(thanks to Jo for this chapter!)
The kids were swimming happily along with Lance, JC and Grandpa Jim. Joey and Chris were passing the football back and forth near the pool. The ladies were putting all the food out on the table as Jo approached with the fruit salad. She turned to notice her daughter deeply engrossed in a teen-magazine.
"Chelsea, could you please be so kind to help us out over here? " It was more of a demand. The blonde haired, blue-green eyed girl looked up over her sunglasses, annoyed and huffed.
"Do I have to?" she whined. Her mother glared at her with daggers.
"Coming mom!" She got up, slowly and was making her way around the pool when
suddenly....
"MOM! LOOK OUT!"
Before Jo could turn around and see what was going on, Chris rammed right into her, making a catch that Joey sent flying through the air. Chris started to tumble to the ground. It seemed everything was in slow motion from that point on. Jo was sent flying backwards *SPLASH!!* right into the pool. Along with the watermelon basket loaded with fruit salad. The impact was hard and Chris had unknowingly elbowed his wife in the head. Everyone turned to look just as Jo went under.
"JO!" Chris yelled as he got up and went to the edge of the pool.
JC was yelling for the kids to get back as he and Lance swam over to her. Lance dove under and reached her first, pulling her head up above water.
"Way to go Chris!" Mel yelled at him.
"Me?! It was Joey who threw the ball!" he whined, reaching for his wife from the water.
"Oh no, don't start Fu boy...." Joey hollered.
"Stop it! God, she's unconscious for cryin' out loud!" Diane yelled at them as if they were 15 again.
Lance and JC lifted Jo's body from the water to the edge of the pool and Chris and Wade pulled her over, laying her in the grass. Chris was frantic. His hands were shaking as he dropped to his knees next to Jo and grabbed a hand.
"Jo, baby, I'm so sorry...wake up." He gently tapped her face. He noticed her right eye was already swelling. "C'mon... c'mon!"
"Should I call 9-1-1?" Britney asked.
Just then Jo began coughing up water. Justin grabbed a towel and handed it to Chris. Everyone was huddled around. Diane and Chelsea were keeping the younger kids calm as they all trotted out of the pool one by one.
"I think she's ok!" Chris looked on in fear for his wife. "Jo....can you hear me? I'm sorry...please be ok!"
He patted her face again. She pushed his hand away. Her voice barely audible, but only to him.
"I'm gonna kick your butt Kirkpatrick!" He laughed softly as he heard the familiar comment his wife always made.
"She's ok...." He laughed aloud.
There was a sigh of relief from everyone. Chris and Justin helped Jo up slowly, escorting her to the table. JC and Lance recovered what was left of the fruit salad from the pool. Wade and Justin exchanged words and began to giggle as they sat down.
"What's so funny?" Chris and Jo said at the same time.
"We were just thinking...didn't this happen when you two first met? I mean....remember how accident prone Chris used to be around you?"
Justin smirked, trying not to laugh. Chris's brow furrowed.
"Those weren't accidents...that, that was Fate!" he growled.
Jo held her hand to her eye and smirked. "Fate never hurt so much," she retorted. Then she reached over with her free hand and grabbed Chris's hand, giving it a loving squeeze. He relaxed as the others laughed and kept on with their stories of all the things Chris had done to Jo. It brought up the time of their very first meeting. Chris just shook his head, knowing the stories would always haunt him.
Chris and Joey were sent out for grub for a small party the guys were having. That was a big mistake! The two were clowning as usual and having a good time in the store.
"Hey...we nearly forgot the chips and dip," Joey said.
"Well hope on buddy! The express leaves now!" Chris said playfully.
Joey hopped onto the end of the cart and Chris began pushing faster and faster.
"Mommy please?! I want this one," the 11-year-old pleaded with huge eyes and pouty lips.
But her mother was onto her. "I said no. Put it back please. Were almost done, ok?"
Jo watched her only daughter pout even more. But she refused to set the teen magazine down. Instead she just followed several steps behind her mother, looking at the pictures. Jo was reaching for a bag of chips when around the corner came a flying cart, ramming into her and knocking her on her butt. Chelsea looked up and saw the two guys looking dumbfounded as they jumped off their cart to help her mother.
