On the way back, she noticed the column of woodsmoke billowing up from the chimney, then made her way around to the back of the porch, where she stood searching through the stack of mail for a letter from Evan. Instead, Leah had written, and Ellie quickly settled onto the glider to read her letter. Considering all the time she and Sol sat there talking privately these days, recently watching the sunset and enjoying every minute, she thought the glider had become one of the best investments Dat ever made. “Our courting spot,” Sol had referred to it.

Smiling at that, Ellie began to read to the sound of pattering rain.

Dear Ellie,

How are you? Still smiling-happy?

I could tell by your last letter how pleased you are to be courted by Sol. It was the dearest thing to hear . . . and one of my secret desires, too, for you to become my sister-in-law someday!

I’m thrilled for Sol as well—two precious people have found each other. I couldn’t be more excited. (I’ll be writing to him right after I finish this letter.)

And in case you wondered, things are going along nicely between Reuben and me.

Ellie smiled at Leah’s response, then read on and learned more about Bobby and his little twin sisters. All three of them had been asking Leah where she went off to on Preaching Sundays, dressed in her royal blue dress and white cape and apron. Their mother, Carolyn, seemed ferhoodled, not knowing how to answer when Bobby wanted to know why they didn’t go to Preaching, too.

Ellie caught herself nodding, thinking back on what Dawdi Hezekiah had said some time ago—how Leah’s influence on young Bobby might just change the little fellow’s life. As hard as it had been not having Leah around, Ellie could see that good things were happening because of her willingness to work there.

Leah also mentioned Evan in her letter, saying she was committed to praying morning and evening for his safety. The more who are praying, the better, Ellie thought, finishing the letter and eager to show it to Sol when she saw him next.

Thankfully, a longed-for letter from Evan arrived in June.

I hope you don’t think I’ve forgotten you, sister! he’d written. The monsoons keep me from writing often, so please share this letter with Mamm and Dat. It’ll rain cats and dogs practically around the clock till September, I’ve heard from guys who’ve been here long enough to know. Not sure I’ll ever get used to that.

But I wanted you to know I’m safe for today.

The letter continued, inquiring about the family, but it was shorter than usual. Even so, it’s a relief to hear from him, Ellie thought.