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.”

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.”

“I wish I could take it from him.”

“I know how you feel.” Evan clenched his jaw, remained silent for a few seconds. “I’m worried about him, and not sure what it will take for him to shape up.”

“Does he have plans once his contract is up in June?”

Evan shook his head. “No. He wants out of Jacksonville, but finding a job in his small town of Weatherton—especially in his field—would be a miracle.”

“I’m sure that stress isn’t helping matters.” Uncertainty of the future had stalled her healing for months. She understood his position to a point.

“Should I try talking to him again?”

“Hard to say.” She put herself in his place. “I lean toward praying for him and being a friend. The people who told me to move on, or get over my grief, are the ones I pushed the farthest away. Different scenarios, but same idea. Sometimes you just need a friend to be there for you.”

“Yeah.” His noncommittal answer held little conviction, and she suspected he’d try to talk to Jared again.

She trusted Evan would make the right decision. She and Jared were close, but in a different way than him and Evan. Their bond ran deep, and Evan would know the best way to break through Jared’s defenses.

Peering out the window, admiring the newly blossomed flowers, bright greens of grass and leaves, and a perfect sky, she found her way back to the calm from earlier. Jared would come around. His current behavior upset her, but she had faith in him.

An overflow of cars parked along the street in front of the church.

Evan parallel parked in a tight spot. “Times like this, I’m glad I chose a car and not a truck or SUV.”

“I’ve never seen it this packed, and we’re fifteen minutes early.”

“Everyone goes to church on Easter, and apparently they chose ours this year.” Evan jumped out and hurried to open her door.

“I hope we can find a seat.” She retrieved her purse, stood, and smoothed out where her dress had crinkled over her lap.

He gave his leg a pointed stare then winked. “If not, I can play the handicap card and ask someone to move.”

“You wouldn’t.” Even though she believed he’d be well within reason to request a seat, she knew full well he never would. However, his joke brought her joy, as it signaled an acceptance of his injury.

“You’re right.” He tucked a hand around her waist, tossing another wink her way. “We better hurry. I see a large group walking in and they might get the last seats.”

“Oh shush.” She giggled and bumped his shoulder. “I wasn’t that worried about it.”

Maybe I should be. A line to enter the sanctuary curved out the double doors into the foyer. They inched forward. When they reached the entry, ushers escorted them to a seat. Not choosing their own spot felt odd, but she recognized the wisdom of having organized arrangements.

Evan folded open the bulletin, read it, then tapped her shoulder. “This explains why we’re so full today.”

She read the section where his finger pointed. “How did we forget Darnell Bertrand would be here today?”

A major football star in the nineties, Darnell Bertrand gave his life to the Lord when an injury ended his career, and he was forced to reevaluate his life. Since then, he’d become a pastor and created a foundation which formed free after-school sports leagues for those who couldn’t otherwise afford to play. In return for the free equipment and training, the program required several hours of community service a month and attendance at a minimum of one Bible study a month.

“I don’t know, but I’m stoked.” A broad grin showed Evan’s line of straight teeth. “The day I got my medical discharge, I stopped at the store on my way home and happened to pick up his book. His words helped me realize God had a plan for me, even if not the one I’d wanted.”

“He’s an inspiration.”

“I wish I would have remembered. I would have brought my book and had him sign it.”

She suppressed another giggle—not much celebrity-related impressed Evan, but his fan appreciation for Darnell shined bright. “They might have them for sale afterward.”

“But I already have a copy.” He rubbed his jaw. “Although I wouldn’t mind shelling out an extra ten bucks for a signed one.”

The service began with several worship songs, followed by two hymns, including her favorite to sing on Easter, “Up from the Grave He Arose.” After the congregation had been seated, Pastor Mackey introduced Darnell.

For forty-five minutes, she sat enraptured as she listened to Darnell’s testimony. She’d known a few obstacles he’d faced, like the injury, but had no idea he’d lost his parents at a young age, or that his wife was a cancer survivor.

His voice boomed from the pulpit, passionate about his message. “Before I found God, I let my trials tear me down. I took them on my own shoulders, each time falling further into self-destruction. After my injury, I leaped into a dangerous spiral of drugs, women, and gambling that nearly cost me everything I cared about.”

Jared came to mind, and Janie whispered a silent prayer for him.

Darnell stepped away from the pulpit and descended the three steps to stand level with his audience. “By God’s grace alone, I found Him. With Him by my side, I can face whatever comes my way with joy and courage because I know Who is in charge, and I’ll tell you a secret, it ain’t us. When we try to replace God, all we do is make a bigger mess, am I right?”

He received laughs and amens from the crowd.

“Our sufferings don’t come as a surprise to Him. In fact, He tells us directly that we will have troubles in our life, but then He instructs us to take heart, for He has overcome the world. On this day, we celebrate Him rising from the grave and overcoming death. Folks, what better comfort and security can we have in this world than to have a personal relationship with the One Who has already won?”

 The final words of the message walloped Janie. Funny how she’d thought it a shame that Jared hadn’t come because he needed to hear Darnell’s words, yet she’d been convicted in her own shortcomings of faith. In all that she had faced, God had been right beside her. How could she fail to trust Him with her tomorrows when He’d been so faithful with her yesterdays? All the problems from big to small that still spiked worries—her fears of the proverbial anvil falling—she needed to give one-hundred percent of those to God. She’d come a long way, but couldn’t honestly tell herself she didn’t have one hand in God’s and the other on the controls.