"Oh man! Geez! Were sorry!" Joey was the first to help her up. Chris was picking up some fallen groceries and putting them in her cart.
"Are you ok?" Chris asked. His eyes caught hers as she pushed her long, brown curly hair from her face.
Trying her best to compose herself, she replied, "I'm fine! Really....just.... I'm fine." She groaned. She looked at Chris with fire in her eyes and snatched the bag of chips from him and tossed them into her cart. "Be careful next time," she nearly hissed.
Chris kept staring at her. She was about 5'5', dark brown eyes, almost black, like opals. Olive complected "and gorgeous" he thought. It was as though she heard his thoughts, because she turned around and gave him an icy stare. He waved to her with an impish smile. She rolled her eyes and turned the corner, calling after her daughter. Chelsea walked by the two of them giggling and shaking her head.
"Well that was smooth," Joey said sarcastically. "Cmon...we need to hurry up." He shoved Chris into a forward motion. Chris was still smiling.
Not long afterwards, Jo and her daughter were in the checkout line. The items were loaded onto the conveyor belt, along with one teen magazine. Chelsea was gloating about it.
"Yes angel, I know. Little con artist!" Jo smiled.
Chelsea giggled. "Does your butt still hurt mommy?" She asked aloud. Jo blushed and looked around trying to see if anyone had heard her kid. To her demise, someone did. Two someones did. There they were standing in line in back of them.
"Yeah, are you ok?" Chris asked slyly.
Joey was smiling at the little girl and making faces, trying to ignore the icy stares of her mother.
"I told you. I'm fine."
She was about to take out her checkbook when Chris piped up.
"Please, let me pay for your groceries. It's the least I can do," he pleaded.
She pursed her lips and made herself relax. And then she smiled. Chris felt his heart melt.
"No. Thank you. It's ok."
She paid for her groceries and walked out of the store.
Jo shook her head as they reached their car. "Get in the car honey. "
Chelsea gladly got in. Jo got the groceries loaded in the trunk and slid behind the wheel.
"What Chelsea?" She was about to start the car.
"I want my magazine! Please..." Again with the big eyes and pouty face.
"Why didn't you just keep it with you?" Jo said with a light huff.
Chelsea just shrugged her shoulders.
"Ohh ok. The things I do for you, kiddo."
Jo got out of the car and opened the trunk to get the magazine. Out of the corner of her eye, Jo saw Joey and Chris approaching. They just happened to be parked next to Jo. She tried her best to ignore them as she searched the bags for the magazine. Chris looked at Jo, smiled and nodded his head. She only rolled her eyes and kept looking.
"All set dude. Lets roll," Joey said, after putting their bags into the backseat of their car and pushed Chris to the drivers side.
Jo found the magazine and shut the trunk. Just as she was doing so, the magazine fell from her hands and slid just under the rear bumper of Chris's car. "Great...just what I need.' He hadn't started the car yet, so she thought she would make a fast break for it.
The car roared into life as she was reaching for the magazine. Before she could get completely clear, Chris started backing up.
"STOP!" she screamed, and fell back onto her butt. Again. She sat there looking at the bumper. Her daughter got out and raced over to her. As did Chris and Joey.
"Oh my god! Not again?" Chris stammered. "Are you ok? Oh god, I'm sorry!"
He helped Jo up and was looking her over. Joey spied the magazine and reached for it. Chelsea was glued to her mother's hip, hugging her.
"Please say you're ok," Joey said with a scared look on his face. Jo was doing her best to remove the dirt from her backside as Chelsea clung to her.
"I'm just a bit shaken. But nothing broken." She looked at Chris. "Do you have a vendetta against women? I mean, twice in one day! I don't think I had this much bad luck with my ex!"
She pursed her lips at the last remark, knowing she never talked bad about her daughter's father in front of her. She sighed heavily, suddenly feeling weary.
"Divorced, huh?" Chris smiled wider. "But...you're ok?" he repeated.
"Yes! Now please....can I just go home? I think I need an aspirin or something stronger." She rubbed her aching head as she headed for her car. Joey knelt down in front of the little girl and gave her her magazine.
