Page 34 of Safe With You

Adam laughed, ruffling his hand through his hair so it was no longer matted from his helmet. “Kelly said the same thing.”

Ethan could imagine Adam’s twin sister teasing him and lamenting that she just turned into a tomato when she spent time in the sun.

“So, what kind of crazy stuff did you get up to this time?”

Adam always had a tale to tell whenever he returned from one of his trips. Ethan listened intently as he launched into the latest one, talking all about the new people he’d met. He’d always been the outgoing type. Even as a kid, he’d been comfortable approaching complete strangers to share the Gospel. While Ethan used every opportunity he could to share, Adam had a certain charisma that made him far more effective, a quality that served him well on the mission field.

“Sounds like a great time and many souls saved,” Ethan said when he finished.

“As glad as I am to be home, I’ll definitely miss it.”

“I think I would too.” Ethan’s gaze shifted to the motorcycle. “I see the old bike still runs like a champ.”

It was no Harley, but Ethan had to admit he’d been more than a little jealous when Adam had bought it. He’d been fresh out of high school and looking to get his own, but Mom had told him in no uncertain terms that he wouldn’t be riding a motorcycle anywhere as long as he lived under her roof. Though he’d had a poor attitude about it then, he didn’t blame her now. Having worked in an emergency room, she’d seen the horrific aftermath of motorcycle accidents, and he’d been anything but responsible enough for one back then.

Adam ran his hand over the handlebar. “She does. But I think it’s finally time to part with her.”

“No. That bike’s your baby.”

“I know, but the Jeep needs work, and I just don’t ride enough anymore. I could also use a bit of cash until I start working again. Besides, I think it would make my mom happy.”

Ethan chuckled. “Yeah, I know how that is. So, does this mean you’re looking to work with Joel again?” He’d enjoyed the times he and Adam had worked together when he was home. It was one thing he’d miss now that he was self-employed.

“I’d like to. I plan to call him tonight and see if he’s got an open spot for me.”

“He should have. Work always picks up this time of year.”

“I’m hoping to make it a permanent position rather than seasonal. It’s time I found my own place and got out of Mom and Dad’s hair.”

This was certainly news, considering Adam hadn’t been home for more than a couple of months at a time since high school. “I’m sure Joel can find a way to keep you on full-time if you think you have what it takes to fill my spot.”

Adam laughed and flexed one of his arms, his bicep bulging. “That shouldn’t be too hard.”

Ethan smacked his shoulder. “Show off.” Adam might be able to bench press a bit more than he could, but Ethan had always been able to beat him in a sprint.

Still chuckling, Adam looked around the yard and then at the house before focusing on Ethan again. “So, how is Becca?”

The question seemed casual—just a family friend concerned about her well-being—but Ethan suspected his friend still carried a torch for her. The two of them had often hung out during their senior year of high school, though they’d never called it dating. Ethan never understood why. After graduation, Adam had headed off on his first mission trip, and Becca had gone to Duluth. There’d been very little contact between them since.

“Better. She got a job at the hospital a little over a month ago, and I think it’s been really good for her to be back home.”

“Good.”

Ethan waited for him to say more, but he changed the subject, no doubt on purpose.

“I hear Katie’s back in town.”

“Yeah, Grandma Ruby left her the cottage. She’s been staying over there the past few days.”

Adam’s expression sank with regret. “I wish I could have been here for the funeral. How’s Katie handling everything?”

“It’s been tough. They were really close. But I think being back in Two Lakes has helped her as much as it has Becca, especially being around my family again.”

“I’m sure it has.” Adam eyed him as if he were now the one waiting for Ethan to elaborate.

Not any more eager to discuss his feelings than Adam was, Ethan ignored it. “You got any plans tonight?”

“Not really.”

---