Part 27 – The proposal

Pacey swallowed the nervous lump in his throat. After Joey telling him that she had been thinking about dropping out Worthington because she didn't want to depend on Dawson's money anymore, he tried to find a way so she could keep studying there, like she always had dreamt. He already found a way, but it was his Christmas surprise, well, at least one of them, but he had to talk to Bessie first if she would be ok with that. He had already told Doug and his parents what he had in mind, and surprisingly his family didn't say he was crazy, actually, they even supported his decision. Being in good terms with his family...he never thought it would be possible, and it still felt weird.

He knocked the door, knowing perfectly well that Joey wouldn't be at the B&B, she said she would go shopping with Jen, they needed some girl time alone. He breathed deeply, when Bessie opened the door.

"Hi, Pacey. Joey isn't home now, she went out with Jen." Bessie told him, as she let him in.

"I know, Bess. Actually, I came here to talk to you."

Bessie looked at Pacey surprised. He looked like a little boy about to tell his parents that he was in some mess, and she knew that look by heart, since he had it so many times in his life.

"To me? Pacey, I know you have a thing for older women, but I'm your girlfriend's sister…"

Pacey rolled his eyes…those Potter women; they really knew how to annoy him.

"Bessie, it's about Joey we have to talk."

"She's not pregnant again, is she?"

"You have a fixed idea about this, don't you? No, she's not, at least not that I know" He shrugged, earning a glare back "But it's as serious as that."

"We can go to the kitchen and you will tell me exactly what's going on, Pacey Witter, while we have some coffee."

"I don't know, Jen…do you really think Pacey will like it?" Joey looked at the mirror, unsure if that red dress was right for her.

"He has eyes, doesn't he? Joey, you look great. Although I still think he would like even if you weren't wearing anything…"

"Jen!" Joey blushed. "You know, I've missed these little talks with you."

"I missed that too, Joey…Who would ever guess, huh?"

"Yep…I've been so wrapped around Pacey lately…"

"Jo, you don't have to feel guilty about that…we already talked about that. And there's nothing you could do to stop Charlie of acting like a jerk."

"Joey, Jennifer."

They turned around to see Gale Leery calling them. They stared at each other, not knowing how to act.

"Hello, girls, how are you doing?"

"We're fine." The both girls answered, still not sure how to act around Dawson's mother.

"Joey, darling, I hope that you guys will be able to show up at my Christmas party."

Joey didn't know what to answer. She had forgotten about the Leery's Christmas party. And she had promised that she wouldn't let Dawson interfere in her friendship with the rest of his family.

"I will have to talk to Bessie and Pacey first, I think his family has plans…" she started to speak, looking at Jen for an idea.

"Oh, I'll talk to the Witters, maybe they can come too. I have to go now…it's past Lilly's nap time. Bye, girls"

Jen and Joey muttered their good-byes, before Jen burst into laughter.

"What, Jen?"

"Now we know where Dawson got his oblivious way to view the world." That idea brought a smile on Joey's lips too, but she soon frowned. How would she tell Pacey that Gale Leery just invited them for her party?

"Jack!"

Jack almost choked on his Doritos, when he heard that voice. He took a glance at his watch, damn, he really spent too much time checking out those guys at the airport.

"Andie!" He hugged his sister, spinning her around. "I missed you girl."

"I missed you too, Jackers. Dad decided to stay in Italy for Christmas, but I had to come and check on my handsome brother."

"Talk, talk, all you do is talk, Andie."

"How is everyone?"

"Jen is fine, Pacey and Joey are disturbingly happy and Dawson , we don't know and don't wanna know."

"What happened? So, Pacey and Joey are an item again. And they're not on speaking terms with Dawson?"

"I'll tell you everything while we drive to Capeside."

"Pacey, what is going on that head of yours?" She ruffled his hair, comfortably sat on his lap in front of the fire at the B&B. She had already told him about the invitation, and he agreed they could show up, say their Merry Christmas to Mitch and Gale and head back home as soon as possible.

"My head? My head, is perfectly ok, Jo." He kissed her softly.

She tilted her head, looking him in the eyes, a crooked smile on her lips.

"I know you, Pacey Witter. And I know you're hiding something from me."

"I'm hiding nothing, Jo. It's true."

