“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.
“Yeah, we just pulled in.”
“Okay, are you in the players’ lot with the pass I gave you?”
“We are.”
“Perfect, go to the side door. There will be a security guard there. I’m on my way to get you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“Baby, I’m on my way,” he says, ending the call.
“Was that East, Mommy?” Paisley asks.
“Sure was. He’s going to meet us at the door.”
Paisley cheers and unbuckles her booster seat. After gathering my purse, which holds a few toys for Miss P, and making sure I have my cell and my keys, I lock up my car and we head to the door. East is there waiting on us.
“There’re my girls,” he says, giving me a quick kiss, then lifting Paisley in his arms and kissing her on the cheek as well.
“You found us,” Paisley says happily.
“Of course I did. You ready to watch me play?”
“Yes, and my other friends too. Did you tell them I was here?” she asks, speaking of the other players we’ve met.
“I didn’t, but I will.” She nods like she’s happy with that answer. “I have your tickets,” he tells me. “You’re going to be sitting with Carol. She’s Mark’s wife. He’s our pitcher. She’s super nice and prefers to sit in the stands where the action is.”
“Thank you. I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
“I’ll walk you to where you need to be. Then I need to get back.” He leans in and kisses my cheek. “You look good with my number on your back.”
I blush. “East, it’s fine. You don’t want to deal with the fans. I can manage to find our seats on my own.” I ignore his comment—not much we can do about it in a crowded stadium.
“You sure?” he asks, sliding his hand around the back of my neck and pulling me in for a kiss, causing Paisley, who is still in his arms, to giggle.
“Good luck today.” I kiss him one more time. This time just a quick peck on the lips.
“Good luck,” Paisley says, kissing his cheek.
“My girls are here; it’s going to be a good game.” He sets P back on her feet and guides us into the building. “This is where we part ways. Call me if you need anything.”