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

Chapter 8:- 23rd December 2000

Jo woke up yawning, feeling deliciously refreshed. Despite being in a strange bed in Paul's house,she had slept like a log, exhausted after her long drive from Diggle the previous day. She stretched and yawned again. Eventually, she got up, and after throwing her dressing gown on, she padded downstairs to find Paul. Halfway down the stairs, she stopped, listening. Paul was playing the piano and singing a song very quietly. It was a song she had never heard before.  Then she remembered Paul telling her how he was writing a song about her and how she made him feel. The words were beautiful. Was this the song he'd told her about? Was this really about her?

"I'm very sure, this never happened to me before
I met you and now I'm sure
This never happened before

Now I see, this is the way it's supposed to be
I met you and now I see
This is the way it should be

This is the way it should be, for lovers
They shouldn't go it alone
It's not so good when your on your own

So come to me, now we can be what we want to be
I love you and now I see
This is the way it should be
This is the way it should be

This is the way it should be, for lovers
They shouldn't go it alone
It's not so good when your on your own

I'm very sure, this never happened to me before
I met you and now I'm sure......"

Jo stood in the doorway listening. It was a song filled with love and yearning. Tears pricked her eyes. Paul stopped, sensing she was there. He turned to face her then stood up and walked over to where she stood.

She smiled shyly at him. "Morning Paul love. That song, it was beautiful."

He stroked her cheek then kissed her lips softly. "Thank you....but you weren't supposed to hear it yet."

"Oh."

He smiled at her "I wrote it for you, about you and how you make me feel. It was meant to be part of your Christmas present." He grinned and kissed her again." We don't want to make Santa cross by having presents early do we?"

Jo didn't know how to answer. Having such a declaation of love was something of a shock. She gave him a shy smile and hugged him. "Fancy a cup of tea?" she asked him, "I'm dying for one!"

He followed her into the kitchen. "Please."

After discovering he hadn't yet eaten, Jo busied herself, cooking and making drinks. She joined Paul at the table.

"What are the arrangements for tonight?" Jo was nervous about the planned meeting with Paul's children.

"I thought we'd keep it very relaxed and casual, like we did at your house. That was a perfect evening as far as I was concerned.  I'll arrange for Pizza for all of us and I've already got Dot to make sure we've got wine and beer in." He looked at her and took her hand, "You don't need to be nervous love. You've already met Mary and she really likes you. She a very shrewd judge of character too. She'll have told the others about you as well."

"I thought I could do some food, makes things more personal. Take away seems a bit... well I don't want them to think I can't look after you!"

"Oh, so you want to look after me now do you?"

Jo blushed. "You know I do." she whispered softly. "I think I love you Mr McCartney,"

 "Do you now?" His face lit up as he took her hand. "Because I know I love you. I'd like you to look after me forever Joanne Johnson, the same way as James and Grace want me to look after you." He gave Joanne a serious look. "It looks like we're kind of stuck with each other kid! Let's hope my four are happy like Grace and James were and we'll be set for the future!" He kissed her hand and looked at her. "If you want to make some extra nibbles or dessert then fine but Jo, honestly, pizza and some of Dot's cake will be fine. OK? Stop worrying!"