Ellie and Ruthann took their seats and waited as the others joined them. Menno caught Ellie’s eye and smiled at her across the table, and she smiled back, though not too broadly—especially since Ruthann seemed disappointed that they weren’t going out as couples.

When the last song had been sung, the youth milled around the basement, talking and pairing up. Menno walked over to Ellie and asked if she’d like to go out riding.

She agreed, and they headed up the stairs behind Ruthann and Sol. She’ll enjoy the evening, Ellie thought, glad to have some time with just Menno at last. Hopefully, talking one-on-one tonight, they’d get to know each other better.

The night air was bitterly cold as they left the hosting farmhouse and walked to Menno’s buggy. There, he unfolded the heavy lap blankets, and Ellie was extra glad for her woolen scarf and mittens.

Under the light of the near half-moon, Menno clicked his tongue and directed the horse onto the road. He couldn’t have looked any more handsome holding the driving lines, sitting there next to her. She’d wondered how she might feel on such an outing, just the two of them.

“A real perty night,” she said softly, looking at the stars.

“And real nippy.” Menno chuckled.

Shivering, she waited for him to say more, wishing he might put his arm around her, even just to keep her warm, yet knowing he probably wouldn’t since they weren’t officially courting.

“What do ya hear from your brother these days?” Menno asked.

“Oh, he’ll be comin’ up on the end of his two months of Advanced Infantry Training soon.”

“Comin’ home for his thirty-day leave?”

“I’m guessing so.”

Menno bristled. “He hasn’t told ya? That doesn’t seem right.”

She was surprised by his response. “I’m sure a lot’s goin’ through Evan’s mind after more than three months away from home and all.”

Menno nodded. “A long time to be in a foreign land.”

“Jah, well, we all know Evan made a terrible choice,” she replied, feeling uncomfortable.

“I wonder if he’ll ever admit to makin’ a mistake.” Menno looked at her. “Has he ever said anything to you?”

The way Menno sounded just now, she really didn’t care to share the personal things Evan had written to her. So she didn’t answer his question.

“I guess it’s none of my business,” he finally said.

“Maybe we should talk ’bout something else.” She wished he hadn’t asked about Evan. It was hard enough, dealing with this strange time without her brother, and now to have to face such pointed questions from someone she liked . . . Well, it was disappointing.

“I prob’ly shouldn’t say this, but Evan’s like no other Amish fella I know. Seems awful selfish.”