Diamond Miner and the RV Pyle-Up, Part 2

 

Part 2: Easter Week

Two days later—just as Diamond had been expecting—an RV rolled slowly into her neighborhood.

Jean Pyle stepped out first and headed straight for her granddaughter.

“There’s my girl!” Jean exclaimed, scooping Jade into her arms and covering her with kisses. “We’re going to have so much fun this week. The Easter bunny! Maybe a parade!”

Diamond caught only bits and pieces as she helped her parents inside.

Leiv Pyle looked around the house approvingly before asking the question Diamond should have expected.

“Are you making your famous quiche for Easter brunch?”

Diamond hesitated. “I… hadn’t thought about it. I’ll check the pantry to see if I have everything.”

Jean waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about that. We’ll buy whatever you need.”

Diamond smiled politely and ushered everyone inside. When the door finally closed behind them, she quietly let out a long breath.

That evening at dinner, Jean mentioned something that made Diamond nearly choke on her food.

“I saw that you and Cole have Easter plans,” Jean said. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

Diamond quickly explained. “We’re having brunch with you, and then dinner with Ruby. We still have the whole week together.”

Jean nodded, satisfied.

Later that week, Diamond stood in line with her parents and Jade to see the Easter bunny.

She tried to hand her father some money for the outing.

Leiv shook his head immediately. “Grandparents have the right to spoil their grandchildren.”

Then he leaned closer and added proudly, “Besides, your brother told me about this app that finds deals based on your location. I used it and got the tickets for half price.”

Diamond smiled. That sounded exactly like something Cash would appreciate.

A few days later, the family planned to attend the Easter parade downtown.

Since the parade was in a busy part of the city, Diamond saved time and money by parking in Cole’s employee parking spot in a nearby garage.

Once they stepped out onto the street, Leiv glanced at the snacks Diamond had brought from home and declared them less than “parade-friendly.” Spotting a dollar store nearby, he led the group inside.

He emerged a few minutes later with snacks for the adults and a few small toys for Jade—all at wallet-friendly prices.

Diamond couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen her father this happy.

After the parade, Jade and Leiv both fell asleep in the back seat of the car.

Diamond glanced back at them and laughed softly. "I guess the parade wore them out," she said.

Jean smiled. "Your father hasn’t had this much fun in years," she replied. "He’s been looking forward to this trip for months."

Diamond nodded as they drove along, realizing how much the visit had meant to her parents—and how many small moments they had packed into just a few days.

The Monday after Easter Sunday came quickly. Soon Jean and Leiv were loading their belongings back into the RV.

After many kisses for Jade and several family photos, the Pyles prepared to leave.

Diamond watched the RV pull away and had to admit something.

The visit had been last-minute.

But it had been worth it.