

"I grab a towel and position myself beside you, ready to start drying the dishes."

Of course, beendamean2. Take all the time you need.

"I give you a reassuring smile."

We'll be here when you get back.

"As you return with your bags and a bruised hand, I immediately notice the injury and concern flickers across my face."

Hey, what happened? Are you okay? "I ask, stepping closer to you."

"I wince sympathetically at the mention of the altercation."

I'm sorry you had to go through that, beendamean2. No one deserves to be treated like that.

"Reaching out, I gently take your bruised hand in mine, inspecting it carefully."

Do you need some ice for that?

"I return from the kitchen with a bag of ice, handing it to you."

Well, sometimes you need to say those things, beendamean2.

"Taking a seat beside you, I offer a comforting squeeze of your shoulder."

I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself.

"Feeling a swell of emotion at your words, I reach out to gently tilt your chin, meeting your gaze."

Thank you, beendamean2.

"My voice is soft, filled with gratitude."

I don't know what I'd do without you here right now. You've been such a source of support for me.

"Grateful for your support and reassurance, I return your smile."

Yeah, we will.

"With a sense of determination, I squeeze your hand gently."

Together, we'll make it through anything.

"Watching you tend to Flora with a mixture of admiration and gratitude, I nod."

Thanks, beendamean2. I appreciate it.

"With a small smile, I head off to my room, grateful for your presence in our lives."

"I hear your voice call out and I step out from the kitchen, wiping my hands on a dish towel."

Hey, beendamean2, I'm in here.

"Walking over to where you and Flora are, I offer a warm smile." What's up?

"Watching Flora take her first wobbly steps, I can't help but grin with pride."

Look at her go! That's amazing, beendamean2!

"Feeling a surge of warmth, I move closer to you both, offering my hand to help steady her if she needs it."

"Feeling a flutter of emotion at your slip-up, I smile warmly."

She's both of ours, beendamean2.

"With a gentle touch, I reach out to ruffle Flora's hair."

We're a team, remember?

"Seeing your flustered expression, I step a bit closer."

beendamean2, it's okay.

"With a reassuring smile, I tilt my head towards Flora."

We both love her, that's what matters. The rest is just details.

"With a soft chuckle, I squeeze your shoulder comfortingly."

Don't worry about it. We'll figure everything out together.

"Watching the playful interaction between you and Flora, I can't help but grin with delight."

She's so lucky to have you, beendamean2.

"With a soft chuckle, I move a bit closer, reaching out to tickle Flora's belly."

And she's got two amazing parents who love her more than anything.

"Meeting your gaze with a warm smile, I nod in agreement."

Yeah, we do.

"With a gentle squeeze of your shoulder, I add,"

I'm grateful for you, beendamean2. You make everything feel less overwhelming.

"With a chuckle, I nod in agreement."

Yeah, it definitely has been a wild ride. But with you by my side, I feel like we can handle anything that comes our way.

"With a soft smile, I reach out to ruffle Flora's hair once more."

She's worth every second of the craziness, though, don't you think?

"I feel a rush of emotion at your words, a warmth spreading through my chest."

Me too, beendamean2.

"My voice is soft, filled with sincerity."

I love our little family more than anything in the world.

"My smile fades slightly as you mention the divorce."

Oh, right.

"Taking a deep breath, I move closer to you, taking the envelope from your hand with a shaky sigh."

Thanks for letting me know, beendamean2.

Yeah, I'm okay. It's just...

"Pausing for a moment, I meet your gaze, my expression softening."

It's been a long time coming, you know? But still, it's a bit surreal that it's finally official.

"Feeling a surge of gratitude at your words, I smile warmly."

Thanks, beendamean2.

"With a soft chuckle, I shake my head."

I don't know what I'd do without you here. You've been such an amazing friend and co-parent through all of this.

"i notice the slight shift in your demeanor, and though I feel a pang of guilt, I can't help but wonder if maybe there's something more between us."

You mean a lot to me, beendamean2.

"With a gentle smile, I meet your gaze, my eyes soft."

"Feeling a rush of emotions at your words, my heart skips a beat. Could it be that you feel the same way?"

"i reach out to gently cup your cheek, my touch tender and affectionate."

I'm so grateful to have you in my life, beendamean2. You've made everything so much better.

"Feeling a spark of curiosity at your request, I offer a reassuring nod."

Of course. You can always be honest with me, beendamean2.

"My heart skips a beat at your confession, my mind racing as I try to process your words."

"i feel a mix of emotions—shock, surprise, but also a warmth spreading through my chest."

"i gaze into your eyes, feeling a flicker of hope."

"i take a deep breath, my voice soft and uncertain."

I... I think I might feel the same way, beendamean2.

"i nod, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of my lips."

Yeah, really.

"With a soft chuckle, I reach out to gently take your hand in mine."

I've been feeling it for a while now, but I didn't want to say anything unless I was sure you felt the same way.

"Feeling a surge of anticipation, I smile warmly."

"i take a step closer to you, closing the distance between us."

"i gently cup your face in my hands, my touch tender."

I think we should stop fighting it and see where this takes us, beendamean2.

"Feeling a flutter of excitement in my chest, I close the distance between us, leaning in to press a soft kiss against your lips."

"i feel a shiver run through me at the contact, and i deepen the kiss, my hands sliding down to wrap around your waist."

"moments later, we break apart, both breathless and flushed with emotion."

So what now? "i ask softly, gazing into your eyes."

"i feel a rush of excitement at your suggestion, a grin spreading across my face."

That sounds perfect, beendamean2.

"i lean in to capture your lips in another kiss, this one filled with promise and anticipation."

And I can't wait for our date.