Closing her eyes, Ellie was relieved at Sol’s kindhearted understanding. She tried to think what it’d be like not to be involved in the business side of things after all this time working alongside Dat and loving the orchard as she did. But Evan had made an about-face, and it was worthwhile to share with Dat how she and Sol felt.

“Sleep peacefully,” Sol whispered, “knowin’ that we’ll be well taken care of either way—whether I work elsewhere or we continue on here.”

She scooted down under the covers and let that sink in. I want Evan to know how happy we are to have him home, she thought before slipping toward sleep.

Lyle turned in bed and draped his arm over Elisabeth as she lay on her side. He’d dreamed Evan had returned home intact, not wounded at all and still hardheaded and distant, then headed straight for the Herr farm and his worldly friends. It was all Lyle could do to relax, and he had to remind himself that Evan was indeed severely wounded, yet his heart was in the right place.

“You all right, dear?” Elisabeth murmured.

“Just a bad dream.”

“You were gasping.”

“I’m fine now.”

“Something ’bout Evan?”

He scooted closer and reassured her he was okay. “Our son has returned to us. There’s no cause to fret, love.”

“M-hm,” she whispered, then sighed back into slumber.

Lyle remained awake, recalling the day’s events and feeling wholly indebted to the Lord above. All the same, he felt certain that Evan’s sense of self-worth was at stake, given the trauma and loss he’d endured and would suffer for some time. Our son needs to find something meaningful to do, something that will give him a purpose.

42

Hope ya still like your eggs over easy,” Ellie said to Evan in the kitchen the next morning as she finished making chocolate chip pancakes for him and Sol.

Evan nodded and smiled. “You’re spoilin’ me, Ellie—it’s been so long since I had a choice.”

Sol poured coffee for the three of them, mentioning that the peach trees would be putting on their pink dresses in another day.

“In time to celebrate Evan’s return,” Ellie said, wondering what her brother might say.

“The Lord sure knows how to throw a party,” he replied, stirring sugar into his coffee.

Ellie laughed softly. Her brother must’ve had a good night’s sleep, because he seemed a little more perky this morning.

“I’ll be visiting Bishop Mast after breakfast,” Evan said, taking a sip of coffee before setting down his mug. “Want to tell him how God changed my mind about a few things.”