"It deserves a name, the grotto," Colton said. "What's the name, Roy?"
"The Joyous Grotto," Roy said after a minute. "Unless you think that's corny?"
"I like it," Ronald said.
"Joyous because of John?" Jack asked.
Roy nodded.
Both of their grandfather's had been named John.
"I lost wish we had a ribbon for me to cut," Colton joked.
Roy glanced all around. The name was perfect, and the grotto really was a fitting tribute to their grandparents, even if it hadn't intentionally been constructed that way.
But it was also a way to honor God for all that He had blessed them with.
The thought brought a warmth to Roy's heart as he placed his hand on Jack's shoulder, giving it a squeeze.
"Time to get to work," Colton announced. "We don't want to be late for Easter service."
"Or go there smelling like animals," Myles said, and they all laughed.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Bright and early Easter Sunday, Beverly got ready for service at Grace Community Church. She put on a light blue sundress that fell to just above her knees, cinched with a thin linen belt around her waist, and did her best to tame her unruly wavy hair. It wasn't often that she got so dressed up, and she didn't have a lot of dresses in her closet, but today definitely warranted one.
After getting ready, Beverly went downstairs where her mom was already finishing up making breakfast.
Her mom smiled as Beverly walked into the kitchen and wrapped an arm around her daughter's waist. "That color looks beautiful on you," she murmured.
Beverly beamed and gave her mom a hug in return. "I'm glad you like it." She glanced down at their breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and coffee and smiled. "This looks delicious!"
"It's my pleasure," her mom said as they both sat down together at the table.
As they shared a quick bite and talked about what was going on in each other's lives, Beverly couldn't help but feel very loved in that moment, not just from her mom but from God too.
Once they finished, Beverly grabbed her purse, and they both headed out to the car. Beverly's mom drove while Beverly looked out the window as they drove through town. The streets were relatively empty, and she wondered if when they drove back, kids would be out in their front yards looking for Easter eggs.
The parking lot was already full, so they had to park down the street. The sun was just beginning to peek out from behind the clouds, promising a beautiful day ahead. As they walked side-by-side, Beverly felt a peace she hadn't experienced in months.
They arrived at the church shortly before the service was starting and took their seats near the front.
Beverly found herself looking behind her every few seconds. The church was filling up, and there was room for only one more in her pew, and the moment she spied Roy, she found herself not just waving to him but motioning for him to join them.
He noticed her, waved, and she figured that would be the end of it. He would want to sit with his brothers after all, but as she watched, he said something to them and then strolled up to her and claimed the last seat next to her.
"Good morning," he said.
Beverly smiled. "Good morning."
She glanced over at him, and in that moment, she was filled with an immense sense of admiration. He looked so peaceful and happy.
And somehow, that was rubbing off on her. It felt right to be here in church today, to celebrate the most holy of holidays. And, blessedly, it was almost like she had left all her worries and grief behind her.
She had been through so much pain and sadness since the death of her father, but here she was on Easter Sunday, ready to go to church and face a new day ahead with strength and optimism, in part because of the man beside her. He seemed to have found a kind of inner peace that she could only hope one day to achieve.
"Thank you," she murmured.