"Tell your mom were really sorry, ok?" He smiled his most charming smile at her.
"Sure," Chelsea said with a coy smile. Then she leaned in close to him. "I know who you used to sing with," she whispered.
Joey grinned and even blushed. He put his finger to his lips and winked. Chelsea nodded and hurried to get back in the car. Meanwhile, Chris was feeling so terrible and was trying very hard to reassure the lady he was not out to get her.....that way anyway.
"Here, take my card. My number is on it. If you have any problems, please, call me ok?"
He held the card out to her. Jo looked at it skeptically and grinned half annoyed, half dazed.
"This a new pick up line!" she chided, then reluctantly took the card. "I'll be fine. Thank you anyway...." She glanced at the card. "…Mr. Kirkpatrick. I've got to go now."
"Chris...please, call me Chris." He took her hand and shook it slightly. She pulled her hand back and got into her car. Before she closed the door, she simply said, "Ok."
Both Joey and Chris watched as she drove off.
"She was kind of pretty. Too bad you couldn't get her number," Joey joked.
"Oh, ha ha! What makes you think I can't get her phone number if I wanted to?" He was trying to defend his pride now.
"Well, first of all...you don't know her name. You gave her YOUR number, like she's gonna call a guy that's tried to kill her twice in one day. You do the math Fu boy." Joey smirked and got in the car.
Chris stood looking in the direction that the woman had driven off in.
"Well...I could've..if I wanted to. I just didn't want to. Not right now..." He was talking to himself now. He got in his car and the two drove off.
The groceries were put away and Chelsea had gone off next door to play with her friends. Jo was thankful for the quiet time. Plopping herself on the couch, she rubbed at her temples. The pain was, at the moment, only a dull ache. Divorced for some years now, Jo and Chelsea had adjusted to being the only two in the house. Her daughter had begun asking her if she would think about dating again. That brought a chuckle to her lips. Since her first and only marriage, Jo was not a very trusting person. She loved to be around people. She just didn't trust them. It made it difficult to even contemplate having a relationship. The ex in so many words, was just a plain loser. The only thing good that came of it was her beautiful daughter. They cherished every moment together. But, Chelsea was getting older. So was she. She did long to have that special someone in her life. Whomever it ended up being, would have to love Chelsea as much as she did. There were no exceptions. Jo started thinking about things in the past and the future. It made her heart ache. She began to cry quiet tears. Just then, Chelsea came barging through the front door of their home.
"MOM!! Can I spend the night at Marlas?!" She hollered. Jo quickly wiped away the tears.
"Sure honey. Do you want to eat dinner first?" She got up and hugged her child.
"No thanks. Marla's mom is making pizza. Will you please help me pack? Marla's waiting for me! She got a new CD I wanna hear." Chelsea pulled on her mother, leading her to her room.
"Ok, ok! Sheesh! Where's the fire?"
As they packed, Jo teased her daughter about flirting with the guy in the parking lot. Chelsea grinned, keeping her secret to herself. Finally, Chels was all packed and running out the door.
"Bye! Have fun. And listen to Mrs. Griffith!"
*SLAM*
She knew her daughter heard her.
A week had gone by and Jo was feeling her old self again. She did however have a bruise on her rear from where she was knocked on her butt. Friday had arrived and she was really happy. A friend from Jazzercize class had called her at home early in the week. Melanie Bass was a really sweet person, much younger than she, but always great for consoling. They only hung out after Jo finished teaching Jazzercise. But they never really hung out at each other's homes. Jo wasn't really sure why, but she liked Melanie alot. Melanie seemed to be someone she could trust.
"A party? Well... I don't know Mel....I mean...Id love to meet your husband and all..." She swallowed hard.
"Oh come on, Jo. There will be some really cute and SINGLE guys there!" she teased. She could hear Jo sigh defeatedly on the other end of the phone. "Then it's settled! You're coming. Oh and bring your swimsuit."
"Well...we'll see about the swimsuit. I'll see if Chels can stay overnight at her friends', although I
don't think that will be a problem."
