Page 59 of Safe With You

“Probably some of those heavy-duty plastic ones. I’ll have to measure and see how many I can fit.”

He scrutinized the space more closely for a moment before turning to her. “Otherwise, I could build some. That way, I can make them exactly how you want and fit them to the wall. You’d get a lot more usable space that way.”

She hesitated. He always did so much for her, and she could practically feel Drew’s displeasure from two hundred miles away. “I’m sure you have much better things to do with your time.”

“It wouldn’t take that long. Shelves are easy, and it would save you money.”

Katie mulled it over. Customized shelveswouldbe nice. She needed all the storage space she could get. “All right, but only if it doesn’t take away from your projects. I know you need to work on your inventory for that big craft show next month.”

“I’ll work on them on the side. I’ll have plenty of time for everything else.” He glanced toward the open closet door where she’d hung all her completed items. “Speaking of the craft show, are you going to set up?”

“I wasn’t sure when Megan first mentioned it, but that’s the plan. I don’t think I’ll have a lot, but she said I can share a space with her and test the waters.”

“Your stuff will be a big hit. I know it will.”

Katie smiled despite her mood. His belief in her and her success was the exact opposite of Drew’s skepticism. “Thanks, that means a lot.”

Again, his brow furrowed. She should be more careful about the emotion she allowed to seep into her voice. He regarded her for a moment before studying the wall again.

“I’ll come back later and take measurements. In the meantime, maybe you can decide whether you want open shelves or cubbies.”

She nodded. “Good idea. I’ll do that.”

He turned as if to go but paused. “By the way, Mrs. Anders won’t be able to do youth group on Wednesday night. Would you like to be my assistant this week? I can find someone else if not.”

Katie’s smile came more easily than before. The thought of teaching youth group with him sounded fun. She’d always been curious about what he was like as a teacher. “I’d love to.”

Chapter Twenty-six

Ethan got in his truck and drove over to Katie’s to pick her up for church. When he’d gone over to measure for shelves two nights ago, something still seemed to weigh on her mind. He’d debated asking her about it again but didn’t want to overstep and stick his nose into her private business. She would have said something if she’d wanted to talk about it. Tonight, however, her smile was free of whatever bothered her.

“Ready for this?”

She finished buckling her seatbelt and looked over at him. “I think so. I’ll be honest, besides your nieces and nephews, I have little experience with kids, especially teenagers.”

Ethan turned the truck around to pull out of the driveway. “You’ll do fine. All you have to do is give stern looks to anyone who isn’t paying attention.”

Katie’s laugh filled the cab. “I’m not sure my stern look is all that intimidating. Especially since I bet I’m shorter than half your class.”

He chuckled. She was probably right. She’d just look adorable. He shook the thought away.

“So, you’ll never guess what I found while going through one of the cabinets in the living room today.” Her voice rang happily.

“What did you find?”

“Grandma’s old VHS movies, includingThe Rescuers.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. It still has its old plastic case.”

He hadn’t seen one of those in ages and wondered what Mom had done with all of theirs since switching to DVDs. “I bet that was a blast from the past. I keep forgetting to ask Joel if the kids have watched it.”

They talked about old movies the rest of the way to church. When they arrived, he got out and pulled his guitar from behind the seat before meeting Katie at the front of the truck.

“So you play your guitar for the kids?” she asked as they crossed the parking lot.

“Of course. Music soothes the savage beast.”

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