Page 170 of Let Me Show You

“Oh okay. I’ll tell Owen he can meet up with y’all then,” she says with a smile. “You too. Bye.”

“Time to go,” I say with a wink. “But don’t forget your jackets. It might get cool this afternoon.”

On the way out, Katie and Owen grab theirs out of the closet next to the front door, and she explains to Owen that Anthony’s coming. He’s giddy with excitement as we leave, and so am I. She has no idea what’s planned.

The drive to the pumpkin patch only takes an hour, and it’s easy to see the seasons changing based on the colors of the leaves. It’s outside of Lawton Ridge in the middle of a gigantic pasture that’s empty most of the year except during this time. Katie lets out a happy sigh as she places her hand on her stomach and looks outside.

We have to pay to park, but I drop off Katie and Owen at the entrance first. It also allows me to get my thoughts together while also limiting how much she walks. As I go to meet them, the leaves crunch under my shoes, and the cool, brisk breeze brushes against my cheeks. I know Owen would’ve complained he was cold later. I’m actually kinda getting used to this dad thing and love having him as my son.

When I meet up with them, I wrap my arm around Katie and Owen skips ahead of us. Though it’s a pumpkin patch, booths are set up with crafts, food, and even games. Not much has changed in the past fifteen years, and I feel nostalgic as we enter.

“Mom! Look!” Owen says, pointing at a giant bubbly orange drink. It makes me chuckle.

“Do you want one?” I ask, and his facial expression gives him away.

Katie chuckles. “Oh lord. We’re gonna have a sugared-up kid tonight!”

I step forward and order each of us one. Apparently, it’s a pumpkin fizzy drink poured over a scoop of ice cream, and it tastes good. Even Katie’s eyes light up when she takes a sip. “Make that three sugared-up kids.”

She grabs my hand and places it on her belly, and I feel them kicking.

I chuckle. “Active little things, aren’t they?”

“They’re ready to come out!” Katie exclaims.

“Soon, baby,” I tell her, leaning over and pressing a kiss on her forehead.

After we’re done, the three of us take a stroll down one section with nothing but Fall Y’all and Halloween décor. “Oooh. I love this wreath.” Katie stops and admires the straw and ribbon attached to the giant thing.

“Get it! You’ve got a nice big door to hang it on. Would look great on the house,” I encourage.

“I’ll mark it down to $75,” the woman sweetly offers. “When’re ya due?”

“I’m due in December, but I’m thinking they’ll come next month.” Katie beams.

“Oh honey, that’ll be here in a blink. Summer’s over, so the hard part is done,” she says.

“Can I keep it here and pick it up before we leave?” Katie asks, and the woman nods.

With a swipe of our card, the wreath is purchased and set aside.

We continue walking, and I’m trying not to focus on my plans for later today.

“I think I want one of everything here,” Katie admits, just as Anthony sprints over and nearly tackles Owen in a hug.

“Katie!” Anthony says. He tries to wrap his arms around her but settles for an awkward side squeeze due to Katie’s belly.

Soon, Loretta and Elliot come into view wearing smiles while eating dipped ice cream cones. “Hey, kids,” Elliot says. When he leans in and hugs me, he whispers in my ear, “Everyone’s in place.”

Loretta’s eyes twinkle when she looks back and forth between us. “Anthony’s been loving this so much. Thanks again for inviting us.”

Katie grins from ear to ear, watching the two boys together.

“He’s had ice cream and a Coke. Probably gonna bounce off the walls later,” Loretta tells Katie.

“Two peas in a pod,” Katie says in return. “Isn’t this amazing?”

“Yeah, the weather is more than perfect. You want me to watch the boys so you two can take your time walking around?”