Page 49 of Easton

“It is,” she agrees. “But if anyone can do it, we can.”

I chuckle. “I think so too. We have so got this.”

“And you know why, right?” she asks.

Curious, I raise a brow. “Why’s that?”

Holding up her glass as if to make a toast, she states matter-of-factly, “Because we make a great team, Easton. I know we seem to say that a lot, but it’s so damn true. We always did make a good pair, and we always will.”

Hell, I’ll toast to us any day.

Smiling and tapping my glass to hers, I say, “You got that right, babe. Every last word of it.”

Yesterday was all about relaxation and fun. After Easton made that awesome breakfast, we hung out all day. We watched a movie on TV, took a walk around the area, and even spent some time sitting at the table by Stan.

But today is serious—we’re at the children’s hospital.

I’m wearing a simple gray sweater dress and tall boots, and Easton has on jeans and a Bears jersey with his number—14.

After we meet with hospital officials, where I hand over a big-ass check, we get to go see some of the kids.

And wow, the children we visit with, despite all the adversity and challenges in their lives, are truly a joy and an inspiration. They put into perspective what is really important in life.

To keep things light, though, we pass out lots of Bears merchandise, including the signed items Shane donated. Easton also autographs a bunch of jerseys and ball caps in person.

The kids love that. They ask him questions about hockey and what it’s like to play on a professional team. Easton totally gets into it.

Damn, he is so good with kids.

My heart is warmed.

But isn’t it always with him?

That man.

I can’t help but smile.

Before we walk into the next room, he catches me grinningand asks, “What’s up?”

I shake my head. “You’re just amazing, that’s all.”

He laughs, then tells me, “Well, I think you’re pretty awesome, too, Claire.”

Our eyes meet, and we’re about to have another one of those moments that keep popping up more and more.

But then the nurse taking us around breaks the spell when she says, “Before we go into Lydia’s room, I have to warn you, she’s a very prescient child. She sees things in people that most don’t. Or can’t. Good or bad, she’s not afraid to tell you. She’s what we call around here ‘brutally honest.’”

I tease, “Okay, I’m a little nervous now, but I’m sure we’ll be just fine.”

“Oh, you will be,” she assures us. “She’s truly a doll.”

We then go into the room.

Lydia is small and frail, but she greets us happily and with a big smile. “You’re both so pretty,” she says to me and Easton.

That makes him laugh.

Looks like she does just say what’s on her mind. But so far, she’s not too brutal.

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