Before I stand, I smile in absolute disbelief. I’ve definitely met the man I’m going to marry. The worst time of my life is turning into the best.
17
Day 17
April 12
It’s Easter, yet in the little bubble I currently live in, you wouldn’t know it. Every Easter, my sister and I normally make the trek back to our mom’s house to have dinner together and hang out. I dye eggs with her kids, and she enjoys the time, not having to worry about the mess her kids are making.
It is always a fun, simple day; looking back on it, I realize I took it for granted. Whoever thought something as normal as hanging out with family would be taken away from us?
I thought about still dyeing eggs, but right now, I kind of want to save my eggs for breakfast for the next week, so I don’t have to go to the store. I guess a tradition takes on a different meaning now.
Both my mom and dad called, and I talked to Shelly, too, but otherwise, my day has been spent watchingE:60on ESPN. Who knew ESPN had such touching stories that could bring you to tears?
When I seeThe Notebookis on a different station, I curl up even more and settle in for the good cry I know is coming my way.
During the movie, my Ring app keeps going off. Since I can hear the kids from across the street outside on their bikes, having Easter egg hunts, I ignore it and continue to watch the movie.
Halfway through, I hear a knock on my front door. After pressing pause on the movie, I hop up and head to the door, thinking one of the kids threw a ball over my fence.
When I open it, I see Drew standing on my sidewalk with his favorite hat on, slacks, a dress shirt, and a smile.
Not jumping into his arms is much harder than I thought it would be after last night. I have to hold my hands together in front of me to stop myself from doing so.
“Look at you, all dressed up,” I say.
He glances down with a smirk. “Mom still made Easter dinner, and she wanted me to bring you some.”
I smile as I cover my heart with my hand. “She’s so sweet. I wish I could have you come in.”
He shrugs. “It’s okay. I have something for you. Come here.”
He steps off my porch, and when I come outside to join him, I see my entire driveway is decorated in an elaborate design, colored with chalk.
I squeal in surprise. “Did you do this?”
I turn to him, and his face is covered in the biggest, proudest smile.
“Happy Easter,” he says.
“I didn’t know you were an artist.”
He shrugs. “It’s just for fun.”
“For fun? Oh my God.”
I stop to take in the entire drawing of flowers, eggs, and even a bunny.Happy Easteris written across the center.
I check out his clothes and then his hands. “How is chalk not everywhere?”
He chuckles under his breath. “I changed my clothes in the car before I knocked on your door.”
“You had this nice outfit in your car?”
He nods like it’s no big deal as he glances down at what he’s wearing. “Yeah, it’s Easter. I didn’t want to show up in torn jeans and covered in dust. I was so worried you’d come outside and ruin the surprise too. Glad I was able to finish.”
“You can thankThe Notebookfor being on TV. When my Ring kept going off, I thought it was the kids,” I say, pointing across the street.
