Joe took a deep breath, his eyes lingering on Skylar for a moment, as if deciding how to approach the conversation. The silence in the car felt heavy, almost like an unspoken tension hanging in the air. Finally, he spoke, his voice low but firm.
“Skylar,” he began, his tone softening just a little, “I know things between us haven’t been easy, and there’s a lot we haven’t said. But I need you to understand something about the ring.”
Skylar raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?”
Joe shifted in his seat, his gaze now fixed on the rearview mirror as if avoiding eye contact. “It’s not just a ring, you know. It’s not about showing off or impressing anyone. It’s… a way for Grandma to express her gratitude. And for me, it’s something I should have done myself.”
Skylar blinked, surprised by his sincerity. She had never really heard him speak this way—vulnerable and thoughtful, far from the aloof, authoritative figure he often portrayed. “Joe,” she said slowly, trying to process his words, “you didn’t have to buy me anything. You don’t owe me anything.”
Joe let out a quiet sigh, glancing at her briefly. “Maybe I don’t owe you anything, but Grandma does. And I want to make sure you feel appreciated, even if it’s just in this small way.”
Skylar wasn’t sure what to say. The kindness in his words caught her off guard, and for a moment, the walls she’d built around herself seemed to waver. She had always assumed Joe’s actions were driven by duty, by the obligations tied to their marriage agreement, but now she was seeing another side to him—one that she hadn’t expected.
“I appreciate it, Joe,” Skylar finally said, her voice soft but sincere. “I’ll make sure to treasure it, not just as a gift from Grandma, but for the sentiment behind it.”
Joe’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he nodded, as if satisfied with her response. “Good,” he said, his tone returning to its usual calm. “Take care of it, and take care of yourself.”
With that, the car doors opened, and Skylar stepped out, still trying to process the conversation. As she made her way into the house, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something had subtly shifted between them. But whether it was a change for the better or just another fleeting moment, she couldn’t tell. Only time would reveal the answer.
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