They both laughed. Mel gave Jo her address and the time to be there. Tomorrow night. She even said that Dee Fatone would be there. Another friend from class. This is just what she needed. A fun night in her otherwise dull life.
There were alot of people there. Mel was ecstatic to see her and hugged her.
"Ohhh I'm so glad you made it! I was about to give up on you!"
Jo only smiled as Mel pulled her through the house and out into the backyard. Jo was in awe of the surroundings and the music! All she managed was a "Wow!"
Dee spotted her and quickly made her way over. The three of them hugged and chatted up, before Mel's husband came over to break them up.
"Jo, this is my husband, Lance," Mel announced as he approached. Jo looked at his big, green eyes and found herself blushing as they shook hands.
"I'm sorry to pull Mel from you guys, but I need to introduce her to some other guests. Jo, it's wonderful meeting you finally. Mel talks about you a lot!"
He was really sweet. She stuck out her hand to shake it and to her surprise, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. Jo felt her face heat up as she watched them walk off. Dee giggled.
"And where is your husband Dee?" Jo looked through the crowd. Lots of people were in the pool already, lots of dancing.
"Oh god, he's around here somewhere. Probably either feeding his face or dancing."
Jo laughed at her remark.
"When I find him, I'll introduce him to you. But I warn you, he can be quite the charmer!" she joked.
Dee got Jo a drink and excused herself for a moment. Jo was having a really nice time, mingling and even dancing a little. The dancing made her thirsty again. She was making her way past the pool when Lance stopped her.
"Can I get you another drink Jo?" He smiled and took her glass.
"Thanks, Lance. Ill wait here." She smiled back and was minding her own business when someone yelled "INCOMING!!"
She never saw it coming. A guy plowed into her and knocked her off balance. Jo was falling backward right into the pool.
*SPLASH!!*
All eyes were on her as she tried to make her way back to the edge of the pool, her clothes weighing her down.
"Way to go Phat-one!" The guy who'd knocked her into the pool yelled.
"It wasn't my fault, FU-BOY!" The voice came over the music.
The guy leaned over and reached out to Jo. Without looking she took his hand and was hauled out. Jo was embarrassed and soaking wet. The guy was apologizing profusely. She pushed her wet curls from her face and looked up.
"YOU!" She fumed once she saw his face. "I should have known!"
Jo tried to move around him, but he stepped in her way.
"It's you! Oh wow....Ohh damn, Im soo sorry! I really am," he said.
Just then Joey came running through the crowd.
"She ok?" he huffed.
Jo looked over and saw him and she became even more irate.
" Ohh man....it's her! I...I mean...it's you. You ok?"
He freaked looking at her and then to Chris.
"This is unbelievable!" she said between grinding teeth, wondering how Mel could invite these two dolts to her party.
Dee and Mel came up behind Chris.
"Jo! Oh honey I'm sorry! C'mon...lets get you changed."
Dee was about to take her hand when Jo pulled away, swiping wet hair over her shoulder.
"I'm sorry Dee...Mel, but I'm leaving." She glared with such anger at the two men. "I'm afraid
I wouldn't be much company anymore."
Jo moved around Chris and began heading for her car.
"But Jo..... you haven't met my husband....."
She turned at the sound of Dee's voice. Dee held to the taller ones arm. The one that had been chatting with Chelsea.
"Joey...Id like you to meet my friend, Jo. Jo, this is my husband...Joey Fatone." Dee smiled apologetically.
Jo clenched her jaw and tried to be polite.
"Keep him out of the grocery stores. He's dangerous with his friend here!" With that, she turned on her heel and left. No one dared to stop her. She wanted to burst into tears. Jo was nearly at her car when Chris yelled for her.
"Wait! Please.... " He breathed heavily from running after her.
"I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Kirkpatrick! Haven't you embarrassed me enough?"
She fought the tears that threatened to fall. Chris saw it and felt his heart sink. Even wet and half drowned she was so beautiful.
"Why won't you let me apologize? Even a criminal gets to be heard!"
His brown eyes sparkled in the moonlight. Jo bit her lip and squirmed.
"I can't begin to say how sorry I am. Never in my life has anything like this ever happened to me."