"I have this feeling that people are hiding…"

"Joey, stop being suspicious." Pacey kissed her forehead.

"I'm not suspicious…but you have this look that you're up to something. Jen said some stuff I didn't understand and Bessie…she hugged me like she hadn't seen me in months when I came home back form shopping."

"My dear Josephine, you're worrying me. So, it's a conspiracy, now?" He chuckled.

"Stop it, Pacey. I have my ways to take the truth out of you, you know?"

"I'd like to know what ways…"
"I could kiss you." She kissed him softly on the lips, her lips soon finding the small birthmark on his neck.

"I like your ways, Jo, but no, it's not working"

"Where I feel it is…" she pressed her body against his.

"God, Jo, nothing is sacred to you anymore? Your sister can come in anytime."

"But we're not doing anything." Her mouth searched for his, but before they could actually kiss, someone clearing his throat interrupted them.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I don't wanna my son scared for life with you two." Bodie was grinning at them, holding Alex in one arm.

"Hmmm...hi, Bodie" Pacey managed to say. "I guess it's my time to go, huh?"

"Not really, Pacey, Doug called, it seems that Gretchen decided to show up for Christmas and she's at his place, so he asked if you could stay here."

Joey's face lit up with that, she was so used to sleep in his arms now that last night was really difficult to fall asleep.

"I don't want to cause any kind of trouble here."

"Pacey, you're family, you two just behave, ok?"

The couple looked at each other in happiness; they wouldn't be apart these winter nights after all.

Doug stopped at the Leery's porch. He hated to give bad news, especially about someone he knew as a kid. A shiver went through his spine when he thought that he could be on the other hand of the bad news, if Pacey hadn't changed so much in the past two years. It was ironic of how his brother, so called the town loser, was now so sure of his life, of what he wanted for his life, while his former best friend, the called golden boy, was in a such mess. Doug rang the bell, waiting impatiently. It was too cold to be outside at that time of the night.

Mitch opened the door, surprised to find Doug waiting for him. What could have happened? An only thought ran through his mind. Dawson.

"What happened to my son, Doug?"

"He was arrested, Mr. Leery."

Pacey entered the room. Joey was standing in front of the mirror, combing her hair. He stepped closer, circling her waist with his arms, his chin resting on her shoulder, eyes meeting through their reflex, making them smile.

"The simple sight of you doing this brings me memories that take my breath away." He whispered, kissing her shoulder.

"Is Christmas putting some romantic ideas on your head, Witter?" she tilted her head, offering him better access to her neck.

"You know me, Potter. King of romantic gestures." He nipped her earlobe gently.

"Yeah, I know…" She sighed, her eyes suddenly turning serious.

"Anything wrong, Jo?" He turned her in his arms so he could face her.

"Nothing wrong, Pace. I'm' just wondering…" she left his arms, pulling over her bed's covers, climbing in bed.

"Joey Potter never wonders, she gets worried." He stated, climbing in bed after her, bringing her to the safety of his arms. "Tell me what is going on that pretty head of yours." He kissed her forehead and waited.

"Do you think we're weird, Pace?" she lifted her eyes to meet his.

"Us, weird? Who gave you that idea, Jo?" He chuckled at the thought.

"I was talking to Jen today and she said something that made me think that…" she kissed his shoulder.

"I'm gonna kill Lindley for putting ideas on your head." He tightened his arms around her. "What did she say?"

"She said we're not the average 18 year old couple, we have this whole aura around us."

"Aura? What the hell has been Jen taking?" he asked, earning a pinch on his side. "Ouch, Jo! What was that for?"

"For interrupting me." She said smiling.

Pacey moved them, so he was lying on top of her, his mouth tracing a line from her ear to her neck.

"I love when you get all violent on me." He whispered, his voice sending shivers through her body.

"Pace…" she sighed, her voice half laughing, half moaning. "We promised to behave."

"You promised, I crossed my fingers." He stated, proceeding with his assault, taking off her shirt, his mouth reaching her breasts, his teeth teasing her nipples with soft bites as his hand wandered down her spine, leaving her breathless He raised his head, just to look at her face, her eyelids heavy with desire, and a soft blush on her cheeks, biting her lower lip. One of the most beautiful sights, one he could never grow tired with. He grinned as he moved aside, interrupting his actions, making her stare at him confused.

"Why did you stop?" she asked, trying to regain her breath.

