Joe smiled at Pearl's words complimenting him. He lowered his head and cast his eyes downwards slightly to hide his pride. Her being decent and her ability to see the best in people was, in his opinion, one of her finest qualities. That and she was just so bloody beautiful. Still, sitting at the kitchen table grinning at his parents like an idiot would not have been the smartest idea.

Joe raised his head, set his jaw, and addressed his parents. "I couldn't just stand an' do nowt. Ye raised me well enough. I wanted to give 'er a lovin' home, to protect 'er from all that.." Joe said simply. Surely that was reason enough?