Why’s he telling us this? Lyle wondered, glancing at Sol.

“When I received your daughter’s letter, she told me about your son Evan. I was sincerely moved.” George smiled faintly. “What I’m getting to is that the trials your family went through, especially when Evan went MIA, made me do some soul-searching about the price.”

Lyle realized that Ellie had indeed shared a lot with George about their family’s difficulties, just as he’d privately speculated to Elisabeth.

“So, I’m prepared to offer my land to you at a reduced price,” said George.

Lyle almost gasped. “Well, we sincerely appreciate that. But you should know that Evan has miraculously returned home—though permanently wounded in battle.”

“All the more reason, then,” George replied, smiling. “You and your family have truly suffered, and because of it, I’d like to sell my land to you at a third less than the asking price,” he said.

“Are ya sure?” Lyle asked, astonished.

“Absolutely.”

Lyle planned to stop by the bank later and make the necessary arrangements to purchase the land from George. The sale also included the area with the barn, though Lyle hadn’t requested it.

With hearts filled with gratitude, he, Ellie, and Sol headed back home.

“Well, that was unexpected, ain’t?” Sol said.

“Praise be!” Lyle responded, nodding.

“I’m beyond happy,” Ellie declared.

“You were born happy, as I recall.” Lyle chuckled, remembering what a joy both twins had been as babies.

“Easy to imagine that,” Sol said, smiling at her.

“We certainly wouldn’t be where we are at this moment if you hadn’t stuck out your neck,” Lyle told her.

“Maybe my letter to George was part of God’s plan,” Ellie said rather humbly.

Lyle glanced over at her. “I believe you just may be right.”

When they returned from visiting George Stewart, Ellie walked down the lane and opened the mailbox. Right on top of the stack of mail was a letter from Leah, and without bothering to look through the rest, she hurried to the front porch and sat on the top step to read.

Dear Ellie,

I’m so happy to hear that Evan is coming home. Please tell him I can’t wait to see him when I return to Bird-in-Hand—when I move back just before my wedding in November, if not before. I’m so glad Reuben decided to accept the job in Bird-in-Hand!

I’ve been excited to tell you that I’ve become good friends with Reuben’s younger sister, Hannah Mae, and she’s agreed to be one of my bridesmaids. Since you’re married, of course I can’t have you, but Hannah Mae will be a special choice since her brother’s the groom. I’ll probably choose one of Menno’s younger sisters for the other bridesmaid, even though I’m not nearly as close to those cousins as I am to you.