Ellie clasped her hand, gazing into the expressive brown eyes she knew so well. They’d not only encouraged her through the years but could read her like an unlocked diary. “I’ll pray for ya every day, Leah,” she said softly. “And I’ll miss our long walks and talks.”

“It’s prob’ly not for too long. Besides, I’ll be in touch, I promise.” Leah’s eyes glistened.

“I’ll count on that.”

When it was time for Leah to leave, Ellie walked her out to the buggy, where she untied the horse and readied the driving lines. “The Lord be with ya, Leah,” she said, stepping back from the wheels.

“Da Herr sei mit du,” Leah replied, waving and then picking up the lines. “I’ll be sure to write.”

Ellie smiled, and in a minute Leah was gone.

Ellie plodded back to the house and sat on the side of the porch, where Mamm had put out some pots with the purple and yellow pansies Dat gave her for Mother’s Day. And for a good fifteen minutes or more, Ellie pondered what had happened.

I can’t believe she’s leaving.

All the years they’d planned out their lives together—double-dating, family homes within an easy walk, their children growing up to be best friends just like they were. Was any of that going to happen now?

She sighed deeply. No one’ll ever take Leah’s place.

6

Wednesday morning, Lyle recognized Frank Herr at the historic Old Village Store in Bird-in-Hand. Jack’s father had aged significantly, even lost weight, since Lyle had seen him out riding his lawnmower last summer. Grief can do that, Lyle thought as he caught the man’s eye.

Dressed in dark blue bib overalls and a white undershirt like many of the Yankee farmers in the area wore, Frank was waiting to pay the cashier. Suddenly, he stepped out of line and came toward Lyle in the hardware section of the store. “Your son Evan has been a wonderful encouragement to our family since Jack’s death.” He paused, seemingly to collect himself. “Thanks for allowing him to spend time with us.”

Speechless, Lyle nodded.

“And if I’m not mistaken, our Cheryl has a little crush on him.”

Lyle quickly found his tongue. “Oh?”

“They’re young yet. I’m sure it’s simply friendship.”

Better be, Lyle thought, recalling how attractive Cheryl was. “Well, once Evan’s baptized, I ’spect he’ll stay closer to home.” He could tell the man wanted to engage him in conversation. The pain behind his eyes was quite apparent.

“To be clear, we wouldn’t think of stepping on any toes when it comes to that,” Frank was quick to reply.