Early Thursday morning, Ellie was picking peaches from the same tree as Menno, who had asked her to join him. She was quick to do so.

“The volleyball tournament sure was loads of fun last Saturday,” Menno said with a grin. “I wish we played volleyball at every youth gathering, ’specially during the warm weather.”

“Jah, I’ve always enjoyed playin’.” Ellie placed the peaches carefully into the harvesting crate she’d strapped around her shoulders and waist. “Maybe the girls could play against the boys sometime.”

“Gut idea.”

Ellie realized how nice it was to spend time with Menno beneath the shade of the tree like this.

“Say, Ellie. I wonder if you’d like to double-date with Yonnie Kurtz and his girlfriend, Katie, on Sunday. I’d suggest doubling with Sol, but Ruthann and her parents are goin’ to visit relatives down in Quarryville, and won’t be back in time for her to get to Singing.”

Pleased, Ellie nodded. “Sure, that’ll be fun.”

“Yonnie and I thought it’d be nice to take you girls for some ice cream at my cousin’s place,” he said, his golden-brown eyes twinkling.

“Wunnerbaar,” she replied, looking forward to it.

He smiled, and they moved around to the other side of the tree. It was the first time they’d picked together, and she was delighted.

Pinch yourself. You’re goin’ out again with Menno Bontrager, she thought, inwardly sighing. Every girl’s dream . . .

That Sunday evening, Dat dropped Ellie off for Singing since Evan had left after the post-Preaching fellowship meal and hadn’t yet returned. More and more, it seemed like he was too eager to spend extra time away from home.

Things are so different between Evan and me, she thought. He lives and works at home, but I can almost see the walls he’s building around him.

When it was time for refreshments halfway through Singing, Ellie noticed Menno over in the corner, talking with his cousin Yonnie. She was excited for another double-date but sorry it couldn’t be with Sol and Ruthann.

She picked up a sugar cookie just as Sol wandered over for a can of cold pop. He seemed hesitant at first, then said, “Leah wrote me a short note and said to tell ya she’s awful sorry to hear ’bout Evan’s low draft number—she must’ve heard it from the grapevine, ’cause I didn’t tell her. She’ll be writin’ a long letter to ya soon.”

Leah must wonder why I didn’t tell her, Ellie thought.

“But the best part—she’s comin’ home for Thanksgiving,” Sol added.

“That’s great news. Oh, I can hardly wait to see her.”

“Believe me, she feels the same way.”

Ellie looked at her cookie, “Ya know, I feel sad ’bout joining church without her.”

Sol nodded. “You and Leah were two peas in a pod. Well, are.”