Chapter Seven
KATIE
I'm a nervous wreck and have been since I woke up this morning. An uneasy energy swarms through me, and I've already changed my clothes three times. Today’s Jerry's retirement party, and Gemma’s confirmed Noah will be there. Now I have no choice but to be in his presence.
Belinda planned a big party at the event center downtown so people can stop by to eat and congratulate him for finally retiring after forty years. From the sounds of it, everyone in Lawton Ridge will be there at some point.
I put on my earrings and check to see if Owen’s dressed. When I walk into his room, he’s lying on his bed playing with his tablet.
“Ready to go?” I ask, leaning against the doorframe as I scan his floor of dirty clothes.
“Yep,” he tells me, then slips on his shoes and walks pa
