Page 61 of Safe With You

“Good. You?”

“Very good.” She rested a hand on her belly. “We just announced to the family yesterday that David and I are expecting.”

“Really?” He had to admit it felt a little strange to know she was pregnant. After all, for a while, he’d thought they would get married and have a family someday, but he couldn’t be happier considering how hard the breakup was. “Congratulations.”

Anna’s smile radiated contentment, though it faded to a more understanding look. “Listen, I know we never discussed what happened, but I don’t want you to think I’m still upset. Obviously, I’m happy with how things have turned out, and I’m glad you were honest with me.”

The lingering guilt and uncertainty over how he had handled things eased up. “I’m still sorry I dragged it out as long as I did. I should have told you much sooner.”

“I’m sure it was a difficult decision for you.” Something in her expression changed, the hint of a knowing smile on her lips. “She’s the one, isn’t she?”

He frowned. What was up with the questions tonight? “What?”

“When you broke up with me, I asked if there was someone else. You said there was a memory you couldn’t get past. That memory was Katie, right?”

He hesitated. It was almost as if everyone was secretly conspiring against him tonight, but he owed her the truth after all this time. “Yes…but we’re just friends.” He struggled not to let the true magnitude of his disappointment come through. “She’s with someone else.”

Something like pity filled her eyes. “I’m sorry. I hope it works out, whatever that looks like.”

Ethan forced a smile to his face. “I’m just glad to have her back as my friend.”

And he was. But there was also more to it than that.

They traded goodbyes then, and Ethan wound his way through the crowd, though he slowed before reaching Katie and his family. He needed to wrangle his emotions back into submission before joining them. He’d been trying so hard lately to lay aside his feelings, but they just kept confronting him at every turn. And the way things were going, it wouldn’t be long before everyone knew how he felt except for Katie. It was a dangerous position to be in.

He drew a deep breath and smiled as he stepped up beside her, keeping space between them. It sounded like his family had just finalized plans for Father’s Day this weekend, but now everyone was focused on him. An awkward pause followed, and he latched onto the first thing he could think of that would prevent anyone from scrutinizing him too closely.

“Joel, I’ve been meaning to ask, have the kids seenThe Rescuers?”

His brother glanced at Naomi. “I don’t think so.”

“Dude, what have you been teaching them? You have them watching stuff likePaw Patrolwhen there are greater heroes like Miss Bianca and Mister Bernard.”

Charlie, who stood between Joel and Naomi with Emma, screwed up her face. “Who are Miss Bianca and Mister Bernard?”

Ethan gave Joel his most disappointed look and shook his head. “Shame.”

Bantering with his brother was a lot better than fighting his rebellious emotions.

Joel shook his head with a look of mild exasperation. “I guess I’ll have to see that they’re properly educated.”

“We need a movie night. All of us, down in the den. We’ll show the kids what they’ve been missing.”

Mom’s face lit up at the suggestion. “That sounds like a wonderful idea. Maybe we can talk about doing it on Friday.”

Everyone agreed, though Joel sent Naomi a questioning look.

“You don’t think the movies are too scary for them, do you?”

She shrugged. “We all watched them at their age.”

“I suppose.” Joel turned back to Ethan. “But just know I’m calling you if someone can’t sleep afterward.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll come over and hold your hand.”

This drew a laugh, and Ethan let himself relax.

A couple of minutes later, everyone said their goodbyes and headed out. On the way to the truck, Katie nudged him.

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