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

Chapter 30 - October 6th 2002

"Home sweet home." said Paul, hugging her softly as they stood in the kitchen of Cavendish Avenue.

It was the first time Joanne had been there for several months. Her cancer treatment had been carried out at Manchester's world famous Christies Hospital and had forced them both to stay at  Joanne's house for the duration. After her final chemo session and follow up tests almost a month ago, Jo had been given the 'all clear' which meant they could head down to London whilst she recouperated. It also meant Paul could catch up on his business work.

"How are you feeling Hedgehog?" he asked, using his pet name for her since loosing a lot of her hair after the chemo.

"Tired. I think the travelling has worn me out! I might go for a sleep for a while." She grimaced at him. "And don't call me that! You know I hate the way I look now!"

Paul kissed her. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to upset you but Joanne Johnson, you look gorgeous! Your hair isn't who you are! Anyway, I'd rather see you looking like you do now than still fighting the damned cancer. This," he said as he ruffled her short fluffy hair, "is part of your winning battle scars! I think it's quite fetching anyway, the rest of your hair, it's coming back!"

Jo nodded and shrugged. "I suppose....What time are Mary and the others coming?"

"They said they'd phone about 5 to see if you felt up to visitors. Then, if it was OK, they'd come round."

Jo looked at him and smiled softly. "There's no reason why they can't still come if I'm resting Paul love. I know you've really missed them all these months you've been with me."

Paul smiled. Typically Jo was concerned about him and not herself. "The kids, they understand how draining chemo can be and how long it can take to recover. They won't mind if you say no!"

Joanne smiled. "Look, I'll go and have a lie down and that way I'll be fresh as a daisy for when they come! I'd actually quite like to see them myself!"

Several hours later Jo was awoken by the sound of the door slamming and excited voices in the hallway. She smiled as she heard Paul greeting his children and their pleasure at seeing him again. She got out of bed and slowly wandered through to the bathroom. After freshening herself up and changing her T shirt for one of Paul's, she headed downstairs. She stood, momentarily unnoticed, in the doorway of the kitchen. She watched Paul interact with his family and the way they treated him in return. She suddenly found herself feeling homesick for James and Grace. She blinked back the threatening tears as Paul realised she was there.

"Joanne sweetheart! We didn't wake you did we?" He walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek.

She shook her head. "No, I was already awake," she waved to the four McCartney's sat around the table. "Hi everyone, how are you all?"

Stella came over immediately and gave her a huge hug. "Jo. How are you? Dad said the chemo has left you drained!"

She smiled at Stella then nodded. "Pretty much but I'm improving daily."

Mary and the others greeted her in a similar fashion then led her over to the table. James offered her the chair he had just vacated. She refused at first, saying that she was going to make food for everyone. The three girls were already on their feet, serving up food which they had brought with them.

"We told dad we'd sort out the food as we didn't think you'd feel up to it!" said Heather gently, "You don't mind do you?"

Joanne smiled with relief. "Not a all. If your dad's happy with that then who am I to complain!"

Joanne once more found herself at the heart of a McCartney family meal. She listened to the news and banter being shared and saw how Paul's whole body language was so much more relaxed than it had been for months! She picked at the food, still having very little appetite.