“I can’t believe this, Heidi. It’s so kind of you,” Anna said, running her fingers gently over the embroidery. “Denki.”

“Yellow roses stand for friendship . . . as maybe you know.”

Anna nodded. “Which makes this perfect.” She smiled at her. “You and your sister have gone out of your way to make me feel so welcome.”

Heidi blushed at the compliment.

“I really feel like part of the community here with my mother’s Old Order cousins, as well.”

“Don’t you miss electricity?” Heidi asked, moving back and forth in the porch rocker.

“I really thought I would, but I’m getting used to being without it.”

Heidi raised her eyebrows. “I’m not sure I could.”

“Well, not having a car would be much harder.”

“Right,” Heidi said. “My siblings and I all share one presently.” She pointed to the older model Ford parked at the end of the yard.

“More affordable,” Anna commented, enjoying their relaxed conversation.

“It’ll probably end up being Lester’s, but for now, we take turns.” At Lester’s name, Heidi looked at Anna and brightened. “We’ll be having another after-church party in a couple of weeks. I hope you’ll come again.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

Their conversation slowly moved to other things—Heidi’s work as a part-time nanny for an Englisher in their neighborhood, and one particular fellow in the church who had recently asked her out.

Anna wondered if Heidi might hint about double-dating at some point, but she didn’t bring it up. Instead, Heidi unexpectedly brought up Peaceful Meadows. “I suppose you’re making some friends there, too,” she said.

“Yes, quite a few.”

“I’m glad for you,” Heidi said. “I doubt I could make the transition to another town as gracefully as you have.”

“Well, things are coming together quite nicely, which seems to confirm that it was God’s will for me to come here.” Anna smiled at her. “And to meet you, Heidi.”

They talked about going swimming next Friday afternoon with Eleanor and some of the other girls in the youth group. Suddenly, Anna remembered that she would be going for coffee at Barbara Mast’s house. “I’d really like to if I’m back in time,” Anna said. “I’ve been invited to have coffee with some Amish friends.”

“House Amish?”

Anna nodded. “The woman who invited me is Old Order.” Like her former brother-in-law, Gabe, thought Anna. “I’ll tell you all about it, okay?”

Heidi smiled. “Okay!”

Then Anna caught herself, not sure how many people she wanted to know about this visit, lest it somehow drift back to her parents.

Chapter 31