Epilogue

Seven months have passed since Evan’s return. For me, the best day of all was sitting in the congregation on Baptism Sunday in mid-September, hearing my twin make his vows to God and the church. What a sight to see as the bishop’s tears mingled with the baptismal water poured on Evan’s flaxen hair. I doubt there was a dry eye in the house of worship that morning.

Tomorrow, another special moment will take place—Leah’s wedding to Reuben Miller. O Lord, bless them with a most special day.

While waiting for the second seating at Leah’s wedding supper, Mamm and I walked out to the little brook that ran through the Bontrager farm. Standing there with her, I stared down at the riffle of water, relishing the sound of it moving over rocks and twigs, the call of winter birds around us.

“Did ya notice how Leah’s face glowed when she looked at Reuben during the ceremony?” I asked.

“Jah. Reminded me of you and Sol on your wedding day.”

“I still can’t believe Leah is home to stay.”

“And your brother, too,” Mamm said, glancing at me. “Such a long journey back to what he nearly lost.”

“Evan wishes he’d never left.”

“We all would want that for him if we could, but he’s a much stronger Amishman now, with a deep faith.” Mamm sighed. “We either learn from our mistakes or keep repeatin’ them. It’s human nature. But thanks be to God, who answers our call for help.”

The supper bell rang, so we turned to head back to the house, arm in arm.

While waiting in line to go inside, I spotted Dawdi Hezekiah coming down the back porch steps, patting his middle. “Did ya overeat?” I asked, teasing him as he walked our way.

“Just wait’ll ya see all the food, Ellie-girl.” He described the usual wedding fare—roasted chicken pieces mixed with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and all the typical appetizing side dishes. “But the wedding cake—ach, appeditlich!” he said. “Melts in your mouth.”

“How’s Evan doin’ paired up with Reuben’s sister for the day?” I whispered, Mamm now talking with the neighbor standing behind her. I was curious, because Leah had told me how shy Hannah Mae was. Yet she hoped to move here to be closer to her newlywed brother.

Dawdi chuckled, then replied in an equally lowered voice, “Well now, I saw Evan lookin’ at her just as they were seated at the table, a twinkle in those blue eyes of his. And Hannah Mae, why, she couldn’t’ve disguised her big smile even if she’d wanted to.”

“I wonder if this is the start of somethin’ ’tween them.”

Dawdi’s expression grew mischievous. “I ain’t a bettin’ man, but if I was . . .” Now he was grinning.

A wave of joy washed over me at the possibility. I had to stifle my urge to laugh with delight, but it was ever so difficult.

That evening, Sol and I sat quietly in our bedroom after the day of celebration with Leah, Reuben, and all the wedding guests. I mentioned that Dat had seemed more energetic here lately, especially since Evan’s return, and Sol agreed.

“A man’s children are his responsibility under God, and when he learned that Evan was runnin’ with a worldly bunch, it took a toll on him,” Sol said while sitting in his favorite chair by the window.

“It wonders me if he might postpone retirement longer than he first thought,” I replied, running my hands through my newly brushed hair.

Sol chuckled. “I’ve been thinkin’ the same thing lately, and that’d be fine.”

“We still have plenty to learn from him.” I plumped our pillows, then slipped into bed. “And it’s a gut thing, too, havin’ Dat working with us every day . . . since our first baby will be comin’ durin’ the June peach harvest.”

Sol quickly came to my side of the bed and kissed me. “Aww, love. I’ve been waitin’ to hear such gut news,” he said, looking at me tenderly. “My sweet Ellie’s gonna be a Mamma and an orchard manager.”

“A Mamma first and foremost,” I said, leaning up to kiss him, too.

“We’ll teach him or her to love the orchard as we do,” Sol said, his eyes smiling.

I thought of Priscilla just then. “I wonder if we’ll have twins someday.”

“Twins would be a blessing,” Sol said, nuzzling my nose with his. “Or triplets.”

Now I was laughing and couldn’t stop.

“What’s so funny?”

At last, I said, “Mamm might have to move back in here if we have three babies at once.”

“Well, she’s right round the corner, remember.”

“True. But no need to plan too far ahead. Let’s just pray that our first little one will be healthy.”

Sol went around the bed to outen the lantern, then raised the quilt to settle in. I couldn’t help but reflect on the Lord’s merciful kindness to our family—ever so many blessings, indeed—and thanked Him in my silent nighttime prayer.