“Maybe, but I’m also sure she meant every word.”

“She must really want that land.”

“We’ll see what happens.” Lyle pulled out the chair at the head of the table, eyeing the space once again. “This kitchen really is much smaller than what we had at the main house. What were we thinkin’?”

“To tell the truth, I’m happy for less work.”

He nodded. “Might be ’bout time for us both to slow down some,” he said, looking around him. “Getting moved into this house took some doin’. But I’m not ready to fully retire yet. Maybe in another year or so. Besides, it’ll take that long for Sol and Ellie to be ready to manage the orchard on their own.”

“True,” his wife said absently, her expression more solemn now.

Lyle had forgotten again. Every time he mentioned the management of the orchard, it stirred up Elisabeth’s thoughts of Evan. “I’m sorry, love.”

She shrugged. “One of these days, maybe it won’t hurt like this. I just wish . . .”

He stepped to her side and slipped his big arms around her. “I pray we can get through this.”

“Some things only the eyes of faith can see,” she said, tears brimming.

He nodded, holding her for dear life.

39

On Easter Monday—for Leah’s sake while Reuben was off fishing with Aaron and Sol—Ellie and Leah leisurely rode around the neighborhood in the two-wheeled cart hitched up to Nelly. Amish businesses were closed for the holiday, so more buggies were on the road than usual.

Ellie had chicken salad with potato rolls and raspberry Jell-O planned for the noon meal following their little jaunt. She was still growing accustomed to Dat, Mamm, and Dawdi having their meals at her parents’ new house, though sometimes Sol invited them all to supper for old times’ sake. It was, of course, a big adjustment for everyone, but Ellie enjoyed having the big farmhouse to themselves.

“This is nice of you,” Leah said as they rode past a number of her relatives’ farms for the fun of it.

“Can’t let ya forget your old stompin’ grounds.” Ellie smiled, holding the reins.

“Oh, trust me, I haven’t. My kinfolk’ll always be close to my heart.”

Ellie nodded.

“By the way, Reuben told me something interesting this morning. One of my uncles has invited him to work here in his woodworking shop once we’re married.”

“Such gut news! Do ya think Reuben will accept?”

“This just came up, but he seems interested.”

“Well, I’ve been prayin’ to get ya home somehow.”

“Me too.” Leah laughed softly. “A lot, in fact.”

Ellie wanted to hug her, but she didn’t dare let go of the reins. Instead, as close as they were sitting, she leaned against Leah. “Honestly, this could be our answer.”

“We’d get to raise our future children together like we always wished—if Reuben accepts the job.”