15. Chapter Fifteen
After two days of cold weather, Saturday morning dawned with bright sunshine that promised a warmer day. Brewing a cup of tea, Katie grabbed a throw blanket and carried the mug out to the porch. O’Malley followed and hopped onto the windowsill beside her as she curled up in a comfy chair in the corner. She took a sip of her tea, sighing contently, before pulling up the Bible app on her phone. She missed her own Bible. If only she’d had the presence of mind to pack it. It should have been the first thing she packed, but everything had been so awful, and she’d been in such a rut. She had tried hard to change that this week.
With blackbirds singing in the background, she prayed and read a few chapters in Psalms. She’d just about reached the end of one when her phone rang, making her jump. She forced out a sigh, all the peace she’d enjoyed shattering.
“Why are you still calling me?” She glared at her mom’s name on the screen. This made the fourth attempt in the last three days. The message she left ranged from cold and demanding to fake emotion over how hurt she was that Katie wouldn’t share the cottage.
Conviction pricked Katie’s heart. Despite the uncomfortable situation, her attitude could probably be better. She breathed another, quieter sigh. “I don’t even know how to pray for her, God. She’s been fighting You her whole life. It seems so impossible she or Christopher…or Grant could ever change, but like Grandma always used to say, You’re a God of miracles. I pray for a miracle where their hearts are concerned. And, please, let them give this up and accept what’s done.”
Her phone dinged, this time with a voice message. Bracing herself, she put the phone to her ear. Another overly emotional message, in which Mom even sounded teary as she accused Katie of keeping her away from her childhood home and being greedy with Grandma’s money.
Attempting to control her own emotions and anger, Katie forced her focus back on finishing the chapter. When she reached the end, she closed the app and enjoyed the sun streaming through the window for several minutes. Then her phone chimed again, though it produced a much less visceral reaction this time since it was the text tone she’d set for Ethan.
I’m taking the canoe out. I’ll swing by there if you want to join me.
The words brought a smile to her lips. How could she say no to a beautiful spring morning on the lake? She typed back a response and got up, calling to O’Malley to follow her into the house. After putting on her shoes, she headed back outside and down to the dock. She waited at the end, breathing in the fresh, calm air. A few minutes later, Ethan appeared around the point and paddled up to her.
“Good morning.” He smiled brightly as he grabbed the dock to hold the canoe steady.
She echoed him and carefully stepped into the boat so she wouldn’t send them both careening into the cold water. It wouldn’t have been the first time, though that had been Ethan’s fault, thinking he could show off and stand with his feet braced on either edge. She laughed as she grabbed the extra oar and helped him push off.
“What’s so funny?”
She looked over her shoulder. “I was just thinking about when you flipped the canoe.”
He winced. “Not one of my brightest moments. Joel was furious.”
“Oh, that’s right, he was there too.”
“Yeah, Dad took away my canoe privileges for a while after that.”
Katie just shook her head, holding tightly to those moments she’d been allowed to find some normalcy. As they paddled leisurely around the lake, a loon called nearby. She had always loved that sound as a kid.
“It’s a beautiful day,” she breathed.
“It is. I think Joel is bringing Marshall out to go fishing later. We’re also going to have a fire tonight and roast hot dogs for supper. Obviously, you’re invited.”
“Thanks. That sounds fun. I don’t remember the last time I was at a campfire. Probably not since I started attending this one church in California and got invited to a singles’ bonfire.”
“I’ve been to a few of those. Meet anyone there you liked?”
She shook her head, reliving the awkwardness of that night in her mind. “The guys were nice enough, but I was in a rough place and uncomfortable the whole time. I was new to the church and felt like an outsider, so it wasn’t much fun. Like I said, making friends isn’t my strong suit.”
“I’m sorry things didn’t work out better for you.”
“It’s just the way my life has gone.” She grimaced. “Sorry, I’m not trying to ruin a beautiful morning with pessimism. I’m trying to do the opposite lately.”
“No worries.”
Her phone dinged a few minutes later with Drew’s text tone. She dug it out of the pocket of her sweatshirt. “I guess I’m popular this morning. First, my mom called, trying to guilt me again, then you texted, and now Drew.”
She sent a quick response to his good morning text and tucked the phone back into her pocket.
“So, how did you and Drew meet?”
