Saving Easton (Oakside Military Heroes Book 2)(25)

"Hey, Paisley just got here. She’s making her rounds and will be by, when she's done. Lexi told me to tell you everything is set up and ready for you."

Today, I have a special date planned. After yesterday, I know Paisley is special. The feelings I had for her growing up are still there, only now they’re amplified and more intense. Holding her yesterday, I knew I couldn't give that up. I want her to be mine, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen.

"Thanks," I say.

"How are you?"

"I'm okay. In a way, it was the push I needed. Having Paisley in my arms yesterday... she’s my one to fight for."

Noah smiles, "Good. When you're ready, you let me know, but Lexi and I would like to have you and Paisley over for dinner. Molly and Allie are welcome."

"Let's see how today goes."

"You’ve got my number, so call if you need anything. I’ll be here, until I know you’re back in your room," Noah says.

I nod, and he heads out. Ever since yesterday, I've been turning over the idea of having Allie with me full-time. I love the idea, especially when I need to leave the room. I just don't like having to depend on someone else to take her outside when needed.

"Hey," Paisley says, and I turn to find her standing at the door with Molly and Allie.

Molly runs over to me, sniffs me, and gives me a look, like she knows I've been hanging out with Allie, but then licks my hand, begging for attention. Allie walks over to my other side and demands attention as well.

Looking back at Paisley, she seems a bit shy and hasn't moved from the doorway. She's in jean shorts with a well-worn t-shirt on. Her long, brown hair is in waves around her shoulders, and it almost hides the marks on her neck. Almost.

"You brought them both," I say.

"Yeah, and good thing today was my scheduled day to bring Molly. I thought about only bringing Allie, but Allie wanted nothing to do with the other guys. She was ready to be here with you," Paisley says.

"That's my girl," I say to Allie, who gives me another lick.

"Ready to head out?" I ask.

"Let's go." I take Allie, and she takes Molly, and we make our way to the lobby. We walk closely to each other, and it’s so close, our shoulders bump.

"Sorry," she says.

"Don't be," I say, taking her hand in mine. It's been so long, since I've held a woman’s hand, or been with a woman for that matter. But I find I'm craving the connection with Paisley.

I lead her to the front door, and she looks at me a bit uncertain.

"If you’re willing to try something new with me, I have something special planned," I say.

"Of course, I am. You set the pace."

I open the door for her, and she steps out onto the front porch of the old, southern plantation home. The massive two-story columns look much bigger up close than they do through my bedroom window.

I close my eyes, as the sunlight warms my skin, and the fresh air fills my lungs. Molly and Allie both sit next to us, looking at me and waiting for my next move.

When I open my eyes to look at Paisley, she’s watching me with a warm look on her face. My heart skips a beat, because I want her to always look at me like that. I take a deep breath and hold my hand out to her.

"You ready?" I ask.

She nods, takes my hand, and turns to head back inside, but I pull her to me.

"Wrong way, sunshine," I grip her hand.

When the nickname slipped out yesterday, it just felt right, and now, I can't stop calling her that. She is my sunshine. For so long, I had no sun at all, then it was a dull light, until she stepped into my room that day with Molly. But yesterday, holding her on the couch? Now, I can feel the warmth of the sunshine, and I don't ever want to let it go.

Taking the first few steps down the front porch stairs with her hand in mine, I have no anxiety from pushing myself.

Paisley’s huge smile encourages me, as we slowly walk towards the garden, where Lexi is standing by the gate. She promised me we'd have it to ourselves this afternoon.

As we near, Lexi's smile is as big as Paisley's, when she opens the gate, and then shuts it behind us.

"Easton?" Paisley says.

"We have the whole garden to ourselves this afternoon," I say. "But come on, I want to sit by the waterfall.”

The waterfall is part of a man-made stream on one side of the garden and is only about four feet high, but it's still the perfect place for our lunch today.

When we near the waterfall, a picnic basket and colorful blanket come in to view, making Paisley gasp.

"You did this?"

"I had a little help from Lexi with the execution, but yes.”

"Oh, Easton," Paisley throws herself at me, wrapping her arms around my neck in a hug. I'm shocked for a fraction of a second, before I wrap my arms around her waist and bury my face in her neck, holding her close.

"You like it?" I ask, running my nose up her neck.

Her whole body shivers. "I love it."

Then she asks, "Can we let the dogs play?"

"Let's do it," I say.

While I set up the food, she works on taking off their vests. As soon as Molly's vest is off, she takes off running after a butterfly, whereas Allie, even though she's off duty, still comes and lies down at my side with her back against my leg.