Lucy - Now Completed!

Part 14 - January 31st 1969

Lucy woke first, finding herself far too hot snuggled next to Paul in her single bed. She shuffled slowly and got out of bed, careful not to wake him. She watched him for a moment. In his sleep he looked more relaxed than she'd seen him for a while. She put on her dressing gown and headed downstairs.

"Morning dad," she said as she padded into the kitchen, yawning.
"You're up early!"

She smiled. "I know Paul took up all the bed. I was too hot!"

"I assume from that you're OK together?"

She nodded. "Thanks dad. Paul said you helped him a lot last night. He's got things more in perspective." She went to fill the kettle, "I just hope he'll start feeling happier and a lot less stressed."

"From what he's told me Lucy love, this situation with the band will take a lot of sorting out. I don't imagine it will be pleasant either."

"Then I'll just have to do everything I can to support him through it then, won't I?" she replied softly, "At least now he sees I'm on his side, bless him!"

Daniel laughed. "That man adores you Lucy, do you know that?" Lucy blushed. "Paul himself told me how much he loves you and needs you."

"Did he?" Lucy smiled. "That's good to know because I feel the same dad."

He smiled at his daughter and looked thoughtful. "There's something I wanted to discuss with you Lucy."

"Oh?"

"During our discussion last night Paul mentioned that he'd asked you to move into his house with him."

"He has but I said no."
"Why? What made you say no Lucy?"

She shrugged. "To be honest dad, I'm really sure. There's a mixture of reasons. Firstly, I'm not totally sure if I want to live with Paul full time. Not at the moment anyway. I mean, I know I stay over a few nights a week and I have my own key to the house but it seems a huge step. I like my own space too. I'm not sure whether I'd get that. He can be quite...intense," she laughed. "But most of all dad, I'll worry about you. The reaction from the congregation or the Bishop. Mainly though, I don't want to leave you on your own. I love you dad and since mum...." Her voice tailed off.

He shook his head. "Oh Lucy, I guessed it would be something to do with me. That makes me sad, do you know that?"

"Why?"

"Lucy love, all your mum and I ever wanted was for you to be happy."

"I know! And I am happy!"

"But even after your mum died, that hasn't changed Lucy. I still want you to be happy. Do you want to be married with your own home or a family one day?"

"Well yes, eventually."

"Then promise me something."

"What?"

"However your relationship with Paul grows, put him and your happiness first, not mine."

"Dad..."

"I mean it Lucy! I don't want you making life choices just because I'm on my own. Do what's best for you! And that means if you want to live with Paul, then do it! It's not like I'll never see you, is it? You're a two minute walk away! Promise me."

"But what would other people think?"

"That doesn't matter Lucy love. It's 1969. The world is changing fast! Do what makes you happy my love, and do it with my blessing!"