After their afternoon at the park, Roman wanted to keep the momentum going. He knew that regaining Joelle's trust and making Malachi feel completely at home would take more than words-it required action. So, after lunch, he suggested a shopping trip.

"How about we head to the store?" he asked casually, glancing between his kids. "You two can pick out whatever you want for your rooms. Make 'em yours."

Malachi's face lit up instantly. "For real, Daddy? Like... anything?"

Roman chuckled. "Within reason, little man."

Joelle raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "You don't have to do that."

"I know," Roman said, meeting her gaze. "But I want to."

Isabella, who had been clearing the table, glanced at Joelle. "It's a good idea, mija. You should make your space feel like home."

Joelle hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright."

Malachi, on the other hand, was already bouncing in his seat. "Can we go now? Please?"

Roman laughed. "Let's go."

-

They arrived at a home goods store, Malachi practically dragging Joelle inside as they grabbed a shopping cart. Roman and Isabella trailed behind, watching as their kids took in all the possibilities.

Malachi was the first to get excited, running toward a display of superhero bedding. "Oh! Oh! Daddy, can I get this one?" He held up a comforter covered in his favorite Marvel characters.

Roman knelt beside him. "You like this one?"

Malachi nodded enthusiastically.

"Then it's yours," Roman said, tossing it into the cart.

Malachi grinned, then ran off to look for posters to match.

Roman turned to Joelle, who was standing near a wall of décor, looking a little lost.

"See anything you like?" he asked.

Joelle shrugged. "I don't know... I don't want to go overboard."

"There's no such thing," Roman said. "I want you to feel comfortable at the house. Pick out whatever makes it feel like yours."

Joelle hesitated before finally running her fingers over a soft sage-green comforter. "Maybe this..." she said quietly.

Roman smiled. "Good choice. What else?"

Slowly but surely, Joelle started picking things out-a couple of throw pillows, fairy lights, a framed print of a city skyline. Roman noticed that she still seemed unsure, as if she didn't quite believe she was allowed to have this.

"You sure?" she asked at one point, holding up a rug.

Roman gave her a firm nod. "Absolutely."

It took time, but by the end of the trip, both kids had full carts of things to make their rooms feel like their own.

As they checked out, Roman caught Isabella watching him with a small smile.

"What?" he asked.

She shook her head, amusement in her eyes. "Nothing. Just... this is nice. Seeing you like this with them."

Roman exhaled, nodding as he looked at his kids. "I just want to get it right this time."

Isabella softened. "You're off to a good start."

-

That evening, back at the house, Roman helped Malachi set up his new bedding while Joelle arranged her room the way she liked.

Later, as he walked past her room, he noticed Joelle sitting on her bed, looking at the fairy lights she had just strung up.

"You like it?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Joelle nodded slowly. "Yeah... it actually feels kinda nice."

Roman smiled. "Good."

For a moment, they just looked at each other. Then, Joelle cleared her throat. "Thanks... for today."

Roman's chest tightened at the small but meaningful words.

"Anytime, baby girl."

It wasn't everything.

But it was progress.