Forever & Always

5. Don't Want To Leave

Isla POV

Dinner with Joe seemed to fly by, we talked about the past, reminisced over the crazy memories we made together and update each other on what was now happening in our lives.......well almost.

I still couldn't bring myself to tell him about Maddie, not becuase I was ashamed of her far from it I just didn't want have to tell him about her father, I didn't want to see the look of disappointment I'd get from him.

After dinner Joe offered to walk me home, the whole time he held on tightly to my hand gently rubbing it with his thumb, everytime I looked at he would give me a soft smile and I would find myself blushing like a fool.

Somethings hadn't changed like his smile and his eyes were as warm as they always were. The only real difference was the muscle he had gained and that was in no way a bad thing.

"I had fun tonight" he says as we stop infront of my door

"Yeah me too" I smile "I'm glad you're back Joe"

Joe takes hold of my other hand and looks deep into my eyes like he's searching for something, an answer? Permission?.

"I'm sorry I ever left you" he says softly "I didn't want to"

"You did what was best for you Joe" I say cupping his cheek "I only ever wanted that for you"

Joe takes a step forward his eyes fixed on mine and I feel my heart begin to race, he leans forward bringing his face closer to mine and I close my eyes.

"Well I have to dash I hope you.......oh did I interrupt something?" My mom asks as Joe sighs and hangs his head

"No mom it's fine" I say but I know she's not convinced

"Yeah we were just saying good night" Joe says "it's good to see you again Julie"

"You too Joe, well I'm going to head off everything is fine and I will see you Monday" she's says "behave you two" she chuckles before heading to her car.

"Did you know she was here?" Joe asks looking confused

"Yeah um......listen why don't you come inside and I'll explain" I say opening the door

Nodding he follows me into the house and I lock the door before leading him upstairs and along the hall to Maddie's room, I push the door open gently and step in the room.

"She was babysitting for me" I say as Joe's eyes fall on my sleeping daughter

"She's your's?" He asks and I nod "she's beautiful, she looks just like you, what's her name?"

"Madison, or Maddie for short, she's 13 months old" I smile "she is the best thing going in my life right now.......well besides you"

"Are you and her father still together?" He asks and I shake my head

"No, we never were, it was a one night thing and he wasn't interested in having a child, not with me anyway" I sigh "she doesn't know him and she never will"

Joe POV

When I turn to look at Isla I see her eyes glistening with tears, quickly I pull her to me and hold her while she sobs softly against my chest. I couldn't help but feel guilty, I should have been here for her, she needed me and I wasn't there, I failed her.

"It's alright butterfly" I soothe "we've all wanted some one who didn't want us"

"I didn't........if I'd been sober I never would have........I don't regret having her" she says "I never will"

"Isla what happened?" I ask moving her back to looking her eyes and she shakes her head

"Not in here" she says "let's go downstairs"

I follow her out of the room and downstairs to the living room, my mind racing wondering what she was going to tell me, whose ass I needed to kick and why she was so hesitant to tell me.

She sits on the couch and Pat's the space beside her, sitting down I take hold of her hand once again  and she takes a deep breath.

"I was struggling, dad had just got sick and I was missing you" she says not looking at me "I went out to the bar and had few drinks, he came over to me, he was drunk too, one thing led to another and the next morning I woke up naked next to him" she sighs "a few weeks later I found out I was pregnant, I told him and he said it was a one night thing, he had no interest in me or having a kid with me, he said he wanted nothing to do with it and walked away"

"What an asshole" I say "I'm sorry that happened to you, I wish I had been here to help you"

"You're here now that's what matters" she says "I was lucky she was an easy baby and mom takes care of her while I work"

Placing a finger under her chin I lift her face so her eyes meet mine, she gives me a soft smile and leans into my touch as I cup her cheek.

"You are amazing Isla" I whisper "don't let anyone make you feel anything less than that"

"Not everyone sees me the way you do Joe" she smiles

Leaning forward I close the gap between us and this time our lips meet in a soft, almost loving kiss. At first she is hesitant but then she seems to melt into me and the kiss wrapping her arms around my neck.

Breaking the kiss I rest my head against hers as I catch my breath "I don't want to leave" I say quietly

"Then stay" she says looking up at me, without saying a word my lips find hers once again and she tangles her fingers into my hair deepening the kiss.