“They were like the ministering spirits mentioned in the New Testament,” Evan said before they knelt in silent prayer. “The medics and corpsmen on the battlefields need prayer for energy and stamina, too. So many soldiers are wounded and dying every day.”

Ellie’s heart was touched by Evan’s sincere request, and she did as he’d asked. But she added a prayer for her brother’s emotional and mental state as well.

Before Evan headed up to his room for the night, Ellie offered him a warmed towel, and he thanked her.

“I also have some aloe juice, if ya think that would help soothe the scars on your face and neck,” she said.

“Wish I’d had that overseas. Might be too late now, but I’ll try it.”

Much later, as Ellie and Sol settled in their room for the night, she told him she had something to discuss before too long.

“Why not right now?” he asked as they sat in bed by the light of the lantern.

She moved closer to him. “I can’t help wonderin’ if Dat might be wishin’ he’d waited to appoint us the orchard’s future managers.”

“That crossed my mind, too.” Sol reached for her hand. “If it’ll help, just know that I can get a job with my older brother. That was always my plan before we were engaged.”

“You wouldn’t have continued workin’ here?” She was a little surprised.

“Maybe part-time. I would’ve missed workin’ in the orchard, no question, but I knew I’d need a better income eventually.” He paused. “About the time I was gonna tell ya, your Dat approached us ’bout takin’ on his role.”

Ellie sat there in the dim light and pondered that. “First I knew this.”

“So now that Evan’s back and lookin’ to become a church member, are ya thinkin’ of talking to your Dat ’bout changing the current plan?”

“If it’d free him up to follow his heart with this, jah.” She leaned her head on Sol’s shoulder, and he cupped her chin in his hand. “But only if you agree, love.”

“Go ahead, but with Evan missin’ an arm, I really don’t know how he could handle everything,” Sol said. “It could take him a long time to fully adapt. But your father will tell you what he’s thinkin’, and it’ll be less awkward if you’re the one to offer for us to bow out.”

“You don’t want to come with me to discuss it?”

Sol shook his head. “I’m in agreement with whatever’s decided.”