“Nee!”

He chuckled now. “It’s Menno Bontrager, ain’t?”

“Evan!”

He glanced at her, his expression full of mirth. “I guessed, didn’t I?”

Ellie folded her arms and pretended to ignore him.

“C’mon,” Evan said, pressing again. “I’ve told ya who I like.”

She shook her head. “I wish ya hadn’t. It makes no sense to date an Englischer.” Frustrated, she puffed out a breath. She’d prayed that Evan might tire of his penchant for outsiders. “I know at least three Amish girls who’d love to be asked out ridin’ with ya. Why not give one a chance?”

Round the bend, they came up on Onkel Omar’s rambling white clapboard house on the left, set on a wide spread of land with a woodworking shop out back. Ellie looked to see if Aendi Marla was outdoors with their school-age children, but she didn’t see anyone. Maybe they’ve gone visiting, too. The way this ride was going with Evan, she wished she’d gone with her parents and Dawdi Hezekiah.

After what seemed like a long pause, Evan said, “Don’t fret ’bout so many things, Ellie. Who I see doesn’t affect us. We’re twins, so we’ll always be close.”

Ellie sighed. “I care ’bout ya, Evan, and Dat does, too. I know ya like Cheryl, but surely you’re not backing away from the faith.” She paused for a second. “Maybe you could seek out Deacon Lapp if you have questions.”

Evan became quiet, and Ellie felt sure she’d spoiled the rest of their ride together.

———

Immediately after unhitching the mare and leading her to the big water tank with the other horses, Evan took off to play volleyball. Ellie was pleased to discover that Leah had just arrived with her brother Solomon. She and Leah decided to sit with several other girls on the back porch, including the deacon’s niece, seventeen-year-old Arie Ann, and her same-age cousin, Sally. Ellie noted the two girls, both wearing royal blue, were nicely dressed for the occasion. So was Leah, who wore her tan dress and black apron, while Ellie wore her newest plum-colored dress and matching apron.

A folding table placed out on the wide porch held two pitchers of iced meadow tea, drinking glasses, and bowls of popcorn and peeled orange slices.

Ellie glanced around for Cousin Ruthann but didn’t see her on the porch or over playing volleyball. How she wished she’d come, since Sol was there. She guessed her cousin hadn’t bothered to check on his plans like she’d suggested. She’ll be so disappointed when she finds out.

While she and Leah sat with the others, Ellie couldn’t help noticing that her friend wasn’t her usual perky self. Her expression was drawn and serious, and she hardly said a word when spoken to. Is she feeling under the weather?