Saving Easton (Oakside Military Heroes Book 2)(45)

"I hope you don't mind eating more casually,” Lexi says. “When the sun starts to set, the weather is just so nice, and it would be a shame to eat inside."

"This is fine." I agree.

"Easton, would you help me carry the food in?" Noah says.

I follow him into a white farmhouse style kitchen with pops of color that scream Lexi.

"You’re doing okay?"

"Yeah, this is a lot easier than I thought it would be.”

"Okay, good. This is the only time I’ll ask. But if you want to leave for any reason, at any time, no hard feelings. I'm just glad you’re here."

"Thanks." We load up the two trays with meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits, and corn.

"Got enough to feed an army." Paisley jokes, as we walk back in.

"Not the Army, the Marines," I say, and everyone laughs.

We all take a moment and dig into our food, which is delicious.

"Wish you would serve this over there," I say.

Lexi laughs. "We have to follow certain health restrictions, but we’re looking at bringing in a real chef with a great culinary background. He won't be here for another month yet."

"The guys will appreciate it," I say.

"Any more on the barn?" Paisley asks.

"Yeah, we got a few guys out to give us a quote, and a detailed list of what needs to be done. My dad and brother can only do so much, and barns aren't their thing. Once it's fixed up, we want to bring in horses and an equine therapist. It will be good for the guys."

"How’s the fundraising going?" I ask.

"Well, Ellie and Owen are organizing a fundraiser with their friends next month. Owen made a pledge to match whatever is donated at the event, plus he's even covering the out-of-pocket costs.”

"Who are Ellie and Owen?" I ask.

"They live in Knoxville. Noah and I met them at a fundraiser we had there a few months back. Owen is this big CEO tycoon, and he's a billionaire. You'd never know it from looking at him. Ellie is his wife, and they just got married not too long ago. I had no idea who they were, when we were talking, but Ellie and I bonded. Her best friend, Mia, is coming down and staying with us for the summer to volunteer."

The rest of the dinner flies by with talk of plans for the barn and different fundraisers they have coming up. Lexi talks about her brother speaking at a few and Noah, too. Lexi gives me a look, like she can't wait for me to be ready to talk. Maybe someday, but I don't see it happening any time soon.

On the walk back to Oakside, Paisley is all smiles.

"You did really well tonight."

"It's because I had you.”

"Well,” Paisley says. “How do you feel about pushing some more boundaries?"

"What did you have in mind?"

"Getting out of here and heading to my place. You've been there before. It was my grandparents’ place. They left it to me."

"How did Leeland take that?"

"The note in the will specifically said they didn't want it turned into a frat party house, so they were leaving it to me."

I laugh at that one.

"Let's give it a try, but I can't promise anything.”

"The moment you want to come back, we drop everything and come back here."

I nod. "Okay, what the hell.”





Chapter 29





Chapter 29





I was up at the crack of dawn today with one thought on my mind.

Easton's coming over today.

I spent last night cleaning up. Not that the place needed it. Though, I keep it relatively clean, except for the dogs pull their toys out, and they shed everywhere. I washed the sheets on my bed, because let’s be honest, that's where I really hope this is going. He's been teasing me a lot more recently, and I think I'm going to lose my mind, if he keeps it up.

I decided to make my momma’s spaghetti, because it was Easton's favorite when we were growing up. Last night, I made the meatballs, which just have to be cooked, and I plan to make garlic bread with the dinner.

Convinced dinner is set, I check and see it's ten a.m., and I told him I'd be there around eleven. I do another sweep of the house and check my outfit, hair, and makeup, and then get Molly and head to Oakside. I drive slowly and take my time.

When I finally get there, I stop by Lexi's office first.

"Hey, so what do I need to do to take Easton out for the day?" I ask, already knowing I just have to sign him out at the front desk.

Lexi's eyes go wide.

"Really?"

"Yeah, he did really good going to your house, so we decided to try out coming to my place. Since he’s been there before growing up, it's someplace he knows. It might work, it might not, but we won't know, until we try."

"Well, he signs out at the front desk. Noah and I will go there now." She says, beaming at me.

I head to Easton's room and find him standing by the window with his hands in his pockets. He's wearing dark jeans and a nice button down shirt.

"Don't you look sexy. Hot date?" He turns to me, smiling.

"Yeah, hoping it goes well, but she's a little pushy, so who knows."