“Denki.” She was thankful the night kept him from seeing the blush that heated her face at his touch. As she got settled into the buggy with its dashboard of switches for the side and back lights, he walked around to the driver’s side. “Really, I could’ve walked,” she said when he reached for the driving lines.

He glanced at her. “I don’t mind.”

She immediately felt shy, though she managed to ask, “What songs did ya like best tonight?”

As he steered the horse and carriage out of the driveway and into the turnaround, then toward the road, Roy named off several, including “Shall We Gather at the River.”

Britta hoped he’d do all the talking, though she assumed that might not be what he was hoping for. And she thought again of his kindness in driving her tonight.

“Do you have a favorite, Britta?” he asked, shaking her out of her musings.

“‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus.’”

“Mammi Glick likes that one, too. In fact, she sings it whenever she feels the saddest. Since Dawdi died . . . well, she’s sung that one a lot. Says it’s a source of comfort.” Roy went on to share that his grandmother was a strong believer. “She likes to tell ’bout bein’ a young schoolteacher, right out of eighth grade, and feelin’ mighty timid. But with God’s help, she grew into her role as a teacher. ‘Like anything else,’ she says, ‘ya step into it by faith and learn as ya go.’”

“Sounds like a wise woman, for sure,” Britta replied. She was glad Roy was so laid-back and kind; she enjoyed spending even this short amount of time with him. Pondering that, she realized with a start, This is my very first ride alone with a fella!

Susie decided to wait up for Britta, just as Mamma had often stayed up for her. She hoped her sister had gotten over her nerves once she was with Hazel and Cousin Marnie, both of whom were more outgoing.

A few minutes later, Susie heard a buggy come down the road and come to a stop in front of the house. Marnie must’ve brought her home, Susie thought, slipping on her cotton robe.

It wasn’t long before she heard Britta’s quick footsteps on the stairs, and Susie hoped she’d want to talk.

Stepping into the hallway, she saw Britta, all smiles. “By the looks of you, I’m guessin’ you enjoyed tonight.”

Britta nodded and quickly followed Susie into her room. “It was so special, really. Maybe a bit like what heaven will be like.” She went on to tell about the various people who’d come to cheer up Frona. “And you’ll never guess who brought me home.”

“Not Marnie?”

Britta’s eyes shone. “Roy Lantz . . . but don’t tell Mamma,” she added softly. “He didn’t want me to walk home by myself.”