Page 47 of Safe With You

A little of Katie’s uncertainty eased. He might not like the situation very much, but he did care. “Thank you. I know this is not ideal, and I’m sorry.”

“You have to do what you have to do. I just hope it won’t be long before you’re ready to come back.”

Once they finished eating, Drew retrieved his bags, and they walked out to his car. Stowing his luggage in the trunk, he turned to her.

“Thanks for showing me around yesterday. I can see why you like it here.”

“Thanks for indulging me. I know it’s not what you’re used to.” She did appreciate how he’d happily participated in everything she’d wanted to do with him, including canoeing. It was probably a lot for a city boy like him.

“It was fun.”

He bent down and gave her a quick kiss that barely touched her lips. She had boundaries, but was she wrong to wish, for once, he’d kiss her like he meant it? As always, she tamped down the disappointment. She knew better than to take it personally. His parents weren’t physically affectionate either. It was just the way he’d grown up. It probably didn’t even occur to him she might need more.

He opened the car door and got in. “I’ll call you when I get home.”

Katie nodded and backed away as he shut the door and started the engine. Rolling down the window, he smiled and said goodbye before driving away. She waved as he left the parking lot.

Then she looked around. While she preferred the privacy of the lake at home, the Lodge had created a beautiful area for its guests. In no rush, she walked down to the water. A few people strolled along the beach, but the dock remained empty. She walked out to the end of it and stood there for a while, thinking over Drew’s visit and the choices she had to make. She had much to consider, but for right now, she just wanted to take it a day at a time.

Finally, she returned to the cottage. By this time, church had been over for a while. Through the open window in the living room, she caught the faint sound of a vehicle pulling into the Harts’ driveway. A minute later, children’s upraised voices and laughter followed. She smiled and debated briefly before heading outside. Though they hadn’t explicitly invited her to Sunday dinner today, she knew she would be welcome.

Voices grew louder, drawing her along the path toward the house. Breaking through the trees, she counted everyone, including Megan and her husband, congregating around the picnic tables. Charlie spotted her first, shouting her name and racing to meet her. Katie grinned and paused when the little girl threw her arms around her, enjoying the enthusiastic welcome. Charlie then took her hand and tugged her toward the gathering. Everyone greeted her with equal enthusiasm, though she specifically noted how happy Ethan looked to see her. It would kill both of them when she had to leave.

Megan shot her a questioning look. “Is Drew gone?”

“Yeah, he headed out as soon as we finished breakfast.”

“Aw, that’s too bad. I would’ve liked to meet him.”

“Next time.” At least, she hoped he’d want to come back for a visit. She glanced at the picnic table laden with fried chicken and all the fixings someone had picked up from the deli. “You guys don’t have to worry about feeding me. I’m still pretty full from breakfast.”

Evelyn waved off the comment. “Nonsense. There’s plenty.”

Amidst scrambling and shuffling, everyone took their seats. Katie found herself in her usual spot next to Ethan. As everyone settled in, he leaned closer to her.

“I’m glad you could join us.”

Her smile came easily as it always did with him. “Me too.”

Everyone then quieted for Tom to pray before they passed the food around. While filling their plates, Katie considered her conversation with Drew about her apartment. She didn’t want to bring it up, but time was short.

“I hate to come over here looking for a favor…”

Ethan didn’t even hesitate. “What do you need? We’re happy to help.”

“Well, the lease on my apartment is up at the end of the month. I want to stay at the cottage for a while instead of looking for a new place immediately, which means I have to get all my stuff. Problem is, I don’t have a way to transport it.”

“That’s not a problem. We can take my truck and the trailer down there. Do you think it would all fit in the enclosed trailer by the shop?”

“I would think so. I don’t have much. My biggest item is my couch. I think everything else will fit around it.”

Becca reached to take the container of mashed potatoes from Katie. “I’m off Wednesday and Thursday. If it would work to go then, I can come along and help you pack up and move things.”

Ethan nodded. “Works for me. I’m sure I can get someone to cover youth group. And that would get us back before the holiday traffic.”

Katie smiled appreciatively at both of them. “Yeah, works for me too.”

Tom gestured toward the driveway. “Why don’t you three take our truck? There’s more room, and you can ride together.”

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