Dawdi sighed loudly. “My prayer continues to be that Evan’s life will be spared so he gets a second chance.”

A second chance to join church, he means. And if so, she hoped that, too.

They talked about other things, especially the relatives and friends who had visited bearing wedding gifts every weekend since the wedding. Even some from Somerset and out of state—Maryland and New York, mostly.

“Sounds like you’ll have plenty-a household items once you and Sol take over the main house,” Dawdi said.

“Combined with everything in my hope chest, we should be well set.”

“Is there a bigger item yous might need?”

“Let’s wait and see after all the gifts are brought, okay? You’ve already been very generous with your cash gift, Dawdi. Sol and I can’t thank ya enough.”

“That’s what we do for our young ones startin’ out,” he replied, nodding. “After all, we can’t take it with us when life is over.”

Ellie offered to help him to the main house for Bible reading and prayer.

Dawdi shook his head. “I’ll sit right here and pray. Need to go easy on this here leg.”

“Okay,” she said, heading for the door. “You’ll be careful walkin’ around, now, won’t ya?”

“Ain’t too bad off yet.”

“Hope ya feel better after the storm comes through.”

“Me too!” Dawdi chuckled. “Feels like it could snow a heap.”

She hoped not, because that could hamper the construction of Dat and Mamm’s new addition. But that was the risk involved with building this time of year.

“I’ll see ya tomorrow, Dawdi.”

A week later, Ellie was closing the family store for the day when the door opened and Cheryl Herr stepped inside.

“Hullo, Cheryl,” she said, surprised to see her there. “What can I get for ya?”

“I came to see you.” Cheryl leaned on the counter like she was suddenly fatigued. Then, touching her ponytail, she said, “I’m worried. Evan hasn’t written in weeks.” She looked toward the front window for a moment. “Have you heard from him lately?”

Ellie’s insides tumbled. She hasn’t heard anything, either?

Swallowing hard, Ellie tried to put on a brave face. “Nee, but maybe his unit has moved.”

Cheryl nodded. “I’ve wondered that, too.”

“I’ve read sometimes soldiers are sent to remote places where it’s not so easy to receive or send letters.”

Cheryl seemed to consider this. “In his last letter, Evan wrote that you were getting married. Has the wedding already happened?”

“Jah, November second.”

“He really wished he could have been here for your wedding. He’s talked of you, in fact, in every letter. And I know he worries that you and your family are anxious about his safety.”

“We pray for him every day,” Ellie replied. “I certainly don’t like going this long without hearing from him.”