Page 82 of Safe With You

Overwhelmed by her reciprocated declaration, Ethan drew her in for another kiss. She fit so right in his arms, and kissing her was everything he’d dreamed of. It was hard to stop, but a quiet voice of wisdom warned him to be careful. After how long he’d waited, he wanted to do this right.

He pulled back and studied her soft expression and flushed cheeks. He loved her so much it hurt, and there weren’t enough words to tell her that. But, somehow, he would try over the next days and weeks and, hopefully, months and years.

With a comfortable sigh, he glanced toward the house. Most of the lights were off, and Mom had likely gone to bed. Becca was probably still up, but she might not be for much longer. It was strange that she hadn’t rejoined them, but maybe she’d had ulterior motives. He’d have to thank her for that.

“I guess it’s getting late, isn’t it?”

Katie blinked as if just now returning to reality. “Yeah, I suppose I should go home.”

Ethan nodded. They had plenty of time to explore and develop this shift in their relationship. It was probably best to call it a night and pick things up in the morning. “I’ll help you carry your gifts.”

He picked up Megan’s box of candles and the sign he had made while she grabbed the rest. Together, they walked along the darkened path toward the cottage.

“Have you really wanted to kiss me all these years?”

Though he could barely see her face since the trees blocked out most of the moonlight, Ethan heard a grin in her voice. He smiled too, his mind jumping to the past. “Yes. I thought about it so many times in the year before you left, but I was always too scared to make a move. That and I figured my parents and your grandma wouldn’t approve.”

“I suppose not. We were pretty young.”

“Just kids. But the way I felt about you has never changed.”

He caught the glint of her eyes as she looked up at him, and he could tell a smile remained.

At the cottage, she opened the door, and they set her gifts on the kitchen counter. Then she turned to him.

“Thank you for today and the gifts. It was a birthday I’ll never forget.”

“I’m glad.” He was so tempted to kiss her again, but he resisted and backed out the door. “Goodnight.”

She echoed him softly, and he headed home, excitement and awe thrumming in his chest. He looked up at what stars he could see through the trees, searching for a way to express his gratitude to God. Like telling Katie how much he loved her, there weren’t adequate words. He knew life had profoundly changed tonight, filling him with anticipation for what lay ahead.

Back at the house, he hosed down the remaining flames in the fire pit and let himself inside. He expected to find Becca watching TV, but she and Mom sat in the living room talking over mugs of coffee. They paused when he walked in, and he gestured over his shoulder.

“I walked Katie home and put the fire out. I just wanted to let you know before I turn in.”

“All right, thank you.” Though it was all she said, Mom peered at him expectantly.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Oh, I just thought you had something more to say with how you’re smiling.”

Ethan frowned, though even then, his lips betrayed him. “Smiling? What do you mean? A guy can’t just smile?”

She gave him a look. “Ethan, that’s the smile you get when you’re either hiding something or trying to keep a secret.”

He bowed his head, the smile breaking out full force regardless of how he’d tried to hide it. It was impossible to contain after how tonight had gone, especially in front of Mom. While he’d intended to wait until morning to tell everyone, he had no choice now. “If you must know, Katie and I had a conversation at the fire, and we realized our feelings were aligned all along.”

Now it was Mom’s turn to grin, her face lighting up with joy. “It’s about time.”

“I knew it!” Becca turned to her. “Didn’t I tell you it would be a misunderstanding?”

Ethan shook his head at them. “You two have been talking behind my back about this all along, haven’t you?”

Mom shrugged. “Merely discussing your predicament and how we might assist, but as always, God had it all worked out.”

Ethan laughed quietly. Yes, He did.

Chapter Thirty-six

---