Jo eyed him, waiting, listening.
"I can't do this..."
"What? What are you talking about?" She was growing angry again.
"I don't even know your name. How can I apologize if I don't know your name?"
He watched as she eyed him again with that icy stare. With what seemed like a reluctant sigh, Jo pushed her wet hair aside and held out her hand.
"I'm Jo," was all she said. He smiled and she felt the strong grasp of his hand on hers. He had a nice smile. Even cute.
"Well now...that's better. Jo please let me make it up to you. I promise I will be on my best behavior. And again...I'm sorry."
She didn't budge.
"I'll yell it out to the world if I have to!" He spun in a circle, yelling out, "JO....I'm SORRY!! SORRY SORRY SORRY!"
He looked at her and found that she was actually smiling.
"Ok, ok! I get it. And.....I accept your apology."
Her smile widened and her anger faded. But she was starting to shiver a little.
"Great! Can I give you a hug?"
She put her hand on his chest just as he stepped in closer to her.
"Don't push your luck, Kirkpatrick," she warned.
"Ok...ok...at least, come back to the party? Mel can get you some dry clothes. I'd hate missing out on not getting to know you." He playfully nudged her. "Besides, I think Joey wants to apologize too."
Jo hesitated.
"Ok..but only for a little while."
She walked back with Chris to the party. After Mel got her some clothes, she was ready to re-join them. Chris introduced Joey, again, and after an awkward moment, Jo began to relax and feel good again. Chris found himself more and more intrigued by her. They talked and danced all night. While walking her to her car, he even asked her out. Turns out he was staying with Joey and Dee for a while, visiting.
Jo got home around 3 am. She even dreamt of Chris that night.
The days passed and Chris came to pick Jo up for their first date. Chelsea once again went to stay the night at her friend's house. Jo was still getting herself ready when he showed up. She told him to make himself comfortable. While looking around...he managed to knock over what looked like an expensive vase. He apologized. Jo found herself chuckling.
"It's ok. I never liked it anyway," She reassured him. "Gift from someone from my past."
They were having a wonderful time at dinner, talking and getting to know each other, until,
Chris knocked over her wineglass, spilling it on her dress. She dabbed at the liquid quickly. Chris was at it again....apologizing. She smiled at him.
"Do I make you nervous or something? "
"Umm....I…I don't know." Chris laughed softly. "I guess because I think you're so beautiful, it does something to me." He looked into her eyes. She saw something that made her blush. She shook her head.
"Thank you Chris."
He took her home and only kissed her cheek. But that one kiss made her feel so alive and so good. She didn't want the night to end. But her dress was sticking to her and she wasn't ready to go any further just yet.
Weeks passed and Chris and Jo were seeing more and more of each other. She even invited
Chris over to meet Chelsea. They got along famously. He joked with her and made her laugh.
He was having the time of his life. Joey called him on his cell phone asking if they were ever gonna see him again.
"Oh I don't know Joe....beats hanging out with you," he joked.
"Oh yeah, ok Fu-boy. Remember that when you need a place to sleep!"
They laughed together and made some plans to go out.
One night, Chris was over to Jo's for dinner, again.
"Chels.... its time for bed. School tomorrow,"Jo lectured.
"Aww Mom! Chris was just about to play a game with me," Chels whined.
"We can play this weekend if your mom says it's ok. Ok?"
Chris watched the little girls face light up. She gave him a hug and then her mom. Then she raced off to bed.
"You're really sweet to play with her."
Jo sat down on the couch next to Chris. He lifted his arm to allow her closer.
"She's a great kid, Jo. I like her alot."
He turned and looked at Jo. She could smell his cologne and it made her feel giddy.
"She likes you alot too," she cooed. "I...like you a lot," Jo added.
She looked back into his eyes. She felt the heat of passion swelling inside her. Chris caressed her face with a gentle hand. Slowly he leaned down and kissed her lips. Gently at first, testing to see if she would resist. And when she didn't he pressed his lips harder onto hers. Her soft moans lured him in. Chris was becoming lost in her kisses and wanted more. Chris let his hand trace her face, her neck and move down to the top of her chest. Jo pulled away, breathless and drunk with passion.
