Later, when the cat got up and padded away, Anna showed Emmie the picture book she’d brought from the library, An Amish Christmas, written by Richard Ammon. “This is a story about a boy and his sister celebrating Christmas,” Anna told her. “Let’s go up and sit in the tree house to read it,” she said, leading the way.

Emmie followed and climbed up the short ladder, taking a seat next to her on the wood floor.

The Friday before, Emmie had chosen to sit farther away for their story time, but each week, she moved noticeably closer. Anna’s hope was for Emmie to someday sit right beside her while she read, without any prompting. I believe it will happen, she thought while reading aloud and showing Emmie the beautiful illustrations. At one point, she noticed Emmie lean forward suddenly to look closely at the page where the children’s parents rode with them in the sleigh.

Anna also made a practice of talking with Emmie about their heavenly Father and His loving care for all of God’s children, including Emmie and her Dat. And when she did, Anna fixed her gaze on Emmie . . . and Emmie smiled.

As usual, Gabe was just a shout away, busy drafting plans and working in his woodworking shop. Considering that she wasn’t traditional Amish, Anna was still surprised at Gabe’s trust of her with his daughter.

Today, however, Anna noticed Gabe walk over to the well pump and draw water to wash his hands. Unexpectedly, Emmie’s eyes met hers, as if to say she’d seen her father there. “Do you want to go down to him?” Anna asked.

Emmie shook her head no.

Anna tried not to react, but inside, she was thrilled. Emmie had responded! Oh, Anna wanted to clap her hands, but she knew better than to frighten Emmie.

Anna tested the waters again. “Are ya sure you don’t want to go down the ladder and see your Dat?”

Again, Emmie shook her head, her eyes focused on Anna.

“Okay, we’ll keep reading, then.” Anna could hardly wait to tell Gabe.

Bootsie came up to them again, flopped down near Emmie, and rolled over, all four paws in the air.

Anna laughed at the silly cat. “I think Bootsie wants you to pet him again.” She watched, wondering if Emmie might reach over and stroke his tummy as before.

Emmie didn’t even look at the cat.

“Let’s finish the book and maybe Bootsie will listen, too,” Anna suggested.

Emmie surprised Anna again by nodding her head.