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

Chapter 17:- 12th February 2002 (cont'd)

"....OK, before our next song, I'd like to make a special announcement," said Paul from the stage.

Fans cheered and whistled.

"As I'm sure you know, my world fell apart when lost my wonderful wife Linda a few years ago. My life has been lonely and bleak ever since. Then just over year ago I  met a very lovely woman named Joanne. She's shown me what it is to enjoy life again and I've fallen in love!"

The audience cheered, clapped and shouted Paul's name. He held up his hands to silence them. Then he waved for Joanne to come and join him on the stage. Reluctantly she joined him, embarressed in front of so many people. 

"This is the wonderful lady!" He told everyone as he kissed her. "Now a few days ago I did something I've been wanting to do for some time. I asked this lady to marry me." He grinned as the crowd cheered. Taking hold of Joanne's hand, he pulled her close to him. "And, after my proposal I was delighted, amazed and ecstatic to find that this beautiful lady said yes. You're all the first to know ladies and gentlemen, I'm getting married!"

This news was followed by more cheering. Joanne found herself almost blinded by photographs being taken. She could see that everyone watching them were sincerely pleased for them both. Then, unexpectedly, Paul suddenly got down on one knee again. He then took her left hand and slid the ring they had chosen together onto her finger. The crowd went mad as she and Paul kissed once more!

"To celebrate this wonderful moment," declared Paul, "I'm going to sing a song which I have never released or performed for anyone except Joanne. She inspired this song. It's about her and how much I love her."

Taking hold of her hand once more, he lead her over to the piano where she sat next to him as he began to play. After just a few notes, Joanne immediately recognised the song as the one he had written for her as part of her Christmas gift. As he sang, she watched him, he looked at her and gave her a soft smile. Then, song over, he kissed her deeply and passionately much to the delight of the crowd. Joanne took this as her cue to leave the stage and the concert continued.

Several hours later a very excited Paul lead Joanne and the rest of the group to the private dining room in the hotel where their engagement party was to be held. There were more speeches from friends who were pleased for them both. Joanne talked to what felt like hundreds of people, including Paul's children. Stella, Heather, Mary and Grace loved her ring and the four women had fun taking it in turns to try it on! The party finally began to break up after 2am. Joanne was weary and glad when Paul finally decided he'd partied enough. Sometimes she was amazed by how much energy he had! Taking her by the hand, they walked quietly to the lift. After pressing the button to their floor, he turned to her and kissed her softly at first and then with a zeal which Joanne realised meant he had other things from sleep on his mind!

Once in their hotel suite he took her in his arms.

"Has anyone told you how much I love you Joanne Johnson."

She smiled. "Yes, you did! Several hundred times this evening!" She reached over to kiss him. Immediately he responded and Joanne, despite the lateness of the hour and her own tiredness, found her body wanting him. They moved to the bedroom and once more they made love. It was almost 3.30am when Joanne returned to bed after visiting the bathroom to find Paul hunched up and moaning softly to himself.

"Paul!" she cried, rushing over to him, "What is it? Tell me!"

It took a few seconds but he finally sat up and looked at her. His lips were tainted blue and he looked pale and sweaty. "I'm ringing a doctor Paul, you're ill!"

"No Joanne don't, Please!"

She looked at him, very afraid of how ill he looked. "Why?"

"Look Joanne," he said softly, "I'm OK. Too much excitement I think." He reached up and caressed her cheek. " You're too sexy for your own good!"

"Where does it hurt Paul?" She looked at him, concerned.

"It doesn't hurt."

"Paul please, tell me the truth!" she pleaded, "Please don't hide things from me!"

He took her hand. "I'm OK baby honestly, Just indigestion."

Joanne shook her head. She didn't believe him but decided not to push it further. She helped him into bed then settled beside him. It took her a long time to  fall asleep despite how tired she felt. Instead, she lay and listened to the reassuring sounds of breathing coming from Paul. Joanne made a decision to speak to Mary about what she had seen Paul doing. Maybe she could get her father to see a doctor. She felt afraid. Very afraid! Finally, exhausted, she fell asleep.