"Because you still have to explain that aura thing to me."

"You are such a tease, Witter." She slapped his chest lightly. "I don't know if I should say anything…I might need motivation."

"Jo, if I give you more motivation, Bessie will kill me." Pacey kissed her nose.

"You are one of the most irritable, impertinent, incorrigible men in this world." She pouted.

"And you love me." He kissed her cheek, caressing her hair. Joey smiled, snuggling against him. "Are you going to explain the aura thing?"

She gave him that look that made his stomach do flip flops, the 'you're so dead, Witter' look, then she grinned, the tip of her tongue peeking through her teeth. She rested her head on his shoulder, smiling. They could be weird, but she wanted to be weird like that for the rest of her life.

"Jen said that most people our age experiencing college are out there, getting drunk, getting laid with as many partners as possible, and we have this whole commitment thing around us."

"And now you think we should be doing that?"

"I didn't say that, Pace. In fact, I told her that we're different because we're lucky." Joey was looking into his eyes.

"Lucky?" He looked at her wiggling his brows. "Elaborate that, please." Pacey brought her hand to his lips, biting her fingers.

"I said that, Pace, because I feel so lucky for having you in my life." She sighed, trying to clear her thoughts, which was a hard job, because her boyfriend's hand was dangerously reaching below.

"And I'm so lucky for having you in my life too…" He whispered in her ear, covering her body with his, pinning her against the mattress, his mouth searching for hers, demanding, and their breaths ragged. He groaned when he felt her hand slipping inside his boxers, stroking him, in slow motion, before tugging on his waistband to set him free of the offending article.

"Pace," he barely heard her moan, when he got rid of her panties, his fingers finding her wet core, his tongue tracing the pulse in her throat. "Lay back, love, please."

He obeyed her, his eyes darkened by desire. Joey moved her body against his, her breath warming his neck. Pacey closed his eyes when she kissed the sensitive spot in his neck, her tongue mimicking his previous actions.

"You wanna know why I feel so lucky?" she whispered against his skin, her mouth traveling along his body, teasing and tasting him, each murmured word a soft caress. "You have always been there for me, even before we were together. You have this big heart that's always ready to love and forgive, with no reserves. No ultimatums. You saw me when I was invisible, not much more than an ugly tomboy." She raised her eyes to see his face, his gritted teeth, trying hard not to moan out loud.

"You were never ugly…" he replied, locking his eyes with hers for a moment, before he felt her tongue licking his length, her hand stroking him, her soft whispers against his cock driving him crazy.

"You never wanted me to change…you loved me how I am, with all my fears and flaws." She took him slowly in her mouth, her teeth grazing his hard flesh, before sucking him.
Pacey closed his eyes, wondering how much more he could last. A muffled grunt escaped his lips when Joey let him go off her mouth, as he observed her positioning herself on top of him.

"And above all, Pace, I am lucky, because when I see you, I see my future," Joey whispered, as she eased her body on his, taking him inch by inch, inside her. He laced his hands with hers to give her support, watching through heavy lidded eyes her breasts bouncing with their movements, her face taken by pleasure, the way she was chewing on her lower lip, her head slightly thrown back. They rocked their bodies against each other, speeding their rhythms as their need for pleasure increased. Pacey felt her walls tightening around him, his name passing through her lips in a suppressed cry as she climaxed, triggering his own climax. Joey collapsed on top of him, her head resting on his chest while they tried to regain their breaths, just enjoying the sound of his raced heartbeat. She lifted her face, her brown eyes shining with all she felt for him, a soft smile playing on her lips. Pacey grinned back at her, his fingers lost in her hair.

"That was amazing, Jo." He pulled her for a kiss, his lips lingering on hers, nipping her lower lip.

"I had a good teacher." She winked.

"And you're a dedicated student. And just for the record, Jo, I am the luckiest man on earth, because I have you."

"You say that because you just got lucky, mister."

"God woman, can't I declare my undying love for you without any kind of sexual innuendos?"

"Undying love?" she asked, in a teasing tone.

"Yes, Potter, undying love, because when I see your eyes, I see more than my future, I see the rest of my life and even after that." Pacey kissed her softly. "And I see one more thing."

"What, Pace?"

"That we're both going to be in big, big trouble with your sister tomorrow."

