“I’m packed and organized. Cindy’s already at the ranch. Sam’s dad finally got there last night. We’re praying Sam’s parents can work out their differences.”
“I’ll be praying, too. I’m excited that things are looking up for you and Sam.”
“Yeah. I appreciate your prayers.”
Mel smiled. “The family are here. Give me a sec.” She removed her earbuds and switched her phone to speaker, panning out to a wider screen view.
Becky waved and greeted her family. Her heart was full. Zach and Billie were a cute couple, and they were joking around. Mum and Dad looked like they’d gotten over the last few days of stress. Dad’s face was a normal tone and the stress lines between his eyebrows were less prominent.
Becky clapped her hands together. “I have an announcement.”
Mom grinned. “Can I start planning a wedding?”
She laughed. “Not yet. I think Sam and I can find a way to make a long-distance relationship work.”
“Woo-hoo.” Zach hi-fived her through the phone screen. “I can’t wait to meet Sam.”
“All in good time. I’d appreciate prayers that we can work out the details.”
“Are you still flying home in June?” Mom asked.
She nodded. “We’ve only known each other for a few months. I don’t want to rush into anything.”
“That’s sensible,” Dad said. “I’m proud of how you’ve handled the Jarrod mess.”
Billie squealed. “I can’t believe you’re friends with Logan Miles. How cool is that!”
“He wants a wedding invite,” Mel said.
Billie jumped up and down. “We’ll get to meet him. Bek, you have to marry Sam!”
Her family laughed.
Zach shot his wife a warm look. “Don’t you get any ideas and run off with him!”
“You silly man. I love you.” Billie leaped into her husband’s arms.
Her brother kissed his wife, shutting down any further Logan fangirling.
Becky’s heart melted. Zach and Billie were her marriage role models. She wanted what they had with Sam. She loved Sam. She needed to tell Sam she loved him.
Dad commandeered the phone. “Has the Logan article situation calmed down in Gilead?”
“Thankfully, yes.” Miley didn’t count. She had an agenda that wouldn’t be derailed. “Logan was impressed by our lawyer.”
Dad nodded. “I’m glad it’s sorted. I worry about you.”
“I know, Dad. I learned a hard lesson from the Jarrod situation, and I’m not rushing into anything.”
“I trust your judgment, and I hope Sam can visit Australia. I’m too swamped to take time off to travel to the States.”
“We’ll work it out, Dad.”
Becky loved her family, and loved how supportive they were of her relationship with Sam. A joyful Easter Sunday was her plan. He is risen. She looked forward to the Easter service this morning with Sam and her Gilead church family.
* * *
On Sunday afternoon, Sam chatted with his friends at the cast and crew party held at Bed of Greens Truck Farm. His arm was around Becky’s waist, and it felt right to have her by his side. They were good together. After the party, they’d drive to the ranch and celebrate Easter with his family.
