5 Reasons To Love Again

Chapter 19

As I headed downstairs with Lexine, I couldn't help feeling giddy. I haven't had a day out for fun in years. The occasion called for a little lipstick and mascara. Lexine and I were both in jeans, pink shirts and a white cardigan. 

Wyatt was waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs tapping away at his phone. We were about halfway down when he looked up and saw us.

"The two of you are matching! That's so cute." 

"You look nice too. I like that color on you." Wyatt was wearing a dark green sweater that complimented his hazel eyes. 

"So, now that we all look great, I think that we are ready to go!"

Wyatt locked the door and we headed to the garage area. I wasn't sure what car we were talking but he led us to the same SUV that Jake had used yesterday to take us to the store. 

"I figured since the car seat was already in here we could take this car." 

"It's a nice car. Very comfortable. So...where are we going?" I couldn't keep the eagerness out of my voice.

"What have you seen of Charleston so far?"

"Nothing really. I just kind of drove through at night on the freeway and ended up in Summerville where I met Brady and Jake."

"Great! Then we have a lot to explore. Let's see... what should we do? I know! We are going to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens."

"That sounds like fun." I said to him. 

The car ride there was nice with Wyatt telling me all about different places in Charleston. When we got there and parked, Wyatt came around the car to open my door and help me out before getting Lexine out of her car seat. He picked her up and held her with one arm and grabbed my hand with his free one. 

"Can't risk losing you in a crowd." He said smiling at me. 

"There's not a big crowd here." I told him. 

"Just go with it ok? It's an excuse to hold a pretty lady's hand!"

I had to laugh at him. Wyatt paid for our admission tickets and then we went into the gardens. We decided to walk around the gardens first to see all the flora and fauna native to this area. It was so beautiful! I fell in love with the camellias. Lexine went running around smelling all the different flowers. 

"What is your favorite flower?" Wyatt asked me.

"I really like white roses but I do have a weakness for any white flower."

"Good to know. I might need to bribe you sometime."

"Why would you need to bribe me?"

"Who knows? Maybe I'll say something stupid to make you mad."

"I doubt it. Besides, I don't get mad very often."

"I believe that! You are just too sweet." he looked at his watch. "Almost time for the nature train tour. Let's go to the depot!" 

Again he picked Lexine up and grabbed my hand. I could get used to this, I thought to myself. Rick was never really big on affectionate gestures and after a while I stopped trying and gave up. My hand felt small in his warm grip and I liked the way it felt. 

The Nature train arrived at the depot just a few minutes after we got there. It was more like a big tram which meant a smoother ride.  I got in first followed by Lexine and then Wyatt. Lexine climbed onto Wyatt's lap and I scooted a little closer to Wyatt. He reached out and pulled me closer until my thigh was pressed up against his.