From now on

Chapter sixteen

"Have you been to Australia before?" Emelia asked Joe as she looked out the window, seeing the familiar world go by.

He nodded his head. "Yeah. A few times before, on holiday with my friends and stuff, did a tour once. It definitely is my favourite country." It was no shocker at all that it was his favourite country, all the beaches and incredible views, so when the love of his life was an Australian herself, he just put it down to fate.

"Mine too, here and England. The beaches here are better than at home though, it's true."

"Very true." Joe agreed, nodding. Dianne, in the car, had fallen asleep on his shoulder, still exhausted from tour and the airport chaos.

He texted some of the boys back home, who were so hyped for their friend, meeting his girlfriends parents for the first time. He was undoubtedly nervous to meet them, and all he wanted was their approval. It wasn't just that that made him nervous though, there was also, of course, Emelia. Dianne had up until this year, not got into a serious relationship as she felt afraid to let anyone in, and so she had always been on her own. This being said, Joe had changed everything. He had exceeded all her expectations and had proven to be the most amazing boyfriend, and had formed a wonderful relationship with Emelia. Still, he was very, very nervous.

Emelia interrupted his daydream. "What are you thinking about? You look very...deep in thought."

He flinched, sighing. "Not much, just boring adult stuff. Anyway, you excited to see everyone again?"

Emelia nodded. "I'm really excited. I miss Mia and Billy, we have loads of fun, and nanny and Grandad. Then there's Mel who's really nice, she's Uncle Andrews girlfriend. They like to travel. Then there's Uncle Brendan, who is Anna's husband. They're married. Uncle Andrew and Uncle Brendan are so funny together, I think you'll like them." She has the same excitement and radiating from her as when Dianne would talk about her family. It was very sweet.

From what Emelia had just said, the Buswells seemed like very, very nice people. He smiled. "Well, they all sound incredible and I can't wait to meet them all. How do you all do Christmas?" He chuckled.

She shrugged her shoulders. "We have a huge table, and Nanny always sets it really nicely. She likes hosting people, a bit like Zoe."

"A bit like Zoe." He echoed, feeling Dianne stir, flickering her eyes open a few times. He kissed her head of hair. "You alright my love?" He spoke softly.

She nodded, lifting her head. Her voice cracked from lack of use. "Yeah, I'm alright, still tired but good. Have I missed anything?"

He chuckled, gently running his hand up and down her arm. "Not really, Ive Just been talking to this one," he angled his head towards Emelia who seemed to be daydreaming and staring out the window. "About Australia and stuff. I think one day she'll have to show me around, both of you." He smiled.

"Oh we will. We can show you the beach, the beach is amazing, the neighbourhood..."

"The town!" Emelia added, getting all excited. "It's really pretty at night, all the lights and things."

"Oh yeah, good thinking." Dianne praised. She glanced out the window, a smile breaking out as they turned into her neighbourhood, recognising it anyday. "Nearly there."

"Are we?" Joe's eyes slightly widened, and she couldn't help but giggle at how nervous he was, feeling his muscles tense up.

She pecked his cheek. "You'll be fine, trust me. Mum and dad are going to love you, they already do. They talk about you all the time, all good things, no need to worry." She reassured. She felt relieved as he relaxed a little. It was clear how much he cared, and how much he wanted this to go well, so did she. If god forbid something went wrong, she don't know what she'd do. "It's going to be ok."