The month of August, just as sweltering and oppressive as July had been, was demanding, especially during “the overlap,” when the tail end of the peach harvest coincided with the beginning of the apple harvest.

Ellie looked forward to seeing Sol at the house on weekend evenings. They took long walks together through the orchard, occasionally with Dawdi Hezekiah and sometimes with Shadow, too. Oh, how she lived for Sol’s wonderful visits.

Though they had yet to join die Youngie at a Singing, on those nights they sang songs of praise while sitting on the glider, later munching popcorn and sipping homemade root beer or lemonade. Afterward, they played checkers and other games on a table on the porch. They missed the fellowship of die Youngie, yet they treasured the time they had alone to talk and open their hearts. And on the off-Sundays, Sol drove her around the back roads at twilight so they could at least have the experience of a buggy date now that his right hand was getting stronger.

When they finally attended Singing in mid-August, it was a treat to see everyone and confirm the grapevine’s news that they were indeed a serious couple.

Sol had been able to pick peaches with his recovering hand since late July, three months after his attack. Ellie was fairly certain he’d caught himself on his right hand when he’d fallen the day of the attack, but Sol couldn’t remember exactly.

As for his bum ear, Ellie was mindful to be on Sol’s right when they sat together or when they went walking in the meadow or orchard. And during one of their sunset strolls, Sol reached for her hand for the first time. It was unexpected, yet she’d longed for it. Even so, it took her breath away, and looking up at him, she couldn’t help but grin as butterflies whirled in her stomach.

At that moment, she wanted to tell him how much she loved him but thought she should wait for him to be the first to say it. Although each and every day, she did take in many indications of his love—helping her attach her harvesting bag, assisting her with deliveries while she drove, and providing a listening ear when she felt sad, missing Evan.

Mamm invited Sol to join them on weekdays for the noon meal along with the rest of the family. Not long after that, Dat confided in Ellie that he hoped Sol knew how happy he and Mamm were about his becoming a serious beau.