Family | A Joseph Quinn Story

Chapter 22

Joanne drove down late last night and stayed in our guest room ahead of today.
Joe and Jess have their father/daughter day planned and Joanne and I are heading to the spa that Joe booked and pre-paid for us.

"I'm excited for this. I can get to know you more while we relax." Joanne said to me in the car. "Me too. I'm in need of a massage as Jack is always kicking the life out of me." I joked.
"Jack? Is that what you're calling him?" She was stunned, but in a good way. "Did Joe not tell you? We found a name we loved, which turned out to be Jack. He kicked me as Joe placed his hand on my belly when he asked if he liked it."

Joanne's eyes went soft as she fell in love with the name. "My grandfather was called Jack. Lovely man, he was." I could see her getting a bit teary-eyed. "It's a beautiful name, that's why I loved it so much."

We arrived at the spa and checked in. Obviously Joe booked me a pregnancy massage, while Joanne got the standard massage. Our beds were next to each other, though mine had to be propped up, due to me being unable to lay on my back.

"So is my son treating you well?" Joanne joked with me. I laughed with her and answered her question. "You raised him right. I didn't think I'd find anyone that would treat me right as well as love Jess. I still think I annoy him at times whenever I have a breakdown but he reassures me that he still loves and cares for me."

She looked over at me and could see I was being serious. "He's told me a bit about it. You're brave and you are such a wonderful girl. He does care and love you and I know that won't change. I can't imagine the pain you suffered, sweetie."

I smiled in a bland way. "I feel like I'm not enough for him, like my brain keeps telling me that one day he'll get sick of me and it'll all be my fault. I know he's not that guy but I'm so used to being hurt and left all alone, I just expect it."

We got face masks applied along with a gentle massage along my bump. We continued our deep conversation as we received the massage.

"You are a strong woman. I remember when Joe told me all about you when you first got together and how he's found the one. I didn't believe him at first, because he usually over exaggerates but he told me all about you and then we met and I knew you were the one for him."

She stuck out her arm and hand for me to take hold of. In a manner like she was trying to heal me. "You are loved, Y/N. You're in this family now and we all care about you. Thank you for making my son happy and for loving him. You both are great for each other and I'm so happy he found you."

I enjoyed the bonding time with Joanne. I opened up a lot more than usual and it made me feel calm again. We shared a lovely moment and I'm glad we got to do this together.

Our conversation drifted to Joe and how much of a pain he was growing up. It turns out, he still does some of the things that Joanne used to tell him off for.
"Wow, he doesn't change one bit." She laughed. "He's a pain in the ass but I wouldn't change him." I giggled as I began thinking about him.

*Joe's POV

"Are you ready to go, princess?" I asked Jess, who was just finishing an episode of Bluey. "Yes dad." I got her car seat ready then came back inside to grab my keys and phone.
Jess followed behind me and I fastened her into the car. "What are we doing today?"

"Shopping and food." I saw her toothy smile after I said that. "Just you and I today, sweetheart, so if you want to do anything else, just tell me and we'll do it." I kissed her forehead and closed her door and hopped in the drivers seat.

I turned on the radio and Jess recognised some songs that I've played in the past. She was singing along to David Bowie and I couldn't help but admire her. She's so like Y/N. I joined in singing along with her and she was happy. I kept looking back at her through the mirror and she was moving side to side, in her car seat, smiling at me.