Chapter 9 - The New Easter Tradition
A year passed.
Spring returned to the valley, bringing with it warm rains, green hills, and a fresh blanket of wildflower blooms across the four acres of our property.
It was Easter Sunday once again.
The sun was bright and high in the cloudless sky. The air smelled of sweet jasmine and fresh clover. In the back yard, a massive new wooden playhouse—built by my father over three weekends with help from Mason and Leo—sat near the edge of the lawn.
Tables were set out on the patio, covered in bright yellow tablecloths, fresh flowers, and platters of delicious homemade food.
Rachel arrived at eleven o'clock with David and the boys.
As they walked up the driveway, Mason and Leo ran straight to Ava, who was wearing a brand-new, light-blue Easter dress with white daisies embroidered along the hem.
"Ava! Look what we brought!" Mason yelled happily, holding up a large box of colored chalk and a set of bubble wands. "Can we build a chalk fort on the patio?"
"Yeah! And we can play hide and seek in the new playhouse!" Leo added, handing her a purple bubble wand.
Ava smiled brightly, looking up at me for permission.
"Go ahead, sweetie," I said. "Just stay where I can see you."
"Okay, Mommy!" Ava giggled, running off with her cousins toward the playhouse, their laughter ringing out clearly across the sunny yard.
Rachel walked up to the porch steps, carrying a homemade strawberry pie. She stopped at the bottom stair, looking up at me. Her expression was softened, free of the old arrogance that used to define her presence.
"Happy Easter, Laura," Rachel said softly.
"Happy Easter, Rachel," I replied, stepping down to meet her.
Rachel set the pie on the patio table and looked out at the kids playing together in the yard. "Thank you for inviting us. I know... I know last year was awful."
"Last year was necessary," I said gently. "We all needed to grow up a little bit."
Rachel let out a soft, self-deprecating laugh. "Especially me. Laura... I never said it properly, but I'm sorry. For how I acted, for what I let my kids do, and for treating you like you didn't matter. You're an incredible mother, and you've built something beautiful here."
I looked at my sister, feeling the last traces of old resentment vanish into the spring air. "Thank you, Rachel. That means a lot."
David walked over, holding two glasses of lemonade. He handed one to Rachel and gave me a respectful nod. "The yard looks fantastic, Laura. Dad mentioned you're thinking of putting in a permanent greenhouse near the back fence?"
"I am," I smiled. "I'm starting a small organic flower supply business next month. Using the back two acres."
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"That's wonderful," David said, his tone entirely sincere. "If you need any help reviewing commercial supply contracts, I'd be happy to take a look—free of charge, of course."
"I'll hold you to that, David," I laughed.
