One day at a time. (Part 2 of the story of Joanne and Paul. Now complete!)

Chapter 4:- 11th December 2000.

Haigh House Diggle.

Joanne awoke just after 8.30am. She lay in the warmth, remembering the previous evening with Paul. Suddenly she realised that Martha had left her room. How unusual! She got up and looked out of the window...the snow was amazing! Throwing her dressing gown on, she left her room, grinning like a fool at the prospect of a day in the snow with Paul. Stopping to listen by Paul's door, she couldn't hear a thing. Deciding he must still be asleep, she headed downstairs to make breakfast for them both. As Joanne reached the bottom of the stairs, she realised Paul was actually up. She stopped for a moment and listened.

".......yes you're a clever girl aren't you Martha? I had a doggie called Martha once. Yes I did..."

"I thought you'd had six Martha's over the years!"  she said walking into the kitchen and finding Paul kneeling on the floor fussing over the dog.

"I did" he whispered, standing up, "But I can't tell her that now, can I!?" He stood up, grinning. He walked over and gave her a kiss on her cheek and a big hug. "Good morning sweet heart. Did you sleep well?"

"I did thanks. Anyway, you're the guest. How about you?"

"I slept like a log! What else could I do after that wonderful meal! Anyway, sit down. I hope you don't mind, but I've made us breakfast."

Joanne looked surprised. "Is that a good idea?" she asked, mock alarm on her face, "I mean both you and your daughter warned me about what a terrible cook you are!"

"This is my speciality. After I received your invitation, I started practising!  Now take a seat and close your eyes."

Joanne sat at the table and did as instructed.

"Ta dah!"

She slowly opened her eyes. "Wow! Oh Paul, this is brilliant! Look at the toast!"

She started to laugh as she admired her two boiled eggs presented in a Mr Bump egg cup! It was accompanied by Mr Bump and Mr Happy embossed toast presented on matching Mr Men plates.

"These are wonderful.  I love the egg cups and the plates too. This is definately the best breakfast ever!"

Grinning, he placed a pot of tea on the table. Joanne stared at it in delight! "A Mr Men tea pot  as well! Where on earth did you find that?"

Paul came round to her seat and gave her another kiss. "I found it all in a children's shop in London. This is just my way of saying thank you for inviting me this weekend. And since you're clearly such a Mr Men fan, all crockery and toast decorators are my gift to you!"

She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back. "You mad but wonderful man! Thank you so much. I love them all!"

Although strongly tempted to kiss her more, he remembered his decision to take things slowly. He stood up and moved to a seat at the table. "Let's eat up then before it all goes cold!

 After breakfast, Paul came downstairs from his shower to find Joanne stood in the hall waiting  for him. She was holding his coat and boots, having already put her own on.

"What are those for?" asked Paul, looking puzzled.

"Today Mr McCartney, you and I are going to take part in a competition."

"What kind of competition?" He could see how she was struggling to keep her face straight.

"A snowman building competition!" Joanne started to giggle as Paul looked even more puzzled, "I take it from your face you've not looked out of a window today?"

Once dressed, Joanne whistled for Martha and led Paul out into he garden. He looked around, admiring the views he'd been unable to see the night before. They were looking even more spectacular after the heavy snowfall the night before.