"I forgot about that." She looked at him sheepishly.

"Yeah, you were too busy ravishing me."

"I didn't hear any complaints." She shrugged.

"Well, since we're already in trouble…" Pacey flipped them, his blue eyes shining mischievously. "It's your turn to be ravished, Miss Potter."

"Any time you want, Mr. Witter." She whispered, before his mouth came over hers.

Dawson opened his eyes inside the small cell. How dared Doug lock him there just because of some booze? His dad would come any moment now to take him back home. He raised his eyes to face Deputy Doug staring him.

"Where's my father, Doug? Why aren't you opening this damn lock?"

"I have a message for you from Mr. Leery. Have a good night of sleep, Dawson." Doug answered coldly, leaving him alone. Even his own family was against him.

"Mitch, what happened? Who was there?" Gale asked when her husband when he got back to their bedroom.

"It was Doug Witter, Gale." He pushed the covers and laid back, staring the ceiling.

"But…what happened? Where's Dawson?" Suddenly she felt really scared.

"Dawson was arrested for being drunk." He stated flatly.
"And why are you here? Aren't you going to…"

"No, Gale, I'm not bailing him out tonight. He needs to think about what he's dong to his life."

"But…"

"No buts, Gale. Our son is throwing his life away, always hoping that mom and dad will be there to save his ass. But not anymore."

"Mitch, it's Christmas." She pleaded.

"Christmas or not Christmas is about time to Dawson to learn something. We spoiled that kid, Gale, way too much." He kissed her forehead. "Let's try to sleep and tomorrow morning I'll go take that butthead out, ok?"

"Ok" She lied. It was not ok, her baby was spending the night at a cold jail cell. "Good night."

Joey opened her eyes, feeling Pacey's arms around her body, his breath on her neck, and sighed happy. They had an incredible night, and sure they would get a lecture from Bessie, but it had been worth. She smiled remembering the small touches, the kisses, the whispered words, and frowned when she remembered the Leerys' Christmas party. Why didn't she say 'no' when Gale asked them to go?

"Morning, beautiful." Pacey whispered, nuzzling her neck, his morning stubble against her skin.

"Morning, sweetheart" she turned around in his arms, kissing his chin. "Ready to face the other Potter sister?"

Pacey groaned at that perspective. Although they tried to be as silent as they could, Bessie sure heard them. But the complete air of happiness in Joey's face gave him the strength he needed.

"If you keep looking at me like that, I'll face one thousand Bessie's…"

"You're a brave man, Witter." She smiled, watching him leave the bed and starting to get dressed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Life was good. Not even a thousand Dawsons could ruin her day. And right there, she made her decision. She was not going to the Leerys' party.

Dawson walked behind his father, the death glare Mitch gave him when he was out his stinky cell, still lingering on the back of his mind. He knew he was in for big trouble. He made mention to go to his room, but Mitch stopped him.

"No, Dawson, you're not going to your bedroom. Sit down, now."

"But, dad…" he whined.

"No buts. We're having a man to man talk."

"Dad, can I first take a shower?"

"No, Dawson, you can't. Not before you listen to some truths, young man."

"spare me the lecture."

"Listen, Dawson. I don't know what the hell you're doing with your life. Jesus, you dropped the school of your dreams, now you're getting publicly drunk. What's next? Drugs? Mugging?"

"I'm just enjoying life."

"You are throwing away your life. You want to give up school? Fine. But you're not going to stay in this house with your lazy ass up all day. You are going to work, until you find out anything inside your big head."

"You talk like you never did any mistake."

"But at least I learnt from them. Now, go to your bedroom. And don't go beg for your mom to sweeten me, cause it's not gonna work this time."

Dawson left the room, climbing the stairs, slamming his door, waking up baby Lilly. Mitch just looked at the stairs wondering how they reached that point.

Joey glanced confused at Pacey. They were going to his parents place to have Christmas dinner, as they originally had planned. Bessie and Bodie had left first, they were already late, and Pacey decided to stop in the middle of the town. In front of her wall, their wall, the same wall that still had his 'hastily yet adoringly written SOS' in big red letters on it.

"Pacey, what are we doing here?" He seemed nervous, almost uncomfortable.

"Would you walk with me for a while?" he asked. Joey nodded, knitting her brows, a little bit worried at his behavior.

