On the ride home, Susie listened as Britta talked about their cousins. “Each one let me know today how much they care,” Britta told her. “Marnie even hugged me and said the only thing that mattered was that I’m her cousin and always would be.”

Holding the reins, Susie glanced at her under the moonlight and nodded her head. “Marnie’s right, ya know.”

Britta smiled. “I’ve been shown so much love. Ya can’t know how gut that makes me feel. ’Specially when I was so worried.”

Susie’s heart was warmed by this, and she hoped Britta might focus now on the People’s loving attention and be satisfied with merely having sent Kathleen a Christmas card.

Early Christmas Eve morning, while still in their nightgowns and bathrobes, Susie and Britta exchanged their homemade gifts in Susie’s room. Susie was delighted by the beautiful quilted cover for her Bible, and Britta read aloud the embroidered quote on the wall hanging Susie had made for her: “A sister is God’s way of proving we never have to walk alone.” Britta smiled as she studied the delicate handiwork. “This is the perfect gift from you, Susie. And I know right where I’ll hang it.”

“I can’t wait to see where.” She gave her a hug.

Christmas Eve afternoon, the sky was growing dim around the time Susie had scheduled Rachelle Good to take them to Landisville. Susie looked out at the snowy landscape in the fast-fading light as she and Britta waited in the utility room with the pineapple upside-down cake Susie had baked that morning, as well as a large box of cookies and their overnight bags.

“It’s the prettiest Christmas snow I ever remember,” Britta said, leaning closer to the window.

“If we had a full moon, the landscape would sparkle,” Susie said. “A perfect night for ice-skating.”

Britta glanced at her, a question on her face. “Do ya ever think ’bout Obie and all the times you two went skating on our pond?”

“Well, sometimes, but I try not to. He’s seriously courting, don’t forget.”

“I know, but I miss him,” Britta said, then apologized. “I still remember the day he came for your birthday and I interrupted you two talking.”

Susie laughed a little. “Jah.” She paused. “But that day feels so long ago now, and there’s no point in dwelling on the past.” She was relieved to see the van pull into the driveway just then and made her way toward the outside door, the cake in its secure carrier.

Britta picked up both of their bags and the box of cookies as the van inched up to the walkway, which Susie had shoveled twice already that afternoon.

“Let’s go!” Susie said, eager to see Polly and the family.

“We’re gonna have a white Christmas!” Britta said, following behind.