Disclaimer: I do not own "God Bless The Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts.

Chapter 16

As Pacey drove through the streets of Capeside, he thought about this past year. He had spent much of his time searching for love. It was an endless cycle moving in slow motion. As much as Pacey tried to stop it, he couldn't. First there was Andie. She was the first person in his life that challenged him, making him see that he was a man worth loving. What they had together had been magical but short lived. He was forced to say goodbye to Andie after her father had insisted that she go away for the summer. It was hard for Pacey to bear, but he knew that it was for the best. He would love again, but he would never forget Andie. She would always be his first love.

Next, there was Joey. After he had broken up with Andie, Joey was there to offer comfort. At first the comfort was offered from a friend stand point but it quickly become much more. Pacey wasn't quite sure how he fell in love with Joey. He had always thought of her as the girl from across the creek who was in love with his best friend. The thought of him stealing her from Dawson was not even fathomable, he knew she wasn't in love with him and he didn't want to risk his relationship with Dawson. But now, here he was, in love with Josephine Potter. It just happened, one minute she was a friend and the next thing he knew he was in love with her. For the longest time he had been fighting with his inter emotions. He had these feelings for her but he was not sure if he should act on them. Then it happened, he kissed her. The kiss changed everything. From that day forward, Dawson saw Pacey as stabbing him behind the back for stealing Joey away from him, and because of that Dawson and Pacey's relationship hit a rough patch. Pacey never regretted falling in love with Joey, even though at times he thought he wasn't good enough for her. She reminded him over and over that he was wrong, knowing just what to say to make him feel better. This was one of the reasons that Pacey loved Joey so much. She had this unique way of making anybody feel good, always knowing the right thing to say. Pacey and Joey had shared so many wonderful memories together and although Andie was the first, Joey would always be his true love.

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

Pacey pulled up to the Potter B&B and cut the engine. He saw Bessie swing the front door open.

"Hey, Pacey," she greeted him, stepping onto the porch.

"Hey. Is Joey home?" Pacey asked.

"I haven't seen her. Sorry," Bessie told him.

"Okay, thanks," Pacey said. With that, Pacey hopped in the Jeep and started driving. He had a feeling he knew where she was.

He pulled up to the docks. As he started walking, he spotted Joey sitting on the pier, her legs dangling over the edge of one of the docks.

"I thought I would find you here," Pacey said, walking up behind Joey.

"Hi," Joey said, standing up and tucking her hair behind her ears.

"Hi," Pacey replied.

"How did you know that I was here?" Joey wondered.

"Instinct, I guess," Pacey replied.

"Well, I was just thinking about things," Joey told him, as she looked down at the ground.

Pacey laughed. "That seems to be a theme these days."

"So what were you thinking about?" Joey asked him.

"You. This past year has been this constant whirlwind for me. I've spent much of my life searching for love and now I've found it. You are the one Joey. You make me feel good and you always know the right thing to say. When I'm not around you, I'm lost," Pacey said, holding her close.

"For the longest time you didn't like me you know," Joey snickered.

"You're right. I wish I could take it back," Pacey told her.

"If you did we wouldn't be us Pacey. We wouldn't be here now, holding each other and so much in love. If you ask me it was worth the wait," Joey told him. Pacey looked down at Joey, he knew she was right. He pulled her close, feeling her body against his.

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

"What are you doing here?" Joey suddenly wondered.

Pacey backed away and let go of Joey. "I don't think you want to hear it Jo."

"Pacey, for a long as I live, I'll never want to hear something that you want to say," Joey told him, looking him in the eyes.

"I got an offer, a job offer, to sail in the Caribbean," Pacey told her. Joey's face fell and she became quite.

"See, not what you wanted to hear, is it?" Pacey asked. His face was solemn.

"Why are you telling me this now?" Joey wondered.

"Because I've been thinking about tomorrow," Pacey told her.

"What about this tomarrowland? Does it look even remotely bright?" Joey said, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"It certainly didn't when it held the prospect of never seeing you again," Pacey told her, resting his head against her forehead.

"How is that any different from here and now?" Joey asked.

"I think that I need to discover who I am without you. I need to go off and live my own life for a while. However, that doesn't mean this is how I want it to end between us," Pacey told her, as he kissed her on the forehead.

"What are you saying Pacey?" Joey wondered.

"Hypothetically speaking... if I were lucky enough one day to find myself owning a sailboat again, and I were to ask the woman that I love to go sailing with me... would she?" Pacey asked, letting go.

"You wouldn't have to ask Pace," Joey said.

"Bye Pacey," Joey said, smiling.

"Bye Joey," Pacey said, as he walked away, leaving Joey behind.

Now I'm just rolling home
Into my lover's arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

Even though Pacey and Joey had said goodbye for now, both of them knew this was not the end. They were on different paths that would eventually lead them to walk the same path. And until then, they would always have the sweet memories that they shared. The memories alone…they defined everything.

That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you.

I am offically finished with this story. I hope that you liked it. As always, thanks to all those who reviewed. I appreciate your comments. Any ideas for a new story? If so, review and let me know.