17. Easton
Chapter 17
Easton
Last night, I took Taylor on our first official date. It was perfect in every way. She was stunning in her form fitting dress and heels. Her makeup was done to highlight her beautiful blue eyes and her hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders.
I was frozen in my place when I first laid eyes on her. I never thought I’d actually get to take her on a date and now I get all of her.
This morning, Taylor’s mom called and invited us to come for dinner. They don’t know we’re together, but I think it’s better if they find out before my parents do. There will be less emotions with them and we can see how it goes.
At the end of the day, Mr. and Mrs. Gaines are going to focus on their daughter’s needs and wishes. They’ll want her to be happy and they won’t care about much else .
My parents? I'm not sure how they’ll respond, but it doesn’t matter to me. Taylor’s the woman I want to be with and they’ll have to accept that.
“Are you ready?” Taylor asks from the passenger’s seat of my SUV. She glances nervously at her childhood home and lets out a long sigh.
“Yes. It’ll be fine, baby. They love you and they want you to be happy.”
I climb out of the SUV, knowing she isn't going to make the first move. That’s ok. I can help her until she realizes it’s all going to be ok.
Rounding the car, I open Taylor’s door and hold my hand out to her. She takes it, offering me a soft smile. I swear I could die a happy man if I get this smile aimed at me for the rest of my life.
As soon as we’re headed towards the door, it swings open and Mr. Gaines is standing on the other side. His attention is immediately drawn to our interlaced fingers and a huge smile spreads across his features.
“There’s my girl! Easton, it’s good to see you, son.”
He wraps Taylor in a big bear hug before shaking my hand. He’s always been kind to me. The type of man who cares more about his family and how they’re treated than how you view him. I’ve always respected that.
Taylor moves further into the house, leaving me to talk to her dad. I don’t mind one bit. I could talk to him for hours. Did Jack ever talk to him? I can’t imagine they’d have much to talk about. They’re such different people.
“It’s good to see you too, sir. How’s that Chevy treating you?”
Mr. Gaines rebuilt a 1957 Chevy Bel Air when I was a kid. I used to sneak into his garage when he was working and beg him to let me watch. He’d just smile and tell me to grab him a tool. That man taught me almost everything I know about cars. I lived for those days, it didn’t hurt that Taylor was normally there too.
“She’s still going strong. Though, I need to fix the thermometer. It keeps saying she’s running too hot, but I don’t believe it.”
I chuckle and pat him on the back as we follow where Taylor disappeared. Mr. Gaines has been claiming the Bel Air was fine for years, even though it’s always run hot. He’ll never believe it though.
“How is she?” He asks softly.
“She’s doing better. I think she’s going to be just fine.”
“I'm sure I have you to thank for that.” He glances at me out of the corner of his eye.
“I hope so, but I'm not sure.” I frown to myself. I'm not sure if I'm helping her, or if the knowledge that Jack wasn’t the man she thought he was. Either way, I don’t know if it matters. She’s doing infinitely better than she was two weeks ago.
“You two are dating?” Mr. Gaines stops outside of the kitchen and stares me down. I swallow hard and nod my head.
“We are. ”
“Good. I always thought the two of you were perfect for each other. To be honest, I never understood what she saw in Jack. He was never what she wanted, but I saw the way she stared at you. She’s always loved you more than him. I'm glad she’s finally getting the life she’s always wanted.”
“Is it weird for me to date Taylor?” I finally voice the question Taylor keeps asking and I keep saying it’s fine. But what if it’s not? What if I'm just telling us both it is because that’s what I want?
“Nah, it’s not weird. If life has taught me anything, you should make sure you’re happy because you won't be here forever. We each have a limited number of days on this earth so we should spend it with the people we love the most.” He pats me on the shoulder. “Plus, Jack was a little punk and he never loved Taylor. Not like you do.”
“Thank you, Sir,” I say softly. I don’t think I realized how much I needed someone else to say that. “I appreciate your support.”
“You have both of our support. I’ve always enjoyed having you around. Some of my favorite memories were spent with you and Taylor in the garage, tinkering with that old car.”
“Mine too.” I drop my gaze to the ground as a slow grin spreads across my face.
“Gerald, can you open this jar for me?” Mrs. Gaines calls from the kitchen. We follow her voice and I smile when I find my girl sitting at the island just like dozens of other times I’ve found her in the same position .
“How are you doing?” I ask softly as I come up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist.
“I’m good. Really good.” She places her hands over mine and lets out a little happy sigh.
“You two are so adorable together.” Mrs. Gaines places her hand over her heart and watches us carefully. “I always hoped you’d end up together.”
“Mom,” Taylor sighs.
“No, I'm serious, Taylor! You and Easton were always perfect for each other. You were content with Jack, but you were never happy. Not really. I truly believe you’ll be happy with Easton.”
I smile at Mrs. Gaines. I know she can be a little opinionated and overwhelming to deal with at times, but I appreciate her kind words. I have a feeling my family won't be as welcoming.
“I’ll do whatever I have to, to make sure she’s happy.” I press a soft kiss to the top of her head before turning back to Mrs. Gaines. “Now, what can I help with?”