“Did ya sing ‘The First Noel’?” he asked, brightening. “I like the story that one tells. Your Mammi said it was the first carol she learned in English as a child . . . ever so long ago.”

Ellie smiled, enjoying another of the family tidbits Dawdi liked to share.

“Jah, we sang all the verses, and ‘Silent Night,’ too. Evan used to say that carol made his eyes water.”

Dawdi chuckled. “I’d have to say it makes mine water, too.” He sighed. “It was a real nice time, seein’ everyone round your Mamm’s big table. But I guess I’m getting older . . . can’t miss my daily nap.”

“Far as I can tell, Dawdi, you’re the same as yesterday and the day before.”

“Nice of ya, Ellie-girl.”

She smiled, always at ease around him.

Dawdi blinked several times, like he was fighting back emotion. “May the Lord above keep watch over our Evan this day and always.”

“Amen to that,” Ellie whispered.

20

Three days after Christmas, Ellie was making supper with Mamm and saying how good it was that Leah could get home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Her mother nodded, listening as she cooked the chicken pieces with chopped potatoes, carrots, and celery in a large saucepan, preparing to make a pot pie. “According to your Dat, Sol and his family were thrilled ’bout that, too.”

“Sol and Aaron seemed so happy to have her along for the sleigh ride over to caroling the other night,” Ellie replied while rolling out half of the pie crust to press into a deep-dish pie pan.

“Because of her, Christmas was almost as special this year as other years, at least for you,” Mamm said softly. She glanced at Ellie. “I know this one was difficult for your Dat, especially.”

Ellie nodded. “Dawdi, too.”

“So true.” Mamm paused a moment, then added, “Your father has a lot on his mind. He’s been contemplating his original intention for the management of the orchard.”

Turning her head, Ellie asked, “Oh?”

“As you can imagine, he doesn’t want to risk movin’ forward with the plan for Evan to take over, not with things so uncertain.” Mamm sighed. “I’ll just say he’s grappling with it.”

“Poor Dat,” Ellie said quietly. “But I’m sure he’ll do the right thing.”

On the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, a letter from Leah arrived, and Ellie, eager to read it, went straight into the house. She opened the envelope and began reading while standing at one end of the kitchen, waiting for the part of the floor she’d mopped earlier to dry.

Dear Ellie,

This is the first chance I’ve had to write since returning from Christmas—it’s rare for the twins and Bobby to nap all at once. But I’d like you to know that my circle of friends at the Amish church here is growing, and I recently met someone.