“Officially—an hour.”
“Why are you on the phone then instead of spending time with your girl?” The teasing tone transferred undiluted over the line.
“I plan on doing lots of that, but we wanted you to know, in case there were any problems.”
“If both of you are happy, then I’m happy.” A split-second silence filled the air. “I think you’d have Mike’s blessing. And not that you need it, but you have mine.”
“Thanks. That means a lot.”
“Treat her well. If I hear of any missteps, I won’t hesitate to go all big brother on you.”
Evan laughed, though he didn’t doubt Wyatt would follow through on his threat. Fortunately for him, he had no intentions of treating Janie with anything but the utmost respect. “I wouldn’t expect less.”
“Have you told Jared?”
“No, he’s in the field until April.”
“That’s right.” Wyatt coughed. “Sorry. Allergies. My body’s readjusting to spring in the North. Anyway, I think Jared will be happy for you two.”
Janie nudged him. “Let me talk to him.”
“Do you have a few more minutes? Janie wants to talk to you.”
“I always have time for her. Put her on the phone.”
Evan handed the phone to Janie and listened to the one side of the conversation he could hear. Janie’s laughter told him all he needed to know. Still watching her, he settled in his seat, counting his blessings.
Chapter Thirteen
Easter Sunday came on a cloudless day with the sky boasting a sparkling canvas. Though Janie had planned to go home for Easter, she’d decided to stay in Jacksonville and spend the day with Evan.
She rose early and enjoyed her morning coffee outside. She took her Bible with her and read the resurrection story. Every time she read the gospel account of Jesus dying on the cross and rising again, she teared up with emotion and gratitude. It never failed to renew her love for Christ.
After reading the passages, she closed her Bible and prayed, thanking God for the sacrifices He made. Even in her darkest moments, she’d trusted Him to bring her out of her depths. The process took longer because of her stubbornness to release a hold on Mike, but without her faith, she doubted she would have ever overcome her grief.
That’s not to say she didn’t still grieve. She would always miss Mike, and he held a permanent spot in her heart. The difference was that now she grieved forward instead of backward. She trusted God with her future, rather than wanting Him to restore her past.
Thanks to Evan, her future looked bright. She smiled, reflecting on the blessing of him in her life. Their relationship caught her by surprise, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Because neither of them had sought romance, they had built a solid friendship without the stresses or nuances of new love. That foundation would cover a multitude of issues they were sure to face as the relationship progressed.
She gathered her Bible and empty cup before returning inside. Peeking at the stove clock while she rinsed out her cup, she saw she had almost two hours before Evan picked her up for the service. She searched for her phone, wanting to send out “Happy Easter” texts to her family and friends. Phone calls were better, but she’d make those later in the day once she didn’t have to worry about waking up anyone.
Retracing her steps from her bedroom to the bathroom, to the kitchen, and then outside—the only places she’d gone in her house that morning, she searched for her phone. Where could it be? Giving up finding it on her own, she dialed her cell number from the house phone. She heard it ringing in the living room.
How had it gotten there? Once in the living room, she spotted it next to an empty soda can on the oak end table by the recliner. Then she remembered curling up to read a book before Evan had called, and they’d talked until two in the morning. She’d been sleepy when they’d ended the call and had gone straight to bed, forgetting about her trash and phone. It was a small miracle she’d woken at six, wide awake and refreshed.
She plopped in the recliner, with one leg curled under the other. Several messages waited for her.Looks like I’m too late to send the greetings before anyone else.
The first message came from Evan, and she laughed when she saw the time stamp—five minutes after they’d hung up.Happy Easter.
Happy Easter, she texted in reply.See you soon.
Her mother, aunt, and Maria each had sent her a greeting as well. Since her mother was awake already, despite the hour time difference, she called her.
Dad answered the phone. “Happy Resurrection Sunday, sweetheart.”
“You too. Any special plans for the day?”
“The usual. Your brother and sisters are meeting us at church, then we’ll go to your grandmother’s house for dinner.”
