20 years later

"Bye! See you on Monday!" Leah Lewis-Hall said as she rushed past the nurses' station. Finally, a weekend off. She had been working for ten straight days and was exhausted. She knew her job was rewarding and she took pride in caring for her patients, but being an ER nurse could be taxing at times. It was already dark out, it was a muggy August evening. She climbed into her SUV & began to scroll through her phone and check her text messages. Only one from her mother, telling her that she needs to call her immediately. Leah taps the screen & dials her mother. Roberta Dutton-Baker answered the phone with a normal, but concerned tone. "Leah, my darling! How was your day?" Leah replied "so busy, we were slammed the entire 12 hours I worked. I didn't even get a lunch break." Roberta asks, "would you like to swing by the house for some supper? Dale grilled today and there's more than plenty. And we need to have a talk. It's nothing bad and you're not in trouble! But something came in the mail for you today that I think you should have." Dale Baker was husband number six. Leah never thought her mother would remarry after her step father Neil's death 2 years into their marriage, but she did 3 years ago. She met Dale on a dating app and they immediately clicked. Dale was a kind man, 10 years older than his wife and Leah got along with him. He moved into the old farmhouse with Roberta right after the wedding. "Sure, I'm starving and now my mind is wandering, I'll be over there in 15 minutes, I'm leaving the hospital right now." Leah said bye to her mother and pulled out of the emergency room parking lot. Her mind was racing the entire drive there. What could have come in the mail that's so important that she can't tell me over the phone?

Leah pulled up to the old farmhouse, it was completely dark out on the property except for her headlights shining. She climbed out of the SUV and used her key to let herself into the house. "Hi Mom! I'm here!" Roberta called back, "we're in the kitchen!" Leah walked to the spacious kitchen and greeted her mother and stepfather. After making herself a plate, she asks "so, what came in the mail that's so important?" Roberta walked to the counter and retrieved a small crinkled envelope. "I didn't open it, I promise! But it was tempting." Roberta handed Leah the letter and her heart dropped to her stomach as she read the name on the return address. Ethan Longacre. It had been 20 years since their whirlwind teenage romance. It was the best 2 years of her life and still was to this day. Roberta said "well, aren't you going to open it?" Leah replied, "yes, but I'm nervous. It's been 20 years, Mom. I wonder what he has to say, why is he reaching out 20 years later? Why now?"

Leah gripped the crinkled envelope in her hand and kept rereading his name. Ethan Longacre. Finally she gathered up her courage and ripped the envelope open and pulled out a letter written on notebook paper.

My Leah,

I hope this letter finds you well. You often occupy my thoughts and I find myself reflecting on our time together. It has been so many years but I have been having thoughts of you these days, God is putting you on my heart. I need to know that you are doing well. I am sorry for not trying to write sooner but I was unsure if it would be appropriate. I carry many regrets, Leah. I had to return to my family, they needed my support and I do not regret that decision. I regret leaving you behind. I regret all the time that has slipped away that we can't get back. My love for you has never faded, I love you now as I loved you then. I have talks with Charity about you still, she misses you as well. I know you two wrote letters for several years but life got busy and you lost touch. Charity married Jonah Dewberry and they have 6 children. 4 girls and 2 boys. Ma and Pa are doing well. Oma was very sick when I returned home, she passed away that winter. Opa passed away 3 years ago. My other siblings are well. All married and they all have several children. I have not talked with Eli since our visit so much time ago. Did you keep in touch with him and his family? How is your mother doing? She was always so kind for me and I will forever be grateful to her for taking me in. There is so much I wish to tell you but I am running out of room on the paper and my lamp light is fading. Please write back to me? I will understand if you don't. I hope I do not upset you with this letter. I hope you are well and healthy. I pray you write back to me.

Love, Ethan.

Leah was stunned. She reread the letter a few times then handed it to her mother. Never in a million years did she think this day would come. She thought he was gone forever, lost to his Amish heritage. Roberta read over the letter and handed it back to Leah. "Where is all this coming from?" Roberta asked. "Your guess is as good as mine." Leah replied. Roberta asked "Well, are you going to write him back?" Leah pondered the question, her heart was telling her yes. Her head, her head was curious why was he reaching out now? Why not a long time ago? And why didn't he mention his wife or his kids? To protect her heart? It was too late for that he'd broken it all those years ago. Did he marry Martha Dewberry, the girl who he was all but arranged to marry after he was baptized in the church. It was getting late, and Leah was exhausted from her shift. "Well, it's getting awfully late and it's been a long day and I have a lot to think about after tonight." Leah stood up and grabbed her purse. Roberta stood up and gave her a hug and walked her to the door. "I wish you wouldn't have to drive home so late, why don't you stay in your old room?" Leah replied, "I wish I could but this is my first weekend off in months and my to-do list is miles long. But I will be seeing you tomorrow when we go shopping!" They exchanged I love you's and Leah walked to her SUV in the dark August night.

Leah drove the 15 minutes home in silence, her thoughts all over the place. "God is putting you on my heart." "I love you now as I loved you then." The words echoed in his voice in her head. She pulled into the housing development and into her driveway. It was a quiet Friday night. No one was out and about. She grabbed her mail and walked into her dark, quiet house. Turning on all the lights and the TV for some noise, she showered and dressed in pajamas. She put a movie on but just couldn't concentrate. He was on her mind as she drifted into a deep, well needed restful sleep.