What This Could Be | A Joe Jonas Fanfic | Book One

Chapter 27: Painting with a Twist

*Joe's POV*

"C'mon, girls!" I hollered, slipping my boots on as Willa and Delphine dashed to the front door where I had been waiting with their jackets and shoes.

"Can I bring Mr. Pony?" Willa lifted her stuffed horse, a reminder of what my life would've been like. She loved animals, especially horses and chickens. I was ready to uproot my whole life to live in the countryside, researching all about the farm animals I promised Willa, in a different country.

Now, I was in the process of selling my New York condo to rent out another one five minutes away in Dumbo. It sometimes didn't feel right to own a place where I didn't consider to be my home. A part of me had the thought of going back and forth from New York to London so I wouldn't be missing out on so many milestones and moments of my children's lives.

I knew this was a serious discussion I needed to communicate with Taylor about. She wouldn't be influencing my decision, but it was something big enough that could affect us. I wanted her to be able to have a say in what would be best for her, as if traveling around the world touring wasn't enough of a hassle at times.

"Of course. Can you go get Del's Bluey while I put on her shoes?" I leaned down to buckle Delphine's shoes as Willa fetched her sister's favorite stuffed animal.

The drive over there wasn't as hectic as I imagined it to be considering both Willa and Delphine had been more than cranky than usual, almost deciding to rain check except for the fact that Willa seemed more upset with backing out than making a new friend. She was a social butterfly like me, taking up every opportunity to meet anyone new to her. Delphine on the other hand, not as likely unless Willa was right by her side.

I took Willa out first, to which she immediately started bolting towards the apartment complex.

"Woah, woah, woah!" I grabbed her arm and pulled her back instinctually before she could make any steps further. Kneeling down to her level, my hand still grasping her, I firmly, yet calmly, told her, "You can't just run out into the streets like that. It's not safe, and you can easily get hurt. You gotta wait for me, okay?"

She nodded, understanding the seriousness in my voice, "I'm sorry, Daddy."

"It's okay," I stood up, unbuckling Delphine out of her booster seat and holding her on my side before holding Willa's hand to walk safely to Taylor's apartment, "Do you both wanna knock together?"

Delphine reached her hand out, faintly hitting it after Willa started knocking with both hands in excitement.

A stunned Taylor opened the door, streaks of fresh paint appeared on her arms, legs and hands, "Oh my gosh! Hi! I'm so sorry! I completely forgot the time, otherwise I wouldn't be looking like such a mess right now."

"Hi!" Willa exclaimed, "I'm Willa! And that's my sister Delphine." She pointed to her less than enthusiastic sister in my arms.

"It's so nice to finally meet you both! My name is Taylor," she said with a huge smile, "Come on in." She opened the door wide so we all could walk in. After setting Delphine down, she whispered to me, "I'm so sorry! I completely forgot the time, otherwise I wouldn't be looking like such a mess right now."

"As weird as this might sound," I grinned, "I kinda like this version of you the best."

"Oh hush," she blushed, "Hey, are they allowed to have a drink or some food? I don't want to ruin their routine or anything."

"Of course. Yeah, that's perfectly fine. I brought their cups and some snacks with me anyways," I gestured to the door, "Which I left in the car. I'll be right back."