Chapter Ten
Beck went through the next day with the biggest grin on his face. He and Eve had a picnic lunch with Paisley and he stole a quick kiss goodbye when they returned to the gym and Paisley’s head was turned.
That night Eve cooked dinner for him and then they went on a walk along the Clear Creek River Trail. He loved doing things with her that many of his friends would think were mundane and boring. He wanted more than anything to be fully invited into she and Paisley’s lives. He loved both of them.
Eve had been very cautious before she finally shared with him and then kissed him last night. Each night before she’d said goodbye to him basically on the front porch. Tonight as they returned to her house she said, almost shyly, “Would you like to stay for scriptures and prayers?”
Would he ever? “I’d love to.”
They went inside and he waited while she gave Paisley a bath and then his two girls came back down the stairs. Eve gifted him with her beautiful smile and Paisley ran to him, jumping onto his lap. Her hair was wet from her bath and she had on soft pajamas that said Pretty Princess and had crowns printed all over them. He kissed her forehead, inhaling the sweet scent of baby lotion. “You ready for bed, Princess?”
“No.” She put out her bottom lip. “I want to stay up and watch Cinderella with you. But Mama says no.” She sighed dramatically. “Well not a hard no, a maybe on the weekend no.”
Beck hugged her, grinning. She was so much fun and even more important, Eve was letting him completely into their lives. Forget Papa’s billions of dollars, all he needed was these two. Together he and Eve would find other ways to help children throughout the world. He already did with his charity events and bringing kids in need to hockey games and down onto the ice.
“That sounds like a good plan,” he said.
“Okay.” She pushed out a huffy little breath that made him laugh. “Ifyou read me scripturesandsome Junie B. Jones right now.”
“Not so bossy, little miss,” Eve said.
“Please,” Paisley added.
“I’d love to read to you.” Beck gave Eve a smile and held Paisley as they read a few verses of Luke and explained them to Paisley. Then he read a chapter of her silly Junie B. Jones book. Paisley giggled so often he’d pause in his reading to enjoy her laughter and she’d admonish him, “Keep reading.”
He caught Eve’s tender glance on them as he was reading and lost his place. His mind drifted back to their incredible kisses from last night. Would he receive more tonight? How soon was too soon to beg her to marry him? His need to rush had nothing to do with Papa’s inheritance and everything to do with not wanting to walk away from these two, ever. He belonged here, taking care of and loving both of them.
“Beck?” Paisley’s sweet voice interrupted his musings. “You stopped reading again.”
Beck chuckled and Eve’s sweet laughter joined his.
“I think Beck is getting tired.” Eve winked at him, letting him know that she didn’t believe for one second that he was “tired”, and she knew he simply craved more time alone with her. Since she’d trusted him with her story last night, and he’d told her exactly how impressive she was to him, it was like a flood gate of confidence had rushed through her. She’d always seemed competent and confident, but now she glowed. The trust she placed in him made his own chest jut out a little more.
Abbie had promised to take Paisley one night this weekend when Caleb and Emily had trumped her babysitting offer last night. Abbie claimed she owed him for the season tickets and all the paraphernalia he’d given her husband. Beck didn’t want anybody owing him anything but he was already planning a date that would be fun and private, ensuring Eve was in his arms most of the night. A hike into the gorgeous mountains east of them where a candlelight dinner would be waiting, then dancing in the moonlit trees, and more kissing than he’d ever experienced.
Beck faked a yawn. Paisley looked disappointed but she perked up when Eve said, “Maybe Beck can carry you up to bed and sing to you.”
“Okay!”
Beck stood, swooping Paisley into the air. She giggled and clung to his neck. He waited for Eve to walk in front of them then easily carried Paisley up the stairs, tucked her into bed, and then knelt next to Eve at Paisley’s bedside. Their shoulders brushed, and even though he was on his knees, he felt like the king of the rink.
“Would you pray?” Eve asked.
“I would love to.” Beck said a short but heartfelt prayer of gratitude for this blessed day, for Paisley, and for Eve, asking a blessing on them and their home.
When he finished, he and Eve stood together.
“Stories of Jesus,” Paisley requested.
Beck looked to Eve for help. “I don’t know that one.”
Paisley stared at him as if he had two heads. “What onedoyou know?”
Beck thought of songs his mom used to sing and grinned. He started to sing in a deep tone, “Oh you can’t go to heaven in a limousine, cause the Lord don’t sell no gasoline.”
Paisley giggled and he continued with the song, the verses out of order but Eve and Paisley’s smiles said they didn’t care. He got choked up a little bit as he sang, “If you get there before I do, tell my friend I’m coming too.” It always made him think of his parents and grandma, especially as his mom had loved this song. Eve’s eyes got bright as if she knew exactly what he was feeling. He didn’t think she’d lost anyone close to her but she was so compassionate and understanding. He finished with belting out, “I ain’t gonna grieve the Lord no more.” He thought if he could have Eve and Paisley in his life he’d walk the straight line to heaven without a bit of grief for the good Lord, only praises of gratitude for allowing him the gift of being with these two.
“Kisses,” Paisley prompted when he finished.