She had to smile. “Sure, it can be Emmie’s and my morning snack,” she teased. “Oh, and yours, too.”

He was laughing, and she liked seeing him this happy over something as simple as homemade popcorn. But it gave her pause even while her own heart rose with delight in spite of her reservations.

Come Friday morning, Anna was eager to present the homemade doll clothes to Emmie. “These are for you, honey-girl,” she said the minute she arrived.

Without blinking an eye, Emmie left the kitchen and brought back her dolly and sat at the wooden bench next to the table, where she began to undress her. Emmie’s little fingers worked methodically, and very quickly, her doll was outfitted in its new dress and apron.

“And what if it’s cold outside?” Anna asked. “What will your dolly wear then?”

Emmie reached for the little black coat and held it up to show her.

“That’s right!” Anna could have cried, she was so happy. “Is it cold enough today for her to wear the coat?” she asked, delighted by the interaction and hoping for more.

Emmie shook her head.

“Maybe a sweater, then?” Anna asked.

Emmie nodded her head, eyes wide and ever so serious.

Anna couldn’t help staring at the darling girl. Goodness, can this be happening? “You’re talking to me in your own way, Emmie, ain’t so?” Anna asked softly.

Emmie nodded again, and Anna could scarcely contain her joy. It was almost as if they were having a conversation. “Is your Dat in his workshop?” she asked rather breathlessly.

Emmie nodded repeatedly, smiling at the dolly now and holding her up to Anna.

Anna was tempted to ask Emmie if she could say “jah,” but she didn’t want to interfere with this wonderful exchange.

Later, when Gabe came in for some cold meadow tea, Anna told him about Mammi Eliza’s fall and broken wrist, saying she’d forgotten to tell him when she’d seen him at the market.

“I’m awful sorry to hear it,” he said, his eyes kind.

Anna motioned for him to slip into the sitting room next to the kitchen with her while Emmie was focused on her dolly, showing it off to a much larger brown teddy bear and a petite rag doll.

Smiling, Gabe followed her, and Anna quickly told him what had transpired earlier. “Nearly every time I come here, Emmie seems to open up more. It’s so exciting to watch her come alive like this.”

Gabe’s eyes met hers. “There’s a gut reason for that,” he said quietly. “And if ya don’t mind, I’d like to talk to you before you leave today.” He glanced toward the kitchen doorway, as though not wanting Emmie to hear. “It’d be just for a minute or so.”

She had to respond. “All right,” she said, curious to know what was on his mind.