“I know, sweet girl. I’ll miss you too. Sometimes adults have to do things they don’t want to. If I could stay home with you and your mom, I would, but this is my job and I have to go.”
“Don’t worry, East.” She places her tiny hands on each of my cheeks. “Mommy can cord the game and I can see you. I’ll still love you if you miss my party.”
I kiss her nose and hug her tightly. “I love you, Paisley Gray. You are a special little girl.”
She nods. “That’s what Mommy says too.”
I look up at Larissa, and she’s shaking with silent laughter as unshed tears glimmer in her eyes. “Right, so I have some gifts for the birthday girl.”
She wiggles in my lap, barely able to contain her excitement. “Can I open them?”
“You sure can. But you have to open the box first,” I tell her, helping her off my lap. She rushes to the swing and tears into the box. Her shriek rings out causing me to wince. The neighbors are probably wondering what the hell is going on over here.
“East! I love her so, so much, and she looks just like me.”
“She does. Do you want to know what her name is?” I ask. She nods. “Her name is Maisley.” I wink.
“Just like the story!” She cheers and drags the box from the swing over to me. “Can you help me?”
“I can, but before we get her out, why don’t you open the rest of your presents?” She rushes back to the swing and tears into the bags. Between the two bags, there are eight outfits, four for her and four for her American Girl doll so they can match. I went a little crazy.
“Mommy, look!” She holds up each outfit. “Me and Maisley can match.
“I see. Can you tell Easton, thank you?”
She drops the clothes on the porch and rushes to me. Her arms wrap around my neck and she squeezes with what I imagine is all her might. “Thank you so, so much, East. You’re my bestest friend.”
“You’re welcome, princess. I have one more for you. You ready for it?”
“I don’t see any more,” she says, looking around.
“That’s because it’s still in my truck. Come here.” I hoist her up in my arms and hold my hand out for Larissa. When we get to the back of my truck, Paisley’s eyes grow wide.
“What is it?” she whispers.
“I don’t know. You’re going to have to unwrap it and find out.” Pulling down the tailgate, I lift her into the back of the truck and tell her to have at it. I pull Larissa into me and wrap my arms around her.
“You went overboard,” she says, resting her head and her hands on my chest.
“Nah, just wanted it to be special for her.”
“A doll’s house!” Paisley shrieks. “I wanted one so, so bad, oh thank you.” She jumps up and down, causing the truck to shake.
“Careful, P,” Larissa calls out. “How did you know?” she asks me.
“I didn’t. I just remember seeing her room, and that she didn’t have one. When I went to the store and asked for a good gift for a five-year-old girl, the clerk was helpful saying she always wanted a doll’s house when she was that age, but they were too expensive. I had her show them to me, and once I saw it, I knew it was perfect.”
“Thank you, Easton.”
“Anything for my girls.” I kiss her temple.
“All right, P, let’s get your doll and clothes in the house.” She turns to me. “You need help with this?”
“Nope, I got it. I’ll be right in.” After we get everything packed inside and the paper thrown away, Larissa and I curl up on the couch while Paisley plays with her doll’s house in the corner of the living room. She insisted we leave it there. She was too excited to wait to make a spot for it in her room. It was the perfect day with my girls. One I hope we can repeat as often as possible.
It took me over an hour to convince Easton that I could drive to the stadium on my own. He wanted Paisley and me to ride with him. However, keeping my five-year-old daughter occupied for that length of time is a challenge at best. He eventually relented, as long as I promised to call him as soon as we got here. Which is what has me reaching for my phone as soon as we’re parked.
“You here?” he answers.