You and Joel had adopted Ellie after you took her away. A few months later, you gave birth to a baby girl, Sarah Joy and Ellie is excited about being a big sister.

.....

Some minor swearing.

....

"Oh my God!" Ellie is sitting beside you as she cradles her new baby sister in her arms, a huge smile on her face.

"She's so tiny."

"I know," you chuckle, reaching down to carefully run your fingers over Sarah's dark hair as she coos contentedly in Ellie's arms.

"I almost can't believe it myself."

Ellie puts her face a little closer to Sarah's, giving her chubby cheek a gentle kiss.

"I really can't believe that I'm actually a big sister now."

"I'm so happy that I have two daughters now." Ellie's head jerks up, her eyes finding yours. You notice the moisture in her eyes.

"You..you still think of me that way, Y/N?"

Your hand goes to Ellie's cheek, gently touching her cheek. You smile and nod before removing your hand.

Ellie sniffles, blinking quickly before returning her gaze to the small, squirming bundle in her arms.

"I'm gonna teach you everything I know, Sarah Joy. And I'll protect you with my life."

Tears spill down your cheeks as you listen to Ellie's declaration towards her baby sister. You know she means every word, too.

.....

Ellie is seated beside her adopted dad, old grumpy himself, Joel, as he cradles Sarah in his arms. You positively adore seeing Joel with both Ellie and Sarah.

As tough as Joel likes to pretend to be, you know deep down inside, he's really a big softie. He's so good with both girls, although he sometimes gets a little stiff with Ellie.

You know it'd only because Joel is so protective of Ellie and he'd do anything for her. As would you. You care about Ellie as though she were your biological daughter.

Sarah is smiling at both her daddy and big sister and you take out your camera, snapping a few photos. The second one you take, Ellie looks at you, sticking out her tongue. You try to look stern but you end up laughing.

"I can't wait until she's older and can talk," Ellie touches Sarah's tiny hands.

"Why?" Joel asks. "So you can teach her all the words she's not supposed to know?"

Ellie gets an impish glint in her eyes as she touches Sarah's chubby cheek.

"Maybe."

"Ellie Williams!" Ellie just laughs, and Joel grunts in disgust.

"I'm definitely going to teach her how to use my pocket knife."

"The hell you will!" Joel glares at Ellie who's oblivious to Joel's sour mood. She'd grown used to it after you traveled together out west.

"She's going to be better behaved than you are," Joel adds.

"Hey!" Ellie turns an indignant gaze on her adopted dad, frowning ferociously at him. Now Joel pretends not to notice Ellie's sour mood.

"I don't behave badly!"

"I beg to differ, young lady." You crack up, incurring Ellie's wrath yourself.

"Do you think that I'm a bad person, Y/N?" Ellie scowls.

"Not necessarily," you reply. "But you sure have your attitude issues at times."

"Well shit!" Ellie looks downcast and you walk over, sitting down beside her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. To your surprise, Ellie leans into you.

"I love you, Ellie," you whisper. "No matter how you are sometimes. You're my girl. Always."

Ellie wraps her arms around you, giving you a bone crunching hug and burying her face against your shoulder for a few seconds.

"I'm glad you're my mom, Y/N." Ellie moves, giving Joel a hug and he kisses her forehead as Sarah releases a little cry, reminding you all that she's still there.

Joel allows Ellie to take Sarah as she holds the baby carefully, giving her a careful hug.

"And I'm glad Joel's my dad and Sarah's my baby sister." Joel reaches across Ellie and grasps your hands in his. You smile.

"And we're glad you're part of our family, Ellie," Joel murmurs.