Isla POV
While everyone was outside catching rays or playing in the pool with the kids I was busying myself with preparing food. As well as my mom and Joe's parents we had been joined by his sisters and their families and the twins and their families.
Almost immediately my stress levels soared wondering if we had enough food and drink for everyone. Joe had gone to the store that morning and stocked up in pretty much everything while I had gotten Maddie ready for the day.
Joe had also picked up a few things he wanted to try Maddie with after his pancakes this morning had been a success as evidenced by blueberry covered face when she was done. I had also noticed that she hadn't thrown any of it anywhere and I was beginning to winder if maybe she had been trying to tell us she doesn't like oatmeal.
Throwing some lettuce leaves in a bowl I begin chopping up some cucumber and bell peppers to add to it. Lost in thought I barely noticed as arms circle my waist, it's only when a soft kiss is placed on my neck that I realise I'm not alone.
"What are you doing?" Joe asks resting his chin on my shoulder as he flattens his hands over my bump
"Making a salad" I say "people need to eat"
"Butterfly there are already three bowls of salad outside" he says "you've made enough food for triple the amount of people we have here and I'd need two bbq's to cook all the meat you had me pick up. There is plenty of food, please just relax and come outside"
"Are you sure there's enough?" I ask putting the knife down and turning in his arms, he smiles lovingly at me and kisses the tip of my nose
"Absolutley sure" he says "come outside, every body is wondering where you are?"
"Wait a second" I say looking around "Joe where's Maddie?" I ask
"She's in the pool with Jimmy, Jey and the rest of the kids" he says "she's absolutely fine I wouldn't have left her if she wasn't"
For a moment I just look up at him, slowly I wrap my arms around his neck keeping my eyes fixed on his. I silently run my fingers through his wet hair before moving my hand to his face and gently stroking his cheek.
He leans into my touch before turning his face to kiss my palm. I found myself wondering how I managed without him all these years. It's beyond words how much I love this man.
"I love you, I only wish you knew how much" I say quietly
"I love you too, where did you go just then? What were you thinking about?" He asks pecking my lips
"I was thinking about you, about us" I smile "and I was thinking what if......."
"Yo uce where's Maddie's sun cream?" Jey asks "she needs topping up"
"It's in her bag just over there" I say pointing at a bag on a chair "be careful with her feet she's not keen on them being touched"
"Got it, no problem" he smiles "sorry if I interrupted something" he says looking at Joe, as I turn my head I find Joe glaring at him and I gently nudge him
"You didn't it's fine" I smile "we'll be out soon"
As Jey leaves I turn back to face Joe and he's looking at me quizzically which makes me giggle a little.
"What do you mean he didn't? He interrupted you mid sentence" he says
"It wasn't important just a silly thought" I say "it wouldn't be doable, I was being ridiculous"
"Why don't you let me be the judge of that" he says "what were you thinking?"
"I was thinking what if I became Mrs Anoa'i before you go back on the road" I say "when I looked at you before all I could think was how much I wanted to be your wife and if I could I'd marry you right now"
"Well butterfly I would say that is pretty important" he smiles "and I think it's doable, I mean it won't be a big fancy wedding but something tells me you don't want that"
"Small, simple and intimate would be just perfect" I smile "you really think it's doable?"
"If my butterfly wants it, it's doable" he smiles "and her superstar wants it just as much" he says before leaning down and kissing me lovingly.
I kiss him back placing my hands on either side of his face, I really couldn't imagine a future with anyone else but Joe. If I was honest my future had always been him. He is my rock, my best friend, my confidant, my lover and soon he'll be my husband.
"I guess we should go tell everyone" he smiles "make sure they can all be there"
"I just wish my dad could be part of it" I sigh "seems a shame for him to miss out"
"We'll work something out I promise" he says kissing my forehead "he'll be a part of it one way or another"
YOU ARE READING
Forever & Always
FanfictionIt's been years since Isla has seen Joe. He was her best friend once upon a time, the one person she could count on to always be there for her. Since he left she's had no one to turn to, but when she sees him again for the first time she's not prepa...
