Evan managed to get in on the driver’s side, a flat expression on his face as he stared at the dashboard.

She waited, not interrupting his thoughts. This wasn’t the first time she’d seen him like this. Everything’s different, she thought, determined to encourage him, to offer him cheer and acceptance—and hope.

“Do you think Sol might take a ride with me?” Evan asked suddenly.

“Once his work’s done tonight, he might. Dat’s signing the bank loan for the new land this evening.”

“I’d really like to go riding now,” Evan said, rather insistent.

She thought about that. “Well, what ’bout me?”

“Better yet,” Evan said, scooting out of the buggy.

Together, they pushed the open carriage out of the shed and then headed over to the stable. Evan led Nelly down to hitch her up. The mare nuzzled against Evan while he was trying to put the harness over her head.

“Aww, she missed ya,” Ellie said.

Evan stroked Nelly’s long nose and talked softly to her. “Wish I had a sugar cube in my pocket for ya, girl.”

“You always liked spoilin’ her and Captain,” Ellie said, memorizing this moment. “I daresay you’re a born horse lover.”

“You got that right.”

“Maybe someday you could assist the vet.”

“I’d like that,” Evan replied, a smile appearing. “I really would.”

Ellie pushed the driving lines through the openings in the dashboard, wondering how Evan would manage to hold them both. But he must have thought it through, because he quickly grasped them in his right hand when Ellie stepped into the buggy. At the click of his tongue, Nelly moved forward, and they were off.

A mile or so down the road, Evan let out a holler. “Yahoo!”

Ellie laughed out loud, and meeting his gaze, she detected the old twinkle in his eyes. “I love seein’ ya this happy.”

“I’m finally back. And home is best.”

Ellie sighed with contentment, the wind in her face, her twin by her side, enjoying their first ride together in ever so long.

Sisters Day the last Saturday in April began with pastries and coffee around Aendi Cora’s kitchen table. Ruthann had put out pretty floral dishes and matching teacups and saucers. Ellie had brought her gooey cream-filled donuts, and Lydia had a baker’s dozen of her wonderful sticky buns to share. Their offerings combined with all the others’ goodies.

Altogether, eight sets of sisters were present, including Mamm and Aendi Cora, making the table chatter joyful. Ellie was happy to sit next to Lydia for once without the distraction of little ones vying for their attention.

Lydia whispered amidst all the noise. “Can ya keep a secret?”

Ellie nodded, wondering what this was.

“Priscilla thinks she might be expecting twins. She said I could tell you and no one else.”

“That’d be just wunnerbaar,” Ellie said, though a bit surprised Priscilla would mention this.