Page 76 of Wish You Faith

Rosie’s eyes stung, and she tried not to let Mom see it.

“Pray for good health in the new year,” Mom spoke quietly.

Rosie nodded, wiping her eyes. “Good prayer.”

“Pray that my negotiations will work out.” Evan held Rosie’s hand. “If all goes well, then I can move back to Savannah in January.”

“Wow. For real?” Rosie’s eyes widened.

She had been praying for God’s guidance and provision for their relationship. She couldn’t leave Mom alone on the east coast, and Evan seemed to have a good job on the west coast. This bicoastal arrangement would dissolve once Mom passed away, but Rosie wanted her to live for a long time. Mom wanted to spend her last days at SSLR, where she would receive the best care.

If Rosie and Evan wanted to stay together, they would have to suffer through their long-distance relationship for however long Mom was alive. Or they could end their romance now and find some other geographically-closer partners in life.

Or Evan could move to Savannah, which was the miracle that he’d walked in with this morning. It might just be how God would bring them together.

“I’ll tell you more about it soon.” Evan gently squeezed Rosie’s shoulder.

No one else had other prayer requests, so they decided it was time to pray. Perhaps as a way to test Evan, Mom asked him to pray for all their prayer requests this morning.

“Thank You, Jesus, for saving our souls,” Evan began. “Even though we don’t know precisely which date You were born on earth, I am happy that we have set aside Christmas as the time to commemorate Your first coming. At this Christmastime, let us not forget our salvation in You.”

He continued to pray for every item on Rosie’s prayer list, each time asking for God’s truth and wisdom to prevail.

When they finished, Mom wanted to go outside on the balcony to take photos in her pajamas. Evan took a few photos of Rosie and Mom. Then Mom took a few photos of Rosie and Evan. Evan’s arm was long enough for them to take a selfie together.

When they came indoors, Mom pointed to the few presents they had under the pop-up Christmas tree. Thing was, there were only two of them in the family, so there were not a lot of wrapped presents. Rosie and Mom basically gave each other multiple gifts.

Mom wasn’t close to her own family or to Dad’s family. Also, many relatives in their generation had died. Those who were still alive were too frail to make the trip to Savannah. And Mom didn’t want to travel out of town because it made her exhausted physically—regardless of the form of transportation.

“We could open presents now or wait until after breakfast,” Mom said.

“You already sent me my gift card,” Evan said. “Thank you again.”

“And you sent us gift cards which we already used.” Rosie grinned. “How about we eat first? I’m famished.”

“Second breakfast for you?” Mom asked Evan.

“No, thanks. I’m full. I can help you cook though.”

“No need. Since you haven’t slept all night, you might want to take a nap.” Mom pointed down the hallway. “Rosie can show you where the guest room is.”

“Hmm. Maybe that’s a good idea. I’m feeling tired.” Evan got up from the couch. “I need to go get my duffel bag from the car. I want to shower and change into a new set of clothes.”

“While you do that, I’ll get you a towel and soap,” Rosie said.

After Evan had left and closed the front door behind him, Mom turned to Rosie.

“Sweetie, I asked him to pray because I want to hear how he talks to God.”

“I know, Mom. You’re so tricky.”

“I don’t want you to date any riffraff.” Mom stole a peek at the front door. It was still closed. “I think he’s in love with you.”

I’m in love with him too.

A lifetime of love if Evan wanted it.

Rosie felt ready for some reason. A peace settled in her heart. She had missed him so much when they were apart, but now she was at ease. Even if he flew back to Seattle, she knew now that he had plans to move back to Savannah.

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