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salvation is?”
    His gentle smile wavered. “Perhaps. But there is strength in numbers, in banding together against the onslaught of worldliness. What are a few rules when one is surrounded by such a rich culture of faith and unbroken families?”
    Steven never went for the jugular. He stayed steadfast and gentle. She knew too many church leaders who would point fingers and sling the phrase “you’re going to hell for …” A lot of things could fill that spot—embracing the Englisch lifestyle or not submitting to her Daed’s wishes, just to mention two.
    Steven finally took a bite of his pudding. “You stay safe. I think we’re supposed to get more snow later tonight.”
    “We’ll drive slowly.” She slid into her coat. “Bye.”
    She scurried to Landon’s truck and climbed in. “Sorry.” She shivered. “I had almost made it out the door when I got held up by Steven.”
    “Not a problem.” Landon pulled out of the driveway. “Was it?”
    “No. Steven’s as careful with his words as I’m trying to be with mine.”
    When time allowed, she and Landon had attended Unity Hill on Sunday nights for nearly a year and a half. A few months back they sat in his truck in the church parking lot, talking about faith and their hopes until nearly midnight. And then they prayed together, giving their hearts and lives to Christ. The prayer didn’t change or solidify anything about their future together. They agreed on that. The prayer meant they were both new creatures in Christ, just as it said in Second Corinthians chapter 5. That night, bathed in the forgiveness and hope of Christ, Leah knew that with a past like hers, she’d already received far more than she deserved.
    But she had no clue how to pull away from her family or how to leave the family business when they needed her.
    Landon pressed the brakes hard. “Whoa.” He pointed out the window at a large moose crossing the road.
    “We spot more moose than anyone I know.”
    They started talking and never paused until they were walking through the church doors. They went to the classroom where the young adults met. The topic for the last six months had been discipleship. After that they listened to the preacher teach from the pulpit on the grace of God. This was her favorite topic: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them …” Her heart pounded with excitement. This pastor used numerous historical books and discussed the best translation of words from the original Hebrew and Aramaic. The teachings were so different from those in the Amish church. It fascinated her, and yet she could see how the Word for each—the Amish and the Englisch—was built on faith and had merit.
    After the last song they walked to the front steps of the church.
    Pastor Weld stood about halfway down the stairs, telling folks good-bye. He held out his hand to Leah. “It’s always good to see you two.”
    Leah shook his weathered hand. “We enjoy coming.”
    “Good.” He shook Landon’s hand. “Would you mind if I made a home visit one day?”
    Landon hesitated. “You could come to my place anytime.”
    “Yes, only your place, Landon. I should’ve thought to clarify my meaning.” Pastor Weld lowered his voice. “I understand the complexities of Leah’s family being Amish and the need for discretion.”
    “Exactly.” Landon nodded. “Do you need my address?”
    A horse and buggy slowed on the main street right in front of the church. Leah suddenly wished she were invisible. Since she and Landon were under the church’s floodlights, whoever was in that rig could see Landon and her clearly. But with it being dark, she couldn’t see who was in the rig.
    “You filled out a card about a year ago.” The pastor pulled a pair of leather gloves out of his pocket and put them on. “Do you still live in the same place?”
    “Yeah.” Landon glanced at her and then to the road.
    The pastor looked in that direction. “Then I’ll use that information.”
    As the