Page 37 of Keep On Loving You

“Is pushy.” Andy grinned. He started to walk from the parking lot through the pedestrian-only plaza where Kat’s shop was, with her apartment over the top. “I think she’s more excited about me moving back to Trickle Creek than I am.”

“She did seem pretty enthused,” Jess agreed. “I’m sorry if I’m overstepping, Andy. It’s just she made it sound like you were pretty serious, and in this market, it’s really important to be on top of things.”

Andy stopped under the gazebo and looked up at Kat’s apartment. It was still too early in the evening to see any lights on inside, but he knew she was up there. He couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking and how she was feeling about the letter her father had left her. He’d meant it when he told Craig he’d be there for her no matter what she needed, and he was eager to get up there to see how he could help.

“It’s fine,” he said to Jess. “And you’re right, I should probably give it a little bit more thought.” He started walking again and let himself in the door that would take him up to the apartment.

“I have a lot to show you. But I think it would be better to get a feel for what exactly it is you’re looking for first.”

Andy stopped outside the door. “Sounds good. Why don’t we meet for coffee? It’ll be nice to put a face to the name.”

“Great. I’ll send over some options, and we can go from there.”

Andy ended the call and tucked his phone away before turning the door handle and letting himself in. “Kat?”

“In here.”

“Hey.” He wasn’t sure what to expect when he walked into her living room, but he didn’t expect Kat to be lying flaton the floor of her living room with her arms and legs outstretched. “Kat?” He stood over her with a tentative smile on his face.

She didn’t answer, but opened one eye and then closed it again.

Andy dropped his car keys on the coffee table before shoving it over to make room for him to lay down next to her.

Andy stretched out on the hardwood floor and closed his eyes. They stayed that way without speaking for a few minutes before he slowly reached his hand over and threaded his fingers through hers.

He squeezed gently just to let her know he was there for her and wouldn’t rush her or pressure her into talking if she wasn’t ready. Andy couldn’t even begin to imagine what it would be like to go through the emotional roller coaster that Kat and her brothers and sister had been through with Michael Carlson’s death.

It was never easy to lose a parent, but what Kat was going through was next level.

When he heard what sounded like a sniffle, Andy turned his head and saw a tear slip down her cheek. Still, he waited, and a moment later, her eyes fluttered open.

“You okay, Kitty Kat?”

She pressed her lips together and shook her head.

He tugged her hand and pulled her toward him, until she was lying with her head on his chest. Having her in his arms felt like the most natural thing in the world. She fitperfectly as he wrapped his arm around her back and stroked her hair.

They didn’t speak, the only sound Kat’s soft sobbing.

“It’s going to be fine,” he said after a moment. “Whatever it is, you don’t have to do it alone, okay? I’m here for you. No matter what.”

Kat lifted her head and looked up at him. His heart clenched at the sight of her tear-streaked face. More than anything, he hated to see Kat sad.

“You’ll help me?”

Andy shifted, so he could sit up, but still keep his arm around her. “You know I’ll help you, Kitty Kat. Whatever you need. I’ve got you.”

She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again. Finally, a sad smile took shape on her lips. “I appreciate that, but I know you have a life to get back to in Vancouver, and I?—”

“Don’t worry about that.” It didn’t feel like the right time to tell her his news, but he needed her to know he wasn’t going anywhere. Even if he hadn’t taken the job, there was no way he could leave her now. Not when she needed him.

“But you?—”

He silenced her with a finger to her lips. “I promise you, Kat. I’ll be here for you, whatever you need. Don’t worry about anything else, okay?”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you. You know that.”

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