They left the car, walking hand in hand, stopping in front of their wall. Pacey kept starign at her, like he was considering what to say next.

"Pace, sweetheart, what is going on? Anything wrong?"

He cleared his throat, chuckling before answering; making Joey more certain that something was going on.

"There's nothing wrong, Jo." He smiled, cupping her face between his hands. "Nothing wrong at all, sweetie." He leaned in, kissing her forehead.

"Pacey, why did you bring me here? It's freezing; we're already late for your parents' dinner. You don't wanna go to your parents, is that it?"

"No, Jo, we're going there, I just wanted to talk to you first."

"About?" She was seeing no sense in Pacey's acts.

He cleared his throat again. God, this was more difficult as he had thought. He breathed deeply, exhaling slowly, trying to calm down. He wanted to do this, He could do this, hell, and he was going to do it. He looked at the wall again.

"Jo, I just want to give my Christmas presents to you now, alone with you."

"And you have to do this at this ungodly temperature, in the middle of the town?"

"Yes, because it's my turn to ask you to stay."

"I'm missing your point here…" she started, but he silenced her touching her lips.

"You said you were going to give up on school because you wanted to give Dawson's money back to him and you wouldn't be able to afford your tuition anymore."

"Pacey, we already talked about that, I'm going to try to transfer…"

"Jo, just listen, please. I couldn't let you jeopardize your future like that. I went to Mr. Kubelik, and told him you were thinking about dropping school because of money. He took a look at your grades, Jo, and Worthington is offering you a better scholarship, as long as you keep your grades."

"You did that for me?" she was amazed at how far he could go for her.

"I did it for you, because I don't want you to give up on any of your dreams." He kissed her gently. "But we have a small here."

"Problem?"

"Your scholarship doesn't cover your accommodations."

"Pacey, if I can't stay at the dorms, I won't be…"

"Can you please, wait a little, woman? I solved that too. I'm asking you to stay in Boston, Jo, stay with me."

"Pacey, are you asking me to move in with you? What about Jen and Jack?"

"They already know and they agreed. They are your friends, Jo, they want you to be happy."

She jumped on his arms, kissing him. This man was her world, her everything and he made her life perfect.

"So, after Christmas break I'll be moving in with my boyfriend." She stated cockily.

"No, you're not."

"Pacey, I don't understand it...you just asked me…"

Like a dream, she saw him kneel down in front of her, retrieving a small box form his jacket. She fought the tears that were threatening to fall, when he took her hand.

"I said it was my turn to ask you to stay." He cleared his throat again, his blue eyes so full of love. "Jo, you are my past, my present, and my future. I see us in five years, getting home from work, I see your smile when you have our first child, I see us in ten years, twenty. Always together. People might say we're too young, but if there's one thing I'm sure in this life, that thing is you and my love for you. So I'm not asking you to stay with your boyfriend. I'm asking you to stay with your fiancé." He opened the box, revealing the shining ring. "Miss Josephine Potter, will you marry me?"

Jen looked around at the Leerys' party. Grams had been invited, and not having any other place to go, she had gone along with Jack and Andie. She saw Dawson nearing, immediately getting annoyed.

"Hi, Jen."

"Hi, Dawson" she replied as coldly as she could.

"How are things?"

"Dawson, cut the small talk, what do you want to know?"

"I want to know if Joey is coming."

"No, Dawson, she's not coming. She has an engagement party to attend"

"Engagement party? Who's getting engaged?"

"She is." She answered, leaving him alone.

Joey stared at Pacey is awe. Never, not even in her wildest dreams, she had thought he would propose.

"Jo?" He asked her, worried about her silence. He looked up, to see her tear strained face, a dreamy smile on her lips. He stood up, taking her in his arms. "Jo, sweetheart, don't cry, please, forget I asked anything. I…"

"Pace, you are not kidding about this, are you?" She asked him in a thin voice.

"I've never been so serious in my entire life, Jo…" he whispered, drying her tears with small kisses.

"Pacey, aren't you going to put that ring on my finger?" she asked through her tears.

"Is that a yes?" he was now grinning like an idiot.

"You wouldn't even have to ask." They stared at each other, his hand shaking when he slid the ring on her finger, and then spinning her on his arms. And right there, in front of their wall, in that cold winter night, they kissed under the falling snow like there was no tomorrow.