After the contentious custody battle, Frank & Mary go on with their lives as usual. But it isn't until an eventful night at Ferg's that Frank starts to wonder if maybe his life might be missing something. Now that his niece has a normal life, maybe...
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Joey and the kids were still outside playing in the field when they heard what sounded like an old fashioned bell being rung from the main house. They all looked up in confusion until Walter called out and informed then that the bell was signalling that dinner was ready.
Joey let out a loud laugh and thought that a dinner bell was a charming addition to their already fun filled evening and she challenged the kids to race back to the house.
Of course, Joey was going to let them win, but, little did she know, Frank was laying in wait and scooped her up with one arm hooked around her waist the second that she tried to run past the horse pen.
"Gotcha!" Frank loudly laughed and held her tighter when she tried to squirm away. His conversation with Walter had left Frank feeling down right giddy and he couldn't help but want to get in on the fun.
"Lemme go! I'm starving!" Joey playfully protested through her giggles. Hearing Frank's laughter still gave Joey the same warm feeling it had when she had first heard it that fateful night at Ferg's when they had first met. Everything felt lighter and more in focus as if his happiness was intrinsically tied to her own.
Frank was having too good of a time. So instead of letting her go, Frank swung her around until her feet left the ground and he found himself winded.
"Come on, pretty lady. Let's get you fed." Frank teased through his deep breaths after he almost fell over.
While they had been exploring the grounds, Mabel and her kitchen staff had indeed prepared a feast for them in Walter's grand dining room.
Joey's mouth hung open as she took in the whole magical feel of the room. The floor to ceiling windows that showcased the beautiful sunset setting behind the mountains were amazing and the massive antler chandelier that hung from the ceiling bathed the whole room a soft almost candle like glow.
Walter's dining room table sat 12 and consisted of the most gorgeous rustic reclaimed wood that remind Joey of the wood that Frank had used to build them her porch swing, only a lot more impressive. They almost didn't need the fire that was roaring in one of Walter's many large stone fireplace, but she had to admit, it was a nice touch.
After being pleasantly surprised with Walter, and witnessing how potentially close Frank could be with his stepfather, Joey was a lot more relaxed and that allowed her fully appreciate the beauty that surrounded her and she didn't want to take a single second of it for granted.
"Go wash your hands, kiddos." Frank ordered with a levity in his voice that implied that he found her gawking at the room adorable.
They watched Mary and Sam race each other to the powder room and once they were out of sight, Frank wrapped his arms around her and smiled while he kissed her lips.
"I like you like this." Joey hummed as she rubbed her nose against his.
"Like what?"
"Happy." Joey sighed as she wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled up at him. "I actually really love it when you're happy, Adler."