"I...I can't. I'm scared."
He saw her lips tremble as she moved away.
"Ok. I won't rush you," he said sweetly.
She let him enfold her in his arms. She must have been tired. Jo woke up the next morning in her bed. Chris had put her to bed and let himself out. She found a note on her bedside table.
'I had a wonderful evening and I am so glad you allowed me to spend time with your family.
You two are very special ladies to me and I hope we can continue what we have. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me on my cell. Always, Chris.'
He left the number for her. This was getting serious and Jo was tickled that she felt like she could finally trust someone again.
Days followed with numerous phone calls from Chris, flowers and even a new vase. Chris took them to the movies, and the zoo. Jo and Chels found themselves spending more time at Mel and Lance's place. She felt so alive and so good.
Chelsea talked about Chris all the time. Dare she say, they even felt like a real family, except
"Chris will have to go home," Chelsea would say.
Time was running short and Chris was due to return home to New York. He told Jo the news and the sadness she felt was breaking her heart. She had come to trust and even love Chris. Joey and Lance were going to have a going away party for Chris the following night. Jo had planned a nice dinner at her home the night before. It was quiet during dinner, save for Chelsea talking about school with Chris and how well she was doing. Chris glanced across the table and saw the far off look in Jo's eyes. He loved her. Deeply. Yet, he hadn't really come out and told her. He turned his attention back to Chelsea who was finishing off her milk.
"Chris?" Chelsea whispered.
"Yes pretty girl?" He beamed. She was so cute and sweet. Like her mother.
"Will you tuck me in?" She gave him the big eyes and the pouty face. Chris looked to Jo. She smiled weakly.
"Sure...say good night to your mom first."
He watched as Chelsea hugged and kissed her mother goodnight and took Chris's hand and dragged him off down the hall to her room. Jo quietly cleared the dishes.
Chelsea hopped into her bed as Chris pulled the covers up over her.
"I'm gonna miss you Chris," she said softly.
Chris smiled and reached down to hug her.
"I'll be back sweetie. I just have some things I have to take care of. I've been away too long already."
She looked at him sadly.
"I promise, Ill come back."
Chelsea's smile re-appeared.
"That's better. Besides...you can't take care of your mom if you're sad too."
"Ok. Goodnight Chris."
"Night. "
He kissed her forehead and turned off her light as he left her room. His heart was breaking and he knew he would have to come back, and soon. He wasn't sure he wanted to leave, but there was his business to handle. Lost in his thoughts he returned to the kitchen only to find Jo wasn't in there.
"Jo?"
He listened, but there was no response. He looked in the living room. It was empty too. Maybe she went to the bathroom. That's when he heard it. The soft sounds of a woman crying. Chris followed it to Jo's bedroom. Slowly he pushed the door open further.
"Jo?"
She was laying on the bed, her back to him. He came in wanting to console her. She loved him. It showed. Chris walked around to face her, his heart breaking as he saw her cheeks wet with tears.
"I don't want you to go," she said between tears. "I love you."
Chris heard the words and felt an overwhelming sensation. His eyes began to sting with tears, but he held them back.
"Jo, I love you, too. So much!" She began to weep harder.
It was confirmed and he was leaving in less than 48 hours. Chris touched her face and thumbed away a stray tear. Jo moved over and let him lay next to her. He held to her tightly, feeling her warmth and smelling her perfume. He let her cry and kissed her forehead.
"I won't stay away long. I promised Chelsea. And I promise you," he chuckled softly, trying hard to comfort her the best he could. He felt her giggle against his chest. Jo looked up at him and kissed his lips. Chris kissed her back with all the passion and fire he had been holding back since he met her. She didn't resist. He let his hands roam her curves, feeling her muscles flex in her arms as he touched her there.
"Mmm Chris. Make love to me," she whispered.
His eyes widened.
"Are you sure? I don't want to do this if you don't want to." He was nearly speechless.
"I'm sure."
Jo smiled and pulled him to her. They became locked in a passion that neither had felt in what seemed like years. Jo gave herself to Chris without hesitation. He made love to her all night. She was the one he wanted to give his heart to. She was the one he wanted to be with for the rest of his life. Have children with. Chris loved Chelsea as though she were his child.
