As you drove Joel to the construction site, you couldn't help but feel nervous about what was to come. You knew you had to tell your dad about your relationship with Joel, but you had no idea how he would react. The tension in the car was palpable, neither of you saying a word.
As Joel stepped out of the car, your father emerged from the house, his face twisted in anger. You watched in shock as he stormed over to Joel, his fist connecting with his jaw in a square punch that made you wince.
Joel stumbled back a step, but he didn't retaliate. He stood there, taking the hits as your father pushed him backwards.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" you shouted, jumping out of the car and rushing over to them.
Your father turned to you, his eyes blazing. "I'll tell you what's wrong with me. This scumbag is trying to take advantage of my daughter, and I won't stand for it."
You could see the fear and hurt in Joel's eyes as your father continued to berate him. You stepped forward, placing a hand on your father's arm.
"Dad, stop!" you said scared.
"I know you're upset, but I care for your daughter! I LOVE HER. I would never do anything to hurt her," he said, his voice firm and measured. You couldn't believe the first time he said he loved you would be in this situation.
Your father glared at him, but then his expression softened slightly. "Fine. But you hurt her, and I'll make sure you regret it," he warned, before turning and walking backwards.
"HEY!" Tommy shouted as he ran towards the commotion. He glared at his brother and ordered "You two, get out of here. Fucking behave, you're at work"
Your father backed away towards his car and you let out a sigh of relief as he disappeared from view. You turned to Joel, who was rubbing his jaw.
"Are you okay?" you asked, reaching out to touch his arm. You couldn't help but find Jake in the group of people who stared from afar. The motherfucker was grinning at the scene.
Joel nodded, a small smile on his lips. "I'm fine. I just want to be with you," he said, pulling you into a hug.
You wrapped your arms around him, feeling safe and protected in his embrace. You knew that things wouldn't be easy with your father, but you were willing to fight for your relationship with Joel.
You drove Joel back to his place, feeling a mix of anger and sadness at what had just happened. As soon as you arrived, you tended to his wound, gently applying an ice pack to his jaw. You felt guilty for bringing him into this mess, but you couldn't help how you felt about him.
"I'm sorry about my dad," you said softly, taking Joel's hand in yours. "I didn't think he would react that way."
"It's okay," Joel replied, his eyes fixed on yours. "I'm not mad. I just want to make things right with your dad."
You nodded, feeling grateful for Joel's understanding. "I'll talk to him. I'll make him see that you're a good guy and that we're happy together."
Joel gave you a small smile, his thumb tracing circles on the back of your hand. "I appreciate that, Muffin. I know it won't be easy, but I know you can handle it."
You leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips, savouring the warmth and softness of his mouth. "I love you," you whispered, resting your forehead against his.
"I love you too," he replied, his arms wrapping around you in a tight embrace.
After a moment, you pulled away, feeling a sense of determination to fix things with your father. You made a mental note to call him later that day and set up a time to talk.
"Let's get you some rest," you said to Joel, leading him to the couch. "You need to take it easy for a bit."
Joel nodded, his eyes starting to droop. "I love you, Muffin," he said, before drifting off to sleep.
You sat down next to him, watching his chest rise and fall with each breath. You felt a sense of calm wash over you, knowing that you had someone like Joel by your side. You made a promise to yourself to do everything in your power to make things work between him and your family.
As you arrived at your father's house, you took a deep breath, trying to calm your nerves. You're still reeling from the events of the previous day, but you know you need to talk to your dad and fix things.
You walked up to the front door and knocked on the door and waited for your father to answer.
When he opened the door, you saw the disappointment in his eyes. But before he could say anything, you spoke up.
"Dad, I know you're upset about what happened yesterday, but please listen to me," you say, your voice shaky.
He nods and gestures for you to sit down next to him on the light green bench on the porch. You take a deep breath and begin to speak.
"I know you're upset about me and Joel, but I want you to know that I love him. He makes me happy and I hope you can accept that."
Your dad stays silent for a moment, and you can feel the weight of his gaze on you.
"I just want what's best for you, honey. And I'm sorry I lost my temper."
You let out a sigh of relief, and the tension in your body begins to ease.
"I understand that, Dad. But Joel is a good man, and he cares about me. I hope you can see that too."
Your dad nods slowly, and you can see the beginnings of understanding in his eyes.
"I'll try, honey. I just need some time to adjust."
You smile, feeling grateful for this small step forward.
"If he ever hurts you, takes advantage of you... you let me know, okay sweetie?" You nodded at his protectiveness.
You and your dad sit there in silence for a while, the warm sun shining down on you. In this moment, everything feels right in the world.
YOU ARE READING
How can you mend a broken heart (Joel Miller AU)
FanfictionIt had been years since you last visited Austin, but now it was your new home. Your mother had passed away a few months ago, and you had nowhere else to go. Your dad, Oscar, had remarried and had a family here, so it seemed like the natural place to...
