Chapter XXVII begins with the group’s arrival in Wymore just as the morning church service is finishing, presenting the perfect opportunity for them to make their delivery. Lester parks the large pink Bible bus in front of the church, preparing to deliver a batch of pink Bibles, something Lill is confident will be well received, particularly by the minister’s wife. Lill, always supportive, offers words of encouragement, accompanied by a quick kiss for good luck, which leaves Lester blushing, his chest puffed with pride. She has spent time coaching him, helping him build his confidence, and it’s clear that her influence has made a noticeable impact on how he carries himself. Lester, once hesitant and unsure, now stands taller and ready to take on the task with a newfound sense of purpose.

As Lester steps away to make the delivery, Lill watches him intently from the bus, her eyes filled with affection and concern. Her love for him is evident, but there’s also a sense of anxiety about the success of this moment. Meanwhile, Fish and Will begin to joke around, disrupting the tense atmosphere with playful banter. Their laughter is a brief reprieve from the tension, but it’s quickly overshadowed when Lester returns with a triumphant air. He announces that not only did the minister accept the Bibles, but the Wymore Women’s Guild also placed an order for three more cases. This news is a huge relief for Lester, who had been anxious about the possibility of unsold inventory, and the success of the delivery fills him with a sense of accomplishment.

Buoyed by this success, Lester, feeling more confident, recruits Fish and Will to help carry the boxes into the church. While they attempt to keep a low profile, worried about being recognized from the news reports about the missing children, they can’t avoid attracting some attention. Despite their concerns, they return from the delivery with cash in hand and a box of donuts as a reward. The sugary treats offer a momentary distraction and a sense of joy, but Fish, who had been uneasy from the start, feels his worries deepen as Lester announces a change in plans. They will be making a detour before heading to Salina, and Fish’s unease grows as he contemplates what this might mean for their journey. The uncertainty of what lies ahead begins to weigh heavily on everyone, especially Mibs and the others, who are anxious about the next step in their journey and their father’s eventual return.

As Mibs struggles with her feelings and the growing sense of uncertainty, her gaze is drawn to a crumpled magazine cover that depicts a heart. The image triggers a moment of introspection, and she becomes lost in thought, contemplating the fragility of emotions and life itself. This reflection leads to a personal revelation as she opens up to Will, confessing that while she likes him, she’s not ready for a romantic relationship. It’s a vulnerable moment for Mibs, one that marks a significant step in her emotional growth, as she begins to understand the complexity of her feelings. In a quiet, symbolic gesture, Mibs hands Will her cherished birthday pen, a small but meaningful act that signifies her willingness to let go of something important while growing emotionally. Will, understanding the depth of her words, promises to wait for her, and Mibs, though still processing the weight of their conversation, looks out the window of the bus. The world outside is moving, yet inside, she is in a transitional phase of self-discovery and emotional maturation. This moment marks a significant point in her journey, as she navigates the uncertainty of her own feelings and begins to understand the deeper layers of relationships and personal growth.