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

Chapter 5:- 17th December 2000

 Haigh House. Diggle.

"Mum! Hi mum, are you there?"

James let himself into the house, knowing it would be a surprise for his mother.

Joanne appeared from the kitchen and walked through to the hall to meet him. "James!" She gave her son a hug. "I wasn't expecting you home, especially midweek!"

James hugged her hard. "I thought I'd suprise you! You ok? How's everything? You're looking fantastic!"

They walked through to the kitchen. Jo busied herself making them both a sandwich and a drink whilst James filled her in on his news. She placed the food and the teapot on the table.

"What's with the Mr Men stuff mum? I'm not a three year old!"

"They were a present from a friend. And I like the Mr Men! Wait til you taste my Mr Men toast tomorrow!"

He shook his head in mock despair,  well used to his mum and her fondness for childrens things.  "Are you pleased about Grace and Luke mum?"

Jo smiled. "As long as she's happy then I am. What do you think of him James?"

"Luke? He's a sound guy mum. And he thinks the world of our Gracie. They've been to visit me a few times and I've met him then. You've met him haven't you?"

"Oh yes but being Grace's boyfriend is different to them wanting to get married that's all. They seem so young!"

James raised his eyes in disbelief. "Young? And just how old were you when you got engaged to dad? And you'd only known him three weeks? Seriously mum, she's got a good one there."

He disappeared into the hall the returned with a large bag. Jo looked at him.

"I'm guessing that's dirty washing?" She smiled at her son.

"Yeah, but mum I'll do it. Ok. I just going for a shower."

"James...wait. I wanted to talk to you."

He looked up at her. "Are you OK mum?"

Jo smiled. "Of course I am." she paused. "I wanted to tell you, and your sister obviously, some news of my own."

"What's that?

Jo took a deep breath. "I've met someone. I met him when I went to see Helena and we've stayed in touch and things have started to develop. His name is Paul. He's a bit older than me, he's 58."

James smiled. "Mum, that's great news. Seriously. You deserve to be happy after dad. Is he a friend of Helena's?"

"Not originally, though she knows him now obviously. She likes him. Anyway, I met Paul when I was in London but Helena had to work. I was occupying my self and we met."

"So what does he do? Is he divorced, single or what?"

"He's a widower with four grown up children. He has his own very succesful business." Jo blushed.

"You like him a lot don't you mum?" James smiled.

Jo nodded. "I do and  it seems very mutual too. We've decided to take things very slowly though. This is his first relationship since his wife.The thing is, I wanted to be sure you and Grace were Ok about this. You don't think it too soon do you James? After your dad I mean?"

James got up and hugged her. "I think it's exactly what you need and should be doing mum. You're still young and you're beautiful. Go out and have some fun! You know what dad would have said don't you? Don't over think things...."

Jo laughed and joined in. ".....just go with the flow." She hugged him back. "How do you think Grace will react though? She looked serious again.

"I know she'll think the same mum."