14. Thatcher Joe

417 13 10
                                    

Joe's POV

Today I start my new job, as a roof Thatcher. I'm actually quite excited to be honest. But I don't want to leave my girls.

I've had four weeks off though, to bond with Annie, and because I'm working with my Uncle Gary, it's good, because I'm family so he's said I can work till as long as I want.

I can't believe Annie is four weeks old already, its crazy. She's the best thing to ever happen in my life. Would I have chosen to have a kid at 17? No. Do I regret her? No, now she's here I can't picture my life without her. Without both my girls.

I know I'm young still, but I can see myself settling down with Dianne, getting married and having more kids with her. I'd love a house in the countryside somewhere. With a big enough garden for the kids to run around in, and a dog. I smile at the thought of it. My future was bright. It really was.

I check the time on my phone. 5AM great. Annie will be waking up any second. Making sure I don't disturb Di, I place a kiss on her forehead, as I get out of bed and head to Annie's room. Bearing in mind, we've been up around six times last night with her, because she wouldn't settle. We think she's coming down with something.

I throw a top on, making my way to Annie's nursery. Just as I walk in, she starts to cry. Turning the baby monitor off, I pick her up, rocking her side to side. "Shhh, it's okay baby girl. Daddy's here, I've got you. You're OK, sweetheart." I place a kiss on her forehead, continuing to rock her, soothing her slightly.

She starts to suck on her thumb, indicating she's hungry. I take her into the kitchen, placing her into the swing, I prepare her bottle.

Once fed, I burp her, and go to change her, putting her in,

Once fed, I burp her, and go to change her, putting her in,

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

"You are so cute. Yes you are."  I coo at her, making her smile.

Gosh I love being a Dad. I really do. This little girl was so precious. 

Annie falls back to sleep on my chest. Not daring to move her, I lay down on the couch with her, feeling my eyes getting heavy.

Dianne's POV

I wake up to an empty side of the bed. Joe must have seen to Annie and didn't want to disturb me, bless him.

I get out of bed, putting one of Joe's oversized tee's on and head to find my two bubba's.

The sight in front of me melted my heart. There, in the living room, was Joe fast asleep with Annie on his chest, his arms wrapped protectively around her.

 There, in the living room, was Joe fast asleep with Annie on his chest, his arms wrapped protectively around her

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

This was adorable. It really was. She was always so peaceful in her Dad's arm. Such a Daddy's girl.

I smile, carefully lifting her from Joe's grasp and placing her back into her the Moses basket.  Going back into the living room, I stroke Joe's hair, trying to coax him awake. ''Joe?''

He groans, rubbing his eyes, panicking when he realizes Annie isn't in his arms. ''Annie.'' He sits up.

''She's fine. I put her back to bed. You need to get ready for work, bub.''

''Oh crap, yeah. Thanks for waking me up. Will you and Annie be OK?''

''Joe, we will be just fine. Now, go. Get ready.'' I giggle.

He nods, kissing my lips quickly as he goes to get ready for work.

/ / /

''Right, babe, I'm off. I'll see you later, yeah?'' I nod. His arms finding my waist, causing me to smile, as he kisses my lips.

''You will. Have a good first day. I'll try and have tea ready for you coming in.'' I giggle.

''Don't worry about tea. Just have a lovely girlie, bonding day.'' He smiles, grabbing his car keys. ''Love you, I'll see you later.'' 

''Love you, too.'' I reply back, he smiles, hugging me and heading to work.

Joe's POV

Right, first job of the day.

Looking at the address of my first job, I pull up. I was redoing a roof, because it had been done shoddily the first time.

I knock on the door of the owner's house, seeing a young girl around my age answer it.

I knock on the door of the owner's house, seeing a young girl around my age answer it

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

''Hi, are your parents home? I'm here to redo the roof.'' I say.

''No they're at work. But, please come on in,'' She smiles, letting me through. ''Would you like a tea or coffee?'' 

''I'm good thank you.'' I smile gratefully.

She nods. ''OK, well, if you would like to start. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask,'' She smiles. ''I'm Daniella, by the way.'' She touches my arm, making me uncomfortable.

I cough. ''Thanks Daniella. I'll get started.'' I say. The quicker I start, the quicker I can get finished.

/ / /

''Thanks you've done a great job, handsome. Will you be coming back tomorrow to finish the rest?'' Daniella smiles. Sadly, yes. I couldn't finish it all today.

''Yes, I'll have to. Sorry, I need to get back.''

''You never told me your name.'' She flicks her hair, playing with the ends of it.

''Oh, uhm,'' I pause. I don't want her to know my name, but for the sake of Uncle Gary's work, I have to. ''It's Joe.''

''Joe, huh? Cute,'' She giggles. ''Can I thank you for your hard work by taking you out?''

''I'm sorry, Daniella, but I've got a girlfriend.'' I smile thinking of Di.

''Oh! Well, she doesn't have to know.'' She giggles.

''No. I'm not a cheater. I'm very happy thank you. Sorry, I need to go.'' I rush off, wanting to get home to my girls.

But something didn't feel right. My gut was telling me this Daniella girl was trouble. That was in trouble. 

Question is, should I trust my gut?

A.N. Oooo new character alert!

What do we think to Daniella? 

Is Joe in trouble?

Is Daniella related to anyone?

Keep reading to find out...









The New Girl In TownWhere stories live. Discover now