The next day, Lance and Mel's seemed to be buzzing with family and friends. Chelsea was having a great time. She was a big help to Mel, helping with dishes and putting stuff on the table. Jo was having a conversation with Joey and Dee when Chris came up behind her and kissed her neck.
"I need to talk to you," he whispered.
Jo turned and frowned in concern. "Everything ok? "
"Yes. I just need to talk to you. Now please?"
He excused himself and Jo as he led her by the hand to Lances office in the back of the house. He shut the door behind them.
"Chris? What's wrong?"
She wasn't sure but she felt strange. Chris paced for a moment then looked deeply into Jo's eyes. She was becoming more confused as she watched him.
"I have had the time of my life since I came to visit. But more so since you walked into my life."
"More like YOU slamming your way into mine," she laughed. Chris laughed too.
"Yeah, I guess so. But the point I'm trying to make is that I can't seem to live without you or Chels. And I was wondering..." He pulled a ring from his pocket and got down on his knee. Jo felt herself tremble and she began to cry. "Will you marry me? "
"It's a package deal Kirkpatrick...." She cried joyfully.
"Then it's the package deal I want. Just say yes?"
He slipped the diamond onto her finger.
"Yes!" was all she could manage. She was choked with tears. Chris jumped up and hugged and kissed her deeply. Chelsea ran in and hugged them both.
"YAY!! Does this mean you're staying?" she cried out.
Chris laughed and Jo looked at her daughter then hugged her.
"You little stinker! You followed us!" Jo giggled and showed her daughter the ring. Chris knelt beside Chelsea and hugged her again.
"Now don't tell anyone. We'll tell them after dinner, ok?"
The child nodded and then looked at her mom. Jo took the ring off and put it in her jean pocket. Not wanting to give anyone any suspicions.
"Go on and play. Your mom and I will be out in a bit."
"Ok!" Chelsea ran out of the room.
Chris kissed Jo again and held onto her. As they were exiting the room, they heard a familiar voice.
"CHRIS ASKED MOM TO MARRY HIM! SHE SAID YES!!" Chelsea yelled, running through the Bass house. Chris and Jo shook their heads and laughed.
"Oh well, so much for the surprise," Jo said smiling at the man she loved. She removed the ring from her pocket and handed it to Chris. He then placed it back on her finger. They walked out into the living room where everyone had gathered and were quickly bombarded with questions and congratulations.
The next year was a busy one for both of them. It was a beautiful March wedding. A year later, Chloe Elizabeth Kirkpatrick was born. Ironically, on St. Patrick's Day. Chelsea loved her little sister. Chris was so proud of them both. Twenty-six hours of labor, he thought he'd be the one to lose it. Jo was a trooper. Two years later, Chris became the proud father of a bouncing baby boy. Sean Christopher Kirkpatrick. Born in at 8 pounds 15 oz. He was a big boy. It was the first time, when Sean was born, that Jo saw Chris cry. Sure he was ecstatic about Chloe, but it was something about Sean, his son. It was overwhelming and Chris just cried, happily.
"Dude! I don't know why she would even stay with you, after you tried to kill her!" Wade snorted with laughter. Chris snapped back to the present as he just chuckled. Surprisingly, Jo's eye wasn't as bad as he had first thought. The swelling was receding.
"Aw, give him a break guys," Jo defended him. Chris kissed her and apologized again for the mishap.
"It's ok honey. It seems like 'old times'" she laughingly said.
"Mom.... can I go sit down now?" Chelsea groaned.
"Yeah, yeah... sure...your mom is fine...nothing to worry about."
The guys started laughing. Justin especially. Chris eyed him.
"Just you wait, Timberlake. Just you wait." Chris smirked.
Justin quickly stopped laughing, which in turn, made everyone else burst out in laughter.
"Let's EAT!" Joey demanded, followed by another burst of laughter from the crowd.
"Yeah, medical emergencies have never made Joey forget about food!"Dee announced. And with that everyone gathered around and dug into the picnic supper.
Chapter Six
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