Katie half turned in her seat to look back at Ethan, keeping her dripping oar over the side. “Church. It was the last thing I expected, considering I didn’t even want to go. But Grandma kept encouraging me, so I did. About six months later, I bumped into him, literally. It was embarrassing since I wasn’t paying attention, but we got to talking, and he invited me to lunch the following Sunday.”
“Do you think he’s the one?”
She mulled that over. Was it weird she didn’t have an immediate answer? “I don’t really know. I think we have a pretty good relationship, but we haven’t discussed the future much beyond his career plans.” She shrugged. After just about three years, it did seem like they should have a better idea of where the relationship was headed. “I don’t think marriage is his priority right now.”
“Is that all right with you?”
She hesitated, her mind returning to the other night and her loneliness. Waiting for the relationship to progress had been easier when she had Grandma to focus on.
He quickly spoke up again, his tone apologetic. “I’m sorry. That was too personal. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m not used to having anyone to talk to about it other than Grandma.” Even then, she’d tried not to burden Grandma with too many of her problems. “It would be nice to have some idea of the future of the relationship. But I guess I’ll have to see how it goes.”
Ethan remained silent for a long moment, and Katie wondered if he would give her any advice. He was a guy, after all. It might be nice to hear things from his perspective. Yet, before she could ask, he changed the subject.
“So, your mom called again.”
She rolled her eyes and had to stop herself from giving in to her uncharitable feelings. “Yeah. This time, I think she even worked up some fake tears. It’s exhausting to predict what manipulative tactic she’ll try next.”
“Have you talked to her since Tuesday?”
She dipped her paddle into the water and shook her head. “I keep letting it go to voicemail. We can barely communicate when things are normal. She won’t accept anything I say unless I agree to give up the cottage and split Grandma’s money, so why answer?”
“You shouldn’t. It might not be physical, but manipulation is still abuse. You don’t have to subject yourself to that.”
His words sank deep into her mind and soothed the turmoil she realized she was still hanging on to. Even though she knew it, having someone validate and reinforce her decisions was nice. “I just don’t know how she ever got that way. Grandma never thought she could have kids. My mom was an answer to many long years of prayer. A miracle, really, but then she turned out like this, and I can’t imagine how it broke Grandma’s heart. She and Grandpa tried so hard.”
“Unfortunately, with some people, you can give them every opportunity and do everything you can for them, but they’ll still insist on following their own path, even if it’s destructive. I’m sure it did break their hearts, but the miracle wasn’t wasted. They got you. I know your grandma would never have traded what she had with you for anything.”
Warmth bloomed in Katie’s chest. She hadn’t considered it like that before. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
After dropping Katie off at her dock and putting the canoe away, Ethan headed into the shop to tinker until lunchtime. He opened the big overhead door to let in the fresh air and picked up a piece of sandpaper to work on a nearly finished shelf. With this last sanding, he could stain it.
His conversations with Katie played through his mind as he worked. Of course, what she’d said about Drew stuck in his mind. He didn’t know what that boyfriend of hers was waiting for. He would’ve popped the question a long time ago. It seemed unfair to drag Katie along without clear intentions. But what did he know? He’d dated Anna longer than he should have. He shouldn’t be having such a hard time judging the guy. He’d had to confess it a lot lately.
He’d just finished sanding when a motorcycle rumbled up the road. Instead of passing by, it slowed down and turned onto the driveway. He left the shop as the familiar Yamaha Maxim stopped near the house. The rider killed the engine and pulled off his helmet.
Ethan grinned as he strode toward him. “The PK returns.”
Adam Donovan, Pastor’s oldest son, flashed a smile as he stepped off the bike. After Katie, Adam had been Ethan’s best friend growing up. That close friendship continued into adulthood despite the time Adam had spent away on mission trips over the years. This latest trip had lasted five months.
They met with a quick, back-slapping hug.
“How have you been? How was Uganda?”
“Amazing, as always. You should go sometime.”
Ethan had thought about it right after breaking up with Anna, but it hadn’t worked out. Someday, maybe.
He eyed his friend. He looked good and was obviously still into lifting weights. Where Ethan had dark hair, Adam was blond, especially now that he’d spent so much time in the hot sun. One might think he’d just gotten highlights.
“What’s this? You look like you’ve been on a tropical vacation. Either that or in a tanning bed.”
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.”
“Joel and Naomi are bringing the kids over for a fire. Katie’s coming too. You should stick around and join us.”
“I’d like that.” He hesitated but couldn’t help himself, apparently. “Is Becca working tonight?”
Ethan gave him a sly grin. “She’ll be home at five.”