Gabe listened intently, and as the sun lowered in the sky and they sat together in the big hay wagon, Anna considered all they had shared in the space of a few hours.

The evening was filled with autumn smells—woodsmoke, caramel popcorn, and newly tilled soil—as the wagon slowly rumbled along over the vacant field. And there they sat, contented with each other, talking about their respective backgrounds.

Toward the end of the long wagon ride, night had fallen and some couples were snuggling a bit, which made Anna very aware of how close she was sitting next to Gabe due to the press of the crowd. So close, she caught the spicy scent of his cologne and could almost feel his heart beating.

On the van ride back to Strasburg, Gabe was silent, and Anna mentally relived their time together today, including the hints he’d dropped, especially having asked if she had joined church back home. That’s very telling for any Plain girl. She realized she was either on dangerous ground by continuing to help with Emmie and spend time with Gabe, or on the brink of an unforeseen path.

But these stirrings of affection could cloud her thinking, and she didn’t want to miss God’s will, not when Martin Nolt made better sense. Besides, she had never considered becoming Old Order Amish!

Gabe got out of the van and helped her down, holding her hand a little longer than necessary. “I hope you had a wunnerbaar-gut time, Anna,” he said, walking her toward the house.

“I did,” she admitted. “Hope you did, too.”

“It was one of my best days,” he said quietly, “in a very long time.”

Since the passenger van was parked and waiting with passengers, she thanked him for suggesting the festival and reached for the screen door.

“Next time it’s my treat,” he said, grinning before he turned to go.

How can there be a next time? she thought, hurrying into the house.

Sadie couldn’t help but notice Anna’s unusual quiet as she came inside, and later, too, while they sat in the kitchen together. “Ain’t my business, but if you’d like to talk ’bout anything, I’m here,” she said.

Anna nodded. “I think I do need some advice.” She paused and drew in an audible breath. “I felt something for Gabe today that I haven’t felt for Mart,” she said. “Actually, both Gabe and I felt it—I’m sure of it.”

This confirmed what Sadie had been wondering, although Anna had shared with her before about Gabe’s interest.

“It’s just that I feel so at home with Gabe,” Anna continued.

“Des gut, jah?”

Anna fell silent for a moment. Then she said softly, “Can you tell me more about your beliefs, and your house-church meetings?”

Sadie smiled. “Well now, I’d be right happy to. . . .”

Chapter 44

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 1948