Mamm was glowing. “You were always one of us, son. Ya just forgot for a while.” She reached for a cookie and asked Ellie for some coffee.

Evan replied, “I know now why war is to be avoided at all costs. We Amish have it right—peace is always the thing to strive for. It’s to be cherished, in fact.”

Ellie listened as Evan shared more about his new outlook, as did her parents, Dat wide-eyed.

After a time, she poured more coffee for herself and Mamm and Dat, as well as more milk for Evan. “We’ll have a nice big gatherin’ for ya, Bruder. The whole family can come.”

Evan bowed his head. “I’ll need some time first.”

“However long it takes.” Ellie pressed her lips together to hold in the emotion. Life wasn’t exactly back to normal, not with Evan suffering the trauma he’d endured. Her heart broke for all he’d lost, but he was home and actually talking about God, and that was a very good start.

I can breathe again, she thought, ever so thankful. At long last.

41

Ellie scurried out to meet Sol on the back part of the porch while Dat helped Dawdi unhitch their horse by the stable. She told Sol that Evan had been in an explosion before suffering through months of recovery and rehab all while not even remembering who he was until recently. And he’d lost his left arm.

“He lost . . . what?” Sol clenched his jaw, clearly stunned.

“It’s a lot for him to deal with.” Her stomach turned again at the thought. “Yet he seems to be taking it in stride. Doesn’t seem like him.”

“He may be coverin’ up his real feelings, maybe for your sake and your parents’. I mean, how can ya lose a limb and not grieve the loss?” Sol sighed. “This is unbelievable.”

Ellie nodded. “Thank the Lord he didn’t lose his life. And there’s some good news, too. Evan wants to make things right with the bishop first thing.”

“Can you repeat that?” Sol said, pointing to his injured ear.

She did.

Sol looked startled. “So I did hear ya right the first time. What a blessing!”

“And not only that,” she said, glancing toward the side door, “but he’s talking of joinin’ church come fall.”

“Glory be!”

“That’s for sure. Evan’s heart’s been changed, Sol. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Sol leaned down to kiss her. “Your face is lit up like a candle.”

She hugged him tight. “Evan sounded eager to get out of his uniform. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s upstairs changin’ clothes right now.”

Sol followed her around to the side door.

Ellie continued, “Honestly, I was uncomfortable seein’ him dressed that way. He looked like he’d been plucked out of another world and dropped into an Amish farmhouse.”