Seven months have passed since Evan’s return. For me, the best day of all was sitting in the congregation on Baptism Sunday in mid-September, hearing my twin make his vows to God and the church. What a sight to see as the bishop’s tears mingled with the baptismal water poured on Evan’s flaxen hair. I doubt there was a dry eye in the house of worship that morning.

Tomorrow, another special moment will take place—Leah’s wedding to Reuben Miller. O Lord, bless them with a most special day.

While waiting for the second seating at Leah’s wedding supper, Mamm and I walked out to the little brook that ran through the Bontrager farm. Standing there with her, I stared down at the riffle of water, relishing the sound of it moving over rocks and twigs, the call of winter birds around us.

“Did ya notice how Leah’s face glowed when she looked at Reuben during the ceremony?” I asked.

“Jah. Reminded me of you and Sol on your wedding day.”

“I still can’t believe Leah is home to stay.”

“And your brother, too,” Mamm said, glancing at me. “Such a long journey back to what he nearly lost.”

“Evan wishes he’d never left.”

“We all would want that for him if we could, but he’s a much stronger Amishman now, with a deep faith.” Mamm sighed. “We either learn from our mistakes or keep repeatin’ them. It’s human nature. But thanks be to God, who answers our call for help.”

The supper bell rang, so we turned to head back to the house, arm in arm.

While waiting in line to go inside, I spotted Dawdi Hezekiah coming down the back porch steps, patting his middle. “Did ya overeat?” I asked, teasing him as he walked our way.

“Just wait’ll ya see all the food, Ellie-girl.” He described the usual wedding fare—roasted chicken pieces mixed with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and all the typical appetizing side dishes. “But the wedding cake—ach, appeditlich!” he said. “Melts in your mouth.”

“How’s Evan doin’ paired up with Reuben’s sister for the day?” I whispered, Mamm now talking with the neighbor standing behind her. I was curious, because Leah had told me how shy Hannah Mae was. Yet she hoped to move here to be closer to her newlywed brother.

Dawdi chuckled, then replied in an equally lowered voice, “Well now, I saw Evan lookin’ at her just as they were seated at the table, a twinkle in those blue eyes of his. And Hannah Mae, why, she couldn’t’ve disguised her big smile even if she’d wanted to.”

“I wonder if this is the start of somethin’ ’tween them.”

Dawdi’s expression grew mischievous. “I ain’t a bettin’ man, but if I was . . .” Now he was grinning.