Lately Ted feels a little bit like an emotional yo-yo. There's just so much in his life to make him both happy and sad. It's hard to find equilibrium, and maybe he's overcompensating with the happiness to make up for the worry and the sadness. But mostly he's just trying to take whatever happiness he can find, without thinking too much about it.

He sits down next to Joan, reaching over to squeeze her hand for a moment. Beard makes sure everyone has water to drink. (Ted still wouldn't mind some alcohol, but he's waiting until Sherlock's no longer staying with them for that.)

"Alright, dig in," he says as Beard sits down. "Oh, and I'll be accepting no constructive criticism on this one," he adds to Sherlock with a smile. He knows exactly how this is supposed to taste.