Return To Me
Epilogue ~ Joeys P.O.V.
*Three Years Later*
It's hard to believe that today we graduate; it seems like only yesterday we we're preparing to leave Capeside behind and now here we are preparing to return home. I stand here next to Pacey holding his hand while Dean Kubelik calls the names of the graduating students. After our second year the dean was so impressed with Pacey's determination that he offered him a transfer to Worthington under the same conditions as his original scholarship, he accepted of course and now he is graduating with honors. He's actually ranked third in our class only one place behind me. I'm so proud of him and all of his hard work.
"Josephine Witter" Dean Kubelik calls my name and brings me out of my daydream. Pacey squeezes my hand before I walk across the stage, accept my degree and shake the deans hand as he flips my tassel. He smiles warmly at me, over the past four years we have grown close and now it is going to seem strange not having him around for advice and guidance anymore.
"And finally Pacey Witter" he calls. Pacey grins at me and winks as he walks across the stage. He shakes his hand and pulls him in for a hug, thanking the man that changed his life. I roll my eyes at my husbands antics on stage, but smile as he catches my eye. Once Pacey returns to his seat, and the dean regains his composure he turns to the crowd.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the graduating class of 2005." With those words we all toss our mortarboards into the air. Pacey grabs me and spins us around whooping. Laughing I kiss his lips and whisper my own congratulations to him.
"Okay Pace, that's enough put her down, can't you see how green she's getting." Jen says laughing as our friends makes their way over to us.
"Hey where's Bessie?" I ask once I catch my breath.
"I'm right here sis." She says as she fights through the crowd. "Congratulations you guys." She hugs us both quickly.
"Hi, congratulations." Bodie says a few moments later as he walks up holding Alex's hand and holding Emily my two-year old niece in his other arm.
"Thanks." I say smiling as I watch Pacey make faces at a giggling Emily.
"So what do you say we get this Party started, now that we are all officially college graduates." Jen asks. Both she and Jack had their ceremonies yesterday so we held off celebrating until today.
"You know it." Pacey says wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his head on my shoulder. "What do you say babe, you ready to get out of here?" He asks kissing my neck while one hand moves to cover my stomach, his thumb absently stroking softly. Unconsciously my own hand moves to cover his, I smile thinking about changes the next few months will hold.
"Lead the way!" I reluctantly pull out of his embrace as we all start making our way to the parking lot. Pacey opens the rear door of Jens truck and we slide inside.
"Congratulations Jo, we did it." He says smiling, as he lowers his head and captures my lips in a soft kiss.
"Hey lovebirds!" Jen says getting our attention as we pull out of the parking stall. "You do know that you're no longer newlyweds, so please quit making out in my backseat." She says just shaking her head.
"Lindley, I'm a man with needs." Pacey responds.
"Believe me Pacey I know all about your needs. Remember I've lived in the room next to you for three years now."
"Admit it you'll miss us." He says grinning.
"Oh yeah, I'm sure I'll miss hearing your grunts and groans, and forever having to straighten the picture above my bed." They continue all the way home trading insults with one another, while I remain silent thinking about how different things are going to be once we return home to Capeside. We arrive back at the house and head around back where Bessie, Bodie and Grams are already setting up for our Graduation Barbecue. Jack appears a few minutes later carrying a couple of folding chairs from the basement.
"I'm going to go help Bessie, now behave until I come back." I tell Pacey, before going inside to find my sister.
"So Joey, how does it feel to be a college graduate?" Bessie asks as I enter the kitchen.
"A little strange. I mean I've always had school, and now that's over. I know I'll be busy with work but I think it will take some time to get used to the fact that I don't have to go to class anymore."
"I still can't believe that you and Pacey decided to move back to Capeside."
"I know but the city's too crazy, and I missed being close to you and Bodie. So since Pacey's job allows him to work from home most days, and me wanting to opening the gallery it makes sense to move back home."
"It's funny how you two fought so hard to get away from Capeside and now here you are four years later moving back." She says.
"The world works in mysterious ways. Besides looking back Capeside wasn't such a bad place to grow up. It just took me a while to realize that."
"Well I'm glad you're coming home, I've missed you. So have you found a place yet?"
"We saw a house that I think will be perfect, we're just waiting to hear whether the bank will approve us for a mortgage before well know for sure. So for now it looks like you're stuck with us."
"Good, I've missed having my baby sister around the house. Well it looks like every things ready here, why don't you go round everyone up?"
"Okay." I grab the last bowl and walk out into the yard. Bodie is talking to Jack next to the grill; Jen and Grams are organizing the table and watching over a sleeping Emily. Pacey and Alex are throwing a football around on the lawn.
"Sweetheart, it's time to come in, dinners ready." I call to Pacey as Alex tackles him to the ground. I laugh watching them play, thinking again how wonderful Pacey is with kids.
"Coming." They call back standing up and brushing the grass off themselves.
"Jo are you feeling okay?" He asks as he comes up onto the deck, looking closely at me.
"I'm just tired and thirsty, its been a busy day."
"How about you have a seat, and I'll bring you a water."
"Okay." I sigh. He returns a few minutes later with a bottle of water and a plate pilled high with all of my favorites.
"Here you go love." He says sitting next to me.
"Thanks, you're the best." I say smiling and I kiss his cheek softly.
Soon everyone is sitting around the table, with food and drinks in front of them. Enjoying the late afternoon sun, and the company of good friends. Finishing my plate, I excuse myself and go sit in the swing across the yard.
"Hey Babe, are you sure you're ok?" Pacey asks concern in his voice.
"Pacey I'm fine, nothing someone in my condition shouldn't be feeling. So do you want you're graduation present?" I ask now that we are finally alone.
"Jo you didn't have to get me anything." He says, not picking up on the meaning of my words.
"I know, but this is something that I really want you to have." I say pulling a small picture out of my pocket and handing it to him.
"What's this?" he asks a little confused.
"Your son." I say smiling up at him.
"My son, you're, we're." he stammers looking at the grainy black and white picture in his hands.
"We're going to have a baby." I respond, not sure how he's reacting to the news.
"Really?" he asks his hand moving to cover my abdomen, looking into my eyes with awe.
"Really, I'm almost four months along. I'm due at the beginning of October."
"Wow! Oh my god I'm going to be a daddy! How long have you known?"
"Only a couple of days. I thought it was just stress making me skip my period, and tiring me out, but the other day I just about passed out in the studio so I went to the doctors and he told me I was defiantly pregnant, and that's when he did the ultrasound you're holding." I explain.
"Jo, you've made me so happy. Now I know moving back to Capeside is the right thing to do. I don't want to raise kids in the city. He pulls me into his arms and kisses me tenderly, showing me exactly how much he loves me; and the baby growing inside me."
"I love you Pacey." I say smiling happily, realizing for the first time that we are starting our own family.
"I love you too Jo. Now lets go tell everyone the good news." He says, kissing me softly.
The End