A few minutes later, Sol gave Ruthann packages to pass back to Menno and Ellie, keeping one for herself. Opening them, they discovered dark green homemade candles in jelly jars with narrow red ribbons tied around them.

“Ooh, these are nice,” Ruthann cooed. “Did you make these, Sol?”

Menno laughed at that, and Sol explained that they were his mother’s handiwork.

Ruthann held hers up and said, “It’ll make the Christmas table even more cheerful.”

“Be sure an’ thank your Mamm,” Menno said.

“Jah, from me, too,” Ellie added. “It’s so thoughtful.”

Sol suggested they all sing “Jingle Bells,” and he led out with a voice deep and clear.

Ellie observed the joy on Sol’s face as he smiled over at Ruthann, his voice rising into the crisp and frosty air, the sky as gray as goose down.

But her thoughts were elsewhere. She could still feel the weight of Menno’s gloved hand on hers. Will our relationship pick up now?

After baking pies and more cookies the next morning with Mamm and helping her plan the menu for Christmas dinner, Ellie took time to visit Leah with three dozen of her still-warm sand tarts along as a little surprise.

Leah’s mother’s eyes widened when Ellie placed the treats on the table. “I can never get them quite this thin,” Nan said, taking a bite and smiling. “You have a knack, Ellie.”

“They’re my Christmas gift to your family,” Ellie replied as Leah reached for a cookie, too. “And ’specially for Leah.”

“Denki, and I’ll be sure to share.” Leah took a bite. “Oh, yummy.”

“Sol certainly didn’t share the fudge you gave him,” Nan said, smiling.

“Jah, he took the tin to his bedroom and prob’ly hid it.” Leah laughed.

Nan went to the cupboard and removed a saucepan. “I’ll make some hot cocoa while you girls get comfortable by the coal stove in the front room.”

“Oh, that’ll be nice,” Ellie said.

Leah tied her Mamm’s apron in back for her, then led the way to the front room.

Thrilled to spend time with her friend again, Ellie sat with Leah on the sofa.

“Would ya like to go on a sleigh ride this evening?” Leah asked. “Sol and Aaron are takin’ the sleigh to the caroling with die Youngie. It’ll be a fun way for us to get there.”

“Sure.” Ellie recalled riding in the sleigh at Christmas with Leah and members of her family every few years. “For old times’ sake,” she said.

“We’ll come down an’ pick you up after supper,” Leah added.

“I’m glad we can spend some time together like this.”

“And tonight, too.” Leah had a big smile on her face. “Unless you’d rather go with Menno.”

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll see him there, but I don’t get to see you as much.”

Leah nodded. “Be sure to bundle up.”