Page 4 of Let Me Show You

CHAPTER ONE

KATIE

PRESENT DAY

I look around the two-story house I bought almost a year ago, knowing that one day it’ll be the perfect home for my son, Owen, and me. It needed a total remodel, so I've slowly been fixing it up on my days off at the bank. Sometimes, I’ll come in the evenings with Owen, but lately, between making dinner, helping with his homework, and getting him into bed by eight thirty, I haven’t had any extra time.

Even so, it’s been one hundred-percent worth it. I’ve invested everything I own into this place and won't stop until it’s move-in ready. After tearing down some walls, I hired an electrician to fix the wiring before I insulated and hung drywall. Since I learned from watching YouTube tutorials and made a few mistakes along the way, it took months to get that much done. I’m hoping to do as much as I can on my own and am proud to do it.

Between being a single mom and working full-time, I have limited hours to dedicate to this project, but I’m determined. The flooring has been replaced in a couple of rooms, and I’ve been buying wood, paint, and other materials as I’ve saved up the money.

“Knock, knock,” Gemma sing-songs as she lets herself in the front door.

“In the bedroom,” I call out.

I smile when I see my best friend holding two cups of coffee. I grab one and take a small sip. “My hero.”

“How’s it goin’?” she asks, looking around. She hasn’t been here in a while, but she’s been busy lately, so I understand.

“Not too bad. Come check out the paint and carpet.”

I’ve decided to leave hardwood in the hallway and tile in the bathroom suite, so the carpet was only needed in this room.

Gemma stands in the doorway. “It looks so good. I can’t wait to see the house when it’s complete.”

I snort. “You and me both.”

We walk into the kitchen, where I chat about my plans.

“Are you sure you don’t want some help? This seems like such a big project for one person,” she says after I describe how I want to restore the cabinets.

“Nah, you and Tyler are busy with the new gym. I’ll be fine. I’ve got Google and YouTube to help save the day. I’ll figure it out.”

Gemma chuckles. “Well, just holler if you change your mind.”

“Do you wanna grab a drink tonight after I’m done here? Owen’s having a sleepover with Gabe’s parents.”

Loretta and Elliot Reid have been very involved in Owen’s life since Gabe was their only son. I’m grateful for them because after Gabe died, trying to raise a newborn alone left me exhausted. My mother helps a lot too, which I appreciate. When Owen was a baby, he didn’t sleep much, which meant neither did I. I was struggling to be a new mom and a widow. I would’ve been lost without the support of everyone who stepped up to offer a hand.

“I can’t…” Gemma hesitates.

Something’s off.

“Oh, why not?”

“Well, I won’t be able to drink for about…nine months.”

“Oh my God. You’re pregnant?” I wrap my arms around her.

Gemma and Tyler Blackwood got married over a year ago after her ex-fiancé blackmailed her. He was an awful, conniving man and used threats so she’d agree to marry him. Once all the lies came to light, Tyler devised a plan to get her out of it. Long story short, they’ve been happily married ever since, and I’m over the moon excited they’re adding to their family.

“I’m so happy for y’all,” I say. “How far along are you?”

“Only ten weeks but I didn’t wanna wait too long to tell you. Once we got the ultrasound and confirmed everything was healthy, I was just waiting for the right way to announce it.”

“That’s exciting! I bet Tyler’s ecstatic.”

“He is. I’m so lucky.” She beams. “And I’m thrilled Noah will be getting out next month and can be a part of my pregnancy journey. He’s already missed so much over the past ten years. I’m just happy he’ll be around for this.”