Page 77 of Safe With You

“We brought that toy you wanted. We even found all three kittens—a miracle after the move. Want to go grab it?”

“Yeah, sure. Thanks.”

They walked toward the vehicles lining the driveway, stopping at a red van. Bradley opened the back and pulled out a paper bag. “Just be aware, it’s been well loved by two generations of Hart kids. It’s not exactly in pristine condition, but Heidi spent some time getting it cleaned up as best she could.”

Ethan took it from him. “Considering it’s the same one from our childhood, I’m sure Katie won’t mind. Are you sure you guys are willing to part with it?”

“I’m sure. I think it means more to Katie than to us.”

Ethan opened the bag to peek inside and smiled. While it didn’t stick in his memory like it had for Katie, it did look familiar. The mama cat was a gray tabby, and the three kittens were gray, black, and white. The white one was missing most of its felt tail and only had half an ear, but it was the sentimental value of the toy that mattered. “I can’t believe you guys still had it.”

“Well, I’m glad it’s going to someone who has an attachment to it rather than just donating it to a thrift store once the kids have outgrown it.”

“I know she’s going to love it.”

Bradley closed the hatch. “You two seemed close at the wedding. I noticed you dancing.”

Ethan held back a wince. He should have been more aware of who was watching at the wedding. It wasn’t a position he should have put himself or Katie in. Of course, people would notice and talk. “We’re just friends.”

His cousin eyed him skeptically. “Are you sure about that?”

“She is.”

Bradley grunted. “Sorry.”

“It is what it is. As long as we’re friends, I’m happy.” Sure, it hurt sometimes—enough to make it hard to breathe—but it was a price he was willing to pay to preserve their friendship. “I guess I better run this to the cabin.”

Bradley nodded and thumped him on the shoulder as he turned to rejoin the group in the backyard.

After stowing the present safely in the cabin, Ethan hurried back. He’d just rounded the porch when Megan called to him.

“You better hurry if you want ice cream.”

Everyone had gathered around one table, where Mom and Dad brought out three gallons of The Ice Shack ice cream. Ethan made sure one flavor his dad picked up was blue moon. Most of the kids loved it, but he’d wanted it to be special for Katie too. While she seemed okay since the breakup, he hoped today would be nothing but fun for her. So far, she looked to be enjoying herself immensely, her smile bright and carefree.

Sure enough, she took a cup of the blue moon when it was her turn. He did the same, and they walked over to where the kids gathered. Each rowdily exclaimed their favorite flavors and shared what they liked and disliked about each other’s choices. When Marshall got a little too loud and insistent with his opinions, Ethan scooped a bit of ice cream onto his spoon and reached out to dab it on his nephew’s nose.

Marshall sputtered. “What? Hey!”

Ethan laughed as his nephew’s eyes first went wide before narrowing. Marshall scooped a spoonful of ice cream out of his cup and raised it. Ethan sidestepped as he tried to fling it at him. Katie yelped when it nearly hit her.

“Oh no, I’m not getting in the middle of this.” She ducked away as the rest of the kids started hooting and hollering.

Marshall dug his spoon in for another scoop, but before he could send the icy glob flying, Joel stepped in.

“All right, that’s enough. We’re not having an ice cream fight.”

Marshall looked at him aghast. “But Dad! Uncle Ethan started it!”

Joel sent Ethan a stern look. “No ice cream fight.”

“Killjoy. You’re ruining my vibe as the fun uncle.”

“You’re not the one who has to get them all cleaned up afterward.”

Ethan waved his hand toward the dock. “Just throw them in the lake. What’s the big deal?”

Joel’s expression remained unamused, but then he halfway relented. “That’s not a bad idea. Still, no ice cream fight. Honestly, I’m not sure how you ever got put in charge of the teens at church.”

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