Page 29 of Safe With You

He caught his mom flash him a look—something hinting at a smile—that he wasn’t exactly sure how he should interpret. Before he could decide, Dad motioned to the door.

“Do you need help loading the benches?”

“Yeah, that’s what I came in to ask. Thanks.”

Letting Mom keep whatever thoughts she had, he and Dad headed out to the shop. Ethan lowered the tailgate on the way inside to the corner where he kept his completed creations. Besides the two benches, he had several wall shelves, two cupboards, a rocking chair, and a few other smaller items waiting for new homes. If Rob or another shop didn’t decide to take them, he hoped to sell them at various craft shows this summer.

They carried one bench out and had just gone back for the second when Katie walked in behind them.

“So this is your workshop?” Despite the late night, her eyes shone bright this morning, and there was no sign of the tears he’d seen when she opened the door to him and Becca.

She peered at the workbenches and equipment he had set up. Most of it technically belonged to Dad, but he was working on building his collection.

“For now. Ideally, I want to build my own shop at some point. It depends on where I am in a few years. Until then, I’m thankful Dad lets me use everything.”

Dad clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re welcome to it as long as you want. I enjoy tinkering on projects, but you’re the one putting it to good use.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

They carried the second bench out, and then Ethan and Katie climbed into the truck. As they pulled onto the road and headed toward town, she shifted in her seat to look at him.

“Thanks for coming over last night. I really needed that.”

Ethan fiddled with the volume on the radio so it wouldn’t interrupt the conversation and sent her a smile. “I had a feeling. I wasn’t sure if you would want the intrusion, but Becca thought it was a good idea.”

“I’ll always be happy with such intrusions, especially when they involve snacks and laughter.”

“I’ll remember that.”

She stared out her window for a moment before turning to him again. “So, after you and Becca left, I let the cat in.”

“Did you?” Honestly, that didn’t surprise him. The two had taken an instant liking to each other.

“Yeah, I think I need a pet. Grandma always had a cat while I was growing up.”

“I remember. Her name was Lily, right?” The big gray long-hair had been just about as sweet as the orange tabby. He remembered the day he and Joel helped Grandma Ruby bury the cat. The loss had come only a couple of years after Katie left. He’d felt so bad for Ruby and angry she would be alone. A companion would be good for Katie.

“Yes. I don’t know why I never got one before now. I guess it just felt hard, but this seems right. And if he’s going to end up at the shelter, I might as well be the one to give him a good home so he won’t have to sit there for who knows how long.”

“I think Grandma Ruby would support that decision.”

“I’ll have to pick up food and litter. I found some of Grandma’s cat stuff in the garage I can use, including a cat tree that’s still in decent shape. Would you mind helping me carry it in when we get back?”

“Not at all.”

She reached into her purse, glancing briefly at her phone. “I called the vet already to get him checked out and make sure he doesn’t have a microchip.”

“The vet in town?”

“Yes.”

“When is that?”

“Next Wednesday.”

That meant she planned to stay for at least another week. Hopefully, his words to his mom would prove true.

“Is there still a thrift store in town?”

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