“Jah, and things could go back to what used to be.” Ellie paused. “I mean, for our friendship.”

Leah agreed, and Ellie refused to think of Evan then, focusing instead on the soothing sounds of Nelly’s trotting as they rode past the bishop’s farm. The fact that Reuben might accept work here meant he and Leah could return to Bird-in-Hand come November—or even earlier if they chose to have the wedding here.

Just knowing that’s a possibility makes life a little more tolerable.

In the midst of a heavy drizzle after supper the next evening, Ellie took the family buggy to visit Priscilla and the children while Sol and Dat went over the accounting ledger. Then on her way home, she stopped in to see Ruthann.

Her cousin greeted her at the back door. “What’re ya doin’ out tonight? You ain’t a single woman anymore, ya know.” She chortled.

“Sol’s tied up with Dat, workin’, so I thought I’d come see what you’re up to.”

Ruthann led Ellie up to her room, then showed her two new dresses she’d recently made for herself. “I’ll be sewin’ my wedding dress this fall, too,” she said with a smile.

“You’re engaged?”

“Menno asked me right before Easter. He wanted to get things in order before he did—a place for us to live and full-time work for him.”

Ellie hugged her. “You must be so thrilled, cousin.”

“I truly am.” Ruthann’s eyes glimmered with emotion.

“Things are comin’ together nicely for you and Menno.”

“God’s been so gut to us.” Ruthann grinned. “I’ve been thinkin’ of having a Sisters Day gathering next month. What do ya think?”

“It’d give us somethin’ to look forward to.”

Ruthann touched Ellie’s arm. “Get our minds off Evan . . . if that’s even possible.”

“Well, not as long as we don’t know where he is, but I know what ya mean.”

“Everyone I know is prayin’.” Ruthann sighed as the lantern in her room flickered.

It was cozy and so pleasant being there, and Ellie was heartened by her cousin’s words. “We appreciate the prayers.”

Ruthann nodded. “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been taught that God knows all things and walks with us through our trials as well as our victories.” She reached for her Bible and opened it. “This verse is from Isaiah, chapter forty, verse twenty-nine. I bookmarked it so I can read it every time I think of poor Cousin Evan.”

Ellie was deeply touched by this and listened closely.

“‘He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.’”

Agreeing wholeheartedly, Ellie replied, “Sol says we must cast our burdens upon the One whose shoulders are big enough to carry them.”

“He’s right.” Ruthann reached for Ellie’s hand. “Our faith is in our heavenly Father alone.”