Page 5 of Safe With You

She cleared her throat. “You don’t have to stay here with me.”

“I don’t want you to be alone.”

She glanced toward the remaining vehicles still parked along the path. “Aren’t your parents waiting for you?” They were the ones he should grieve with.

“They’ll wait. Unless you want to be alone. I’ll go if you do.”

The strength with which her heart rebelled at him leaving surprised her. After all this time, she should be used to being alone, but she shook her head. “I don’t.” She took a deep breath. “I just need a little longer.”

“Take all the time you need.”

She could tell he meant every word, but she tried to hurry her emotions into order. The last thing she wanted was to be a burden, even if he seemed willing to stand here all day.

She turned back to the grave. Time to say goodbye. She let a few memories of years long past flow through her mind, all leading up to her final conversation with Grandma. Katie had been struggling under the weight of life and various issues. As always, Grandma had encouraged her like no one else could, pointing her to God’s abundant grace. I really need that grace right now, Lord. It’s going to be so hard without her.

She’d barely finished the prayer when a quiet nudge shifted her thoughts toward Ethan. God had given her grace today in the form of an old friend. A presence to stand by her side so she wouldn’t have to face this trial alone. If Grandma had been there, she would have given Katie a knowing smile. Katie could almost hear her saying, “See, dear, God always provides in our time of need.”

Tears made their way down her cheeks even as the barest smile tugged at her lips. I’ll miss you, Grandma, but I’ll do my best to remember everything you taught me.

A sprinkle of cool rain tickled her face. She glanced up into the gray sky. If she lingered much longer, sprinkles might turn into a shower, and she wouldn’t keep Ethan standing here in the rain. She squeezed her eyes shut for one final moment to let go and then turned to him.

“I’m ready.”

Together, they walked toward the cars. After a moment, Ethan glanced over at her.

“How long are you staying in Two Lakes?”

“Until Monday. I’m supposed to meet with Grandma’s attorney. Something about her will, I think.” Her stomach knotted. Everything about the meeting spelled trouble.

“Are you at the Holiday Inn?”

If only. Instead, she had to return to her musty motel room for the next few days. “No, they’re booked up except for their more expensive suites.”

“Yeah, I figured with the concerts. Were you able to find anything nearby?”

“The only thing I could afford was that motel south of town.”

Ethan slowed and turned to her. “Night’s Edge?”

Katie nodded, stopping with him.

Ethan winced, and his lips twitched as if he wanted to say something.

The reaction only intensified the knots in Katie’s stomach. “What?”

He hesitated. “Not to go inserting myself into your business, but that place is as sketchy as its name. I’d be pretty leery about staying there.”

“I don’t have much choice other than sleeping in my car.” Which looked ever more like a better option. She could ask Drew for money, but she hated to do that. She already owed him for part of this month’s rent, though he’d probably brush it off when she tried to repay him. The only reason he did well enough to loan her money in the first place was because his parents had paid for his tuition. It felt like taking advantage of both him and them.

“Well, you do now. Come stay with my parents.” Ethan’s invitation halted her thoughts. “They’d be more than happy to have you. I’m in the cabin now, and Joel and Megan have their own places. The only one of us four there currently is Becca, so there’s plenty of room.”

Katie looked between him and the gray truck that belonged to his parents. “I couldn’t just barge in on them like that.”

“You’re not. If they were standing here, they’d make the offer instead of me.” True concern weighed on his expression. “Listen, I’m not trying to be pushy. I just know Johnny, the motel manager, and what he allows to go on there, and I think you’d be safer somewhere else.”

Katie adjusted her shawl as a few more sprinkles cooled her skin. It would be foolish to ignore his warning. “I guess I could do that.”

A smile eased the lines on his face. “Good. I’ll let my parents know. Would you like any help getting your stuff? I’d be happy to go along with you.”

---