a/n: This takes place where chapter 4 left off. Thanks for reading :)

CHAPTER 5 – THEY'LL BE OKAY

They were almost done with breakfast and were all on their second cup of coffee.

Dawson fnished chewing on a piece of toast and looked between Pacey and Joey.

"What are you guys doing today?"

Pacey answered right away: "Restaurant. Again. I called earlier and it's packed. They need a hand".

Dawson glanced at Joey, then looked back at Pacey: "Want us to help?"

"That's nice, but no. Joey already slaved for two weeks before my summer staffwas ready, so she did her share. And Dawson, you're on vacation. Plus, as a big tv producer, you should definitly not be seen clearing out tables, nor waiting on them." He added the last part with a small smile. Dawson rolled his eyes: "But..."

"No buts. It's nice out. You both should go and enjoy it."

"Pace, are you sure?", Joey asked him, putting her coffee mug down.

"Yes sweetheart". He smiled at her across the table.

Dawson cleared his throat: "Well, in that case... Lily has been asking me to take her to the beach ever since I got here. So, I'll do that, I guess. Wanna come, Jo?"

"Yeah... that sounds like a plan". Joey really liked Lily. She was this mini, less analytical, at least for now, version of Dawson. She was really sweet and Joey hoped that now that she was in Capeside, she'd get to know the little girl better.

"Perfect. I'll give her a call and tell we'll pick her in an hour. Sounds good?"

"Oh yeah. That's plenty of time. The phone's in the living room."

Dawson got up and walked to the other room. Joey started clearing the table, putting the plates in the sink. "Are you going to be busy all day at the restaurant? You could join us at the beach later..."

"I don't think that I'll be able to. Breakfast will run late and then we're booked with reservations for dinner. So I'll most likely stay until late after dinner's over." He walked behind her at the sink, wrapping his arms around her waist and moving forward to place a kiss on her cheek. "But you go and have fun, okay?"

She turned in his arms and wrapped hers around his neck, placing a kiss on his lips before moving back to stare at him. "Ok".

He kissed her forehead, a simple, innocent gesture taht was theirs only and that, everytime, made her heart beat just a little faster. She smiled and whispered, against his lips, "I love you". He kissed her then. He could spend all day like this, pressed against her, enveloped in her sweetness, kissing.

"Jo?" Dawson's voice, coming from the living room, forced Pacey to break the kiss and let Joey move out of his arms. She took a step toward the living room, but he caught her hand and swirled her around. She raised her eyebrows, a smile dancing on her lips. He captured her in his arms again and kissed her hard on the lips before whispering "I love you too". She smiled again, but this time with this big bright smile of hers that made Pacey want to kiss her again and never stop.

Dawson waited a few second and not hearing anything back, walked into the kitchen. "Oh. Sorry guys".

Joey turned around in Pacey's arms but didn't move out of them. She looked at Dawson. "Yes?" Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were sparkling and it made Dawson smile.

"Hmm... Lily wants Alex to come with us. Is that okay with you?"

"Oh! That's a good idea. I'll give Bessie a call."

Dawson gave her the cordless phone he'd been using, walked to the sink and started putting the dishes in the dishwasher. Pacey placed one last kiss on Joey's cheek before letting her to her phone call. She smiled at him and walked to the living room.

"Dawson, man, go sit. You don't have to do this".

"Don't worry about it Pace. And thank you for breakfast. It was delicious. You really do have a special talken for cooking. I've been meaning to tell you this." Pacey smiled. "Thanks man". Dawson smiled back at him. They finished cleaning the kichen, catching up on the last few weeks.

Joey walked back into the kitchen a few minutes later to see Pacey and Dawson standing in the now clean room, talking. A smile crossed her face and relief washed over her as she understood that they'd be okay. She had a thought for Jen and looked up, quickly thanking her for demanding that she stopped running and made a choice.

Dawson saw her standing there: "Jo?"

"Oh, hmmm. Yeah... Alex is thrilled. So is Bessie. The B&B's booked and Alex is bored so she's happy that we're taking him for the day. I called Jack and we're taking Amy too. You don't mind, do you?"

"No, I don't. It's going to be one fun/busy/interesting day".

"I know. Ok. I'll go get my stuff and then we can drive to your mom's house, pick up Lily and let you get ready. Then we'll pick up Alex and then Amy."

"Perfect".

"Ok, then. Give me five minutes". Pacey chucked. Joey shot him a warning look. "Don't start, Pace. I will not take more than five minutes."

"Sure, Jo." He said that with a very non subtle sarcastic tone.

She walked toward him, gave him a quick kiss. "Wanna bet?"

"What are we betting?"

She took a step closer to him and whispered "A night to remember?"

He kissed her back and smile. "You're on. Go."

She turned around and ran to the bedroom. Dawson and Pacey looked at each other and laughed.

XXX

a/n: Chapter 6 is on its way. Thanks for keeping up with this story. Reviews are LOVED.

- nancy