Did I tell you that Carolyn has met someone? Roger is a young widower her age who works at the post office. She’s been buying more stamps than ever before! I can only guess what will come of their growing friendship, but if it’s worth her talking about him, she must be interested. That’s all I know, but I’ll keep you posted.

Ellie was suddenly excited. If Carolyn gets married again, then Leah can return home. What good news!

Now, as you know, Reuben’s been courting me, and we’re really fond of each other. In fact, he’s proposed marriage, and we’re looking to wed in November. Honestly, I’ve never been this happy, Ellie. You’re the first I’ve written about it, and as soon as I finish this letter, I’ll write to my parents and to Sol, then mail all three letters at once. Hopefully, they’ll all receive them on the same day.

Reuben is eager to meet you and Sol and the rest of my family. We’re talking of coming there for Easter, April second, when Carolyn’s parents visit again. Oh, Ellie, I can hardly wait for you to get to know him. I think you’ll definitely approve.

Ellie folded the letter, so delighted for dear Leah. She’s found love, just like I have, she thought. Life is certainly full of surprises!

The next afternoon, while Ellie was in the office with Sol going over the schedule for spray and fertilizer applications, Dat poked his head in and waved a letter at Sol. “Hand delivery for Solomon Bontrager,” he said, grinning.

Ellie was fairly sure it was from Leah. She’d had a hard time remaining tight-lipped about Leah’s engagement but had reasoned that Sol should learn about it directly from his sister.

Sol thanked Dat, who headed back toward the construction site for the new addition.

Ellie kept busy working on her own while Sol read the letter.

At last, he said, “Sounds like Leah’s getting married.”

“I know.” Ellie smiled. “I received a letter from her yesterday, but I didn’t say anything ’cause I knew she’d written to your parents and to you as well.”

“So ya kept a secret from me?” Sol said, winking at her.

“It wouldn’t have been right to tell ya beforehand.”

“I’m just kiddin’.”

“So how will we get down to Chambersburg to visit her?”

“The buses run on both sides of the road, ya know.”

She nodded. “I’ve never ridden on one alone.”

“We’d go together, so you’d be fine, love.”

“Still, Leah won’t be within walking distance or a buggy ride away.” She sighed and shook her head. “Guess I took for granted that it’d be that way.”

Sol looked thoughtful. “It won’t be easy for my parents, either.”