We drove to the same spot as last time and sat under the willow. Martha laid down next to me and rested her head in my lap, giving the less-than-subtle hint she wanted me to pet her. I gazed at Paul and once again my thoughts erupted. Look at him. He's such a sweetheart! Just tell him you love him! 

No!

Yes!

No!

He laid his hand on mine. I took it and sat back against the tree, closing my eyes and relaxing. All was right in the world. My ribs didn't even hurt anymore, and I wasn't afraid of Jake. As long as Paul's beside me, we can get through anything.

~~~

Later, we snacked on the crackers and cheese we brought, washing them down with apple cider. Listening to the leaves rustling in the trees, I snapped a few photos of the foliage around us.

Paul fell asleep, but his eyes were open. I thought that was a bit odd. I quietly took a picture of him sleeping for myself.

The sun dipped toward the horizon, I could see through the trees. I gently shook Paul awake. "What is it, Love?" he mumbled, half-asleep.

"It's getting late,"

He yawned and stretched before sitting up. He wrapped his warm arm around my waist and I laid my own on his shoulder. He gently pulled me up and we headed to the van. Martha jumped into the back and laid down.

~~~

We followed the same highway and Paul helped me up the front steps to the house. We were all three very hungry and tired when we got home that we just had the alfredo leftovers and stayed on the couch.

"Linda,"

"Yes?"

"What's your last name? Your maiden name, I mean." He asked. 

"Eastman. Linda Louise Eastman," I told him. Have I really not told him my name? I wondered. 

"That's a beautiful name," 

"Thank you," I blushed. "What's yours?"

"Actually, my first name is James, but Paul is my middle name. James Paul McCartney"

"That's a lovely name," The word "Name" was starting to sound like a fake word.

"My dad's name is James, too"

"My mum's name was Louise, but she died awhile back." I didn't mean to dampen the mood of the conversation, it just came out.

"My mum died too," He looked down at his hands. I gathered he knew her well by the way he looked away. I laid my hand on his forearm, earning a sad smile from him. He sighed heavily. "I miss her,"