Saving Easton (Oakside Military Heroes Book 2)(21)

"That's a really good idea. Do you have any contacts?"

"I might know someone. If nothing else, he might know some people," I say, thinking of Jake.

We wrap up lunch, and Lexi promises to talk to Noah's doctor right now, while I head home and switch out Molly and Allie. On the way, I decide to call Jake.

"Hi, Paisley," he says.

"Hey, I have a question for you, and you can say no, but I'd also like to see if you know anyone who would be a fit.”

"That sounds ominous."

"Remember the place, Oakside, I was telling you about?"

"Yeah, the veterans’ military rehab home. I wish they had something like that when I needed it."

"Well, they’re new, and still getting off the ground. They need help working security. Some guys to volunteer just to be there, if things go south. While there, they’ll feed you, and you can hang with the guys, swap stories, participate in events, and all that. Plus, a huge bonus, the guys there love Atticus, so he'd be welcome."

"I'd like that. I need something to focus on," he says.

"Perfect. I’ll have Lexi get in touch with you.”

I hang up, as I pull up to my house.

"I'm sorry, Molly girl, but today, you’re staying home. Catch up on your sleep." She wags her tail and pads off to her favorite couch.

I head to the guest room, where Allie likes to sleep, and sure enough, there she is curled up on the bed.

"Want to go for a ride, Allie?"

She jumps up and follows me out to the car, as I drive back to Oakside. I'm excited to see how Easton and Allie do together. I’m hoping they get on well together, because I think Allie could really help Easton.

I put on Allie's working vest, and her demeanor changes almost instantly. She knows she's here for a reason and is ready to work.

Heading in, I go straight to Easton's room. I don't really want to take Allie to see all the guys, because I want her to bond with Easton.

He smiles, when he sees me.

"How did your lunch go?" He asks, his eyes landing on Allie. "Who's this?"

"This is Allie. She was a rescue I picked up, thinking I'd find a home for her, but she just fit and took so well to training that I kept her. Right now, I'm waiting to find her an owner, because she's passed all her training with flying colors."

He and Allie both stare at each other, but neither makes the first move. I just chuckle, as it's like a really awkward first date.

"Allie, go say hi," I tell her, and she slowly moves over to Easton.

He pets her for a minute then invites her onto his lap, and Allie climbs up and gets settled and just like he does with Molly he pets her like he isn't even thinking about it. I smile and take my seat.

"Do you like her?" I ask.

"She's beautiful."

"She seems to like you," I say, watching Easton look down at Allie, who looks back up at him.

"I think you two would be a good fit.”

Easton looks up at me. "Really?"

"Yeah, I was talking to Lexi, and she agrees. She's talking to your doctor about getting approval, and if he does, she can be yours. We can train her, and she can be here with you even."

I can see it in his face. He wants her, and he likes the idea, but then he shuts down.

"I don't think that's a good idea," he says.

"Why not?" I ask, trying to keep my tone neutral and soft.

"Well, I can't even leave my room, so how would I take care of her? She has to go out, she needs to play, and she doesn’t deserve to be cramped up in a room all day." His voice echoes the anger on his face.

"Oh, Easton. There are so many people here willing to help you. I wish you’d see that. Your nurse can very easily take her to go potty. There’s a courtyard right down the hall, so she won't have to go far. Lexi and Noah can take her out to play. When I visit, I can leave Molly with you for a bit and take her to run. Plus, even now, she has all the freedom in the world, and she'd rather sleep on my guest bed than go run and play."

He stares out of the window and doesn't say anything.

"Just think about it. Easton, you don't have to make a decision today, or even next week. As far as I'm concerned, she's yours. I can bring her with me when I visit, and we can start working with her."

He still doesn't say anything.

"I really just want to help, Easton, and this is the only way I know how. Unless you tell me what else you need, this is what I know I can do." I whisper, but I know he heard me.

"Okay, we can work with her for now."

"Let's get on it then."

"I have a therapy appointment tomorrow. Maybe, you can bring her, and I can take her with me?"

"We’ll be here."





Chapter 14





Chapter 14


Easton





The walk to Dr. Tate's office is much easier with Allie by my side. It's not far just on the other side of the lobby, but it's enough that this is still only the second time I've been here.

The last time I made this walk, all I thought about was Paisley. It was the only way I got through it. Today with Allie, I focus on her, and she makes it easy.