Homesickness struck her fresh. Remaining in Jacksonville had been the right decision, but she missed her family, especially on holidays. “Is Nanna making her strawberry rhubarb pie?”
“It’s already made.” Dad’s smile came through in his tone. “Would you like me to eat a slice for you?”
“Yes, please.” She giggled at their years old joke.
“What are your plans for the day?”
“Attending church with Evan and Jared, then Evan is cooking dinner at his place.” She sucked in a breath. “Half the Avi guys will be there.”
“You sound nervous. Are you worried about that?”
“I’ve only hung around them in small groups since Mike died, never in this large a capacity since homecoming.” She fiddled with the tab of the soda can, bending it forward and back until it broke off. “My life is getting back on track, and I’m happy. I guess I’m still afraid to let myself fully give in to the joy and think any small obstacle will set me back.”
“After what you went through, that’s a natural reaction, and I’m proud of the strong woman you are.” His tone switched to one of the father about to give advice. “Always remember that God doesn’t want us to have a spirit of fear. In some form, ‘do not fear’ is mentioned in the Bible more times than my age and yours combined. I know it’s easier said than done, but if you can memorize a few of those verses and hold them close to your heart, I guarantee it will help you.”
“Thanks for that reminder. Is Mom around? I wanted to tell her Happy Easter before I get ready for church.”
“She’s in the shower. Want her to call you when she’s out?”
“Yes, please.”
“I’ll let her know. And Janie…”
“Yes?”
“I pray for you every day. You’ll always be my little girl.”
She choked up. “I love you.”
Before she started crying, she ended the call.Thank You, Jesus, for giving me the parents You did.
The phone vibrated against the chenille armrest of the recliner. A reply from Evan.Can’t wait.
Neither could she. Today would be a glorious day. First and foremost, she’d celebrate the resurrection of the Christ. She’d also get to see Jared after his six-week absence. He’d come home Thursday, but their schedules hadn’t cooperated to see each other yet.
She and Evan would tell him their news. Butterflies emerged from their cocoons in her stomach. Evan and Wyatt were convinced Jared would be happy, but her gut said otherwise. Jared hadn’t been himself since the anniversary of the crash, thus negating any predictable reaction from him.
Her dad’s words came back to her. She wouldn’t worry about Jared’s reaction or fear it. For all she knew, her instinct was wrong. Either way, she’d prayed about her relationship with Evan, and knew it was God’s will. If He was for them, who could be against?
Too much thinking too early in the morning. She rose to her feet and padded down the hallway to her bathroom. The new dress she’d purchased hung from her closet door. It wasn’t her traditional Easter choice—pink or purple—but she loved the pale yellow with white polka dots, accented with a thin, navy blue belt. She’d rummaged through her closet yesterday morning and found a pair of strappy sandals to complement the belt.
Ninety minutes later, her doorbell rang. She rushed to answer, knowing who it would be.
Evan stood outside, dressed in gray slacks and a mint green button-down shirt. His hair was damp, and his face freshly shaven. He handed her a potted plant. “Happy Easter.”
“These are gorgeous. Thank you.” She lifted the purple and white lilies to her nose and breathed in the strong scent. By the time she came home, the floral aroma would fill her house.
She placed the flowers on her counter, grabbed her purse and Bible, and they left for church.
“Jared’s meeting us at my apartment later,” Evan announced once they hit the main road.
“He’s not coming to church?”
“No.” Evan frowned, displeasure evident in the lines on his forehead. “I’m ninety-nine percent certain he has a hangover.”
The news cast a shadow on her good mood. “What’s your take on his choices lately?”
“He’s fighting battles he doesn’t want anyone to see, not realizing they’re on display for the world.” Evan sighed. “He hasn’t dealt with his guilt, and it’s eating him alive.”
