This isn’t the Evan who left to fight, Lyle thought, and he wasted no time in replying. “I certainly do forgive ya, son.”

Evan sighed audibly. “And something else. I want to be baptized this September.”

“That’s music to my ears.” Elated, Lyle searched Evan’s face.

“I received your letter, but then the explosion happened, and I wasn’t able to reply. But it came at the right time.”

“We’ll begin anew.”

“I’m ready for that.” Evan reached down to pick up his bag, then hoisted it onto his right shoulder. He surveyed the house, the cider shed, and the orchard beyond as if drinking it all in, his expression one of bliss. “Standing here . . . it doesn’t even feel real.”

Lyle glanced toward the house. “I daresay Ellie’s peekin’ out the front window, mighty eager to see ya.”

“I sure missed her.”

They resumed walking, and Shadow came bounding out to meet them, his tail whipping back and forth.

“Hey there, boy,” Evan said, reaching down to rub the dog’s neck, his left sleeve dangling.

Shadow whined almost sadly.

The door opened, and Ellie flew out. “Bruder!” she hollered, running toward him.

Evan stretched out his only arm, and instead of her being horrified, her eyes filled with tears of love. She smiled as Evan reached for her.

“Wasn’t sure I’d ever see ya again,” he said as Ellie clung to him.

Ellie and Evan headed up to the house. “Come inside and have some goodies,” she said. “The neighbors, relatives . . . all the People have been bringin’ food by. And I baked your favorite pie.”

Lyle stepped back, realizing Evan would have seen the new addition by now and probably put two and two together. “I’ll head over and tell your Mamm you’ve arrived,” he said, leaving the twins alone for their reunion and choking back tears for his injured son.

———

Ellie had watched from the house prior to running out to greet Evan, and when she’d realized the extent of his injuries, she’d felt the first pricks of tears. Quickly, she’d wiped them away, exhorting herself to be strong for her brother’s sake. I have all night to cry. This is the time to rejoice.

Now she observed him as he sat in his usual spot at the long table, though he’d struggled to be seated.