Page 55 of Safe With You

Katie thought about her current selection of clothing. She had one elegant red dress she’d bought to wear to a wedding she’d attended with Drew, but that wouldn’t fit the vibe of this one. “I’ll have to go shopping. I don’t have a wardrobe particularly catered to special occasions.”

Ethan finished with the inside lock and grabbed the second one. “We could go down to Wausau. They have Target, Kohl’s, and various other stores. And a TJ Maxx, of course. Megan practically lives there and Hobby Lobby.”

Katie followed him into the porch, where he prepared to put the lock on the red screen door. “I’d probably go to a thrift shop.”

“Of course, what was I thinking? You’re going to make something for yourself.”

“Naturally.”

“Well, there are also a couple of thrift shops.”

“Perfect, but you don’t have to take me. I can check the shop here in town first, and if they don’t have anything, I can find my way around Wausau with my phone. I’m sure the last thing you want to do is stand around while I look through dresses.”

But Ethan wasn’t dissuaded by the prospect. “Ah, it’ll be fun. We’ll make a day of it. I’ve been craving a Red Robin burger anyway.”

Katie couldn’t argue with that. “When were you thinking?”

“I don’t have plans tomorrow. Are you free in the morning?”

“I’m pretty much always free these days. It’s been really nice.”

“How about I pick you up around nine?”

“That will work.”

Getting out and doing something would help dispel the remnants of paranoia left by Grant. She had a feeling Ethan thought the same thing.

After installing the locks, Ethan took his leave despite an internal desire to linger. Katie surely had work to do, and he had plenty of projects waiting for him in the shop. He should try to get a lot done today since they’d be gone most of the day tomorrow.

On his way past the house, he found Mom weeding one of her flower gardens. She looked up at him.

“Over at Katie’s?”

“Yeah, I went over there quick to put locks on her screen doors.”

“Good idea. How is she this morning?”

“A little jumpy but handling it well, I think.” Bending down to pet Rosie, who rolled over for a belly rub, he reflected on their conversation and plans. “I invited her to Abby’s wedding. We’re going to Wausau tomorrow so she can find something to make an outfit for herself.”

“Oh good, I was hoping she’d say yes.” Mom paused, giving him a long look. “Just so you know, I think you and Katie belong together.”

Ethan heaved a sigh. “You and Becca have been talking, haven’t you?”

“I’m your mother. I’m not blind. I don’t need her to tell me what’s going on.”

“Well, that’s the thing. Nothing is going on.”

“Mm.” Clearly, she wasn’t convinced.

“Really, Mom. She’s in a relationship. I’m not going to be the guy who gets between them. I’m her friend. That’s how it’s always been, and I’m content with that.”

A shadow of concern overtook her expression. Ethan had seen it often over the last several months, though typically directed at Becca. The last thing she needed was to be fretting about him too.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll be fine.”

“I always worry.”

“I know. Just pray about it.”

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