If you’re reading this letter, it’s because my daughters are together now. It also means I’m not there to see it, and that breaks my heart. But maybe I orchestrated it from heaven because nothing would make me happier than seeing my baby girls get to be sisters. It was my dream for so many years.

Gwendolyn, or whatever your name is now, I love you. I’ve always loved you. I’m so sorry I couldn’t keep you, but I pray you had great parents and a wonderful childhood.

Mia, I’m so sorry I never told you. I just couldn’t bear to see you long for your sister and not be able to find her. I also feared you’d hate me forever if you knew that I gave her up. I guess all of that makes me a coward.

The reason I’m writing this letter is to apologize, but also to tell you something important.

Sweet Tea B&B was my life for a long time. I adore that place, and I know my spirit will stay there forever. It’s a part of me. The only way I know how to truly be with both of my daughters is to split the business right down the middle so that you each own fifty percent of it.

“What?” Mia suddenly yelled out, standing up again.

“Mia, please. I need to finish. Just give me a few more minutes, okay?” Carl said looking over the top of his glasses.

She slowly sat back down.

I know this might upset you, Mia, but I want you and your sister to have a chance to bond, to really get to know each other. And I hope she’ll get to know me a little bit through you.

So, here is what I propose. I will give fifty percent ownership to each of you. At the end of six months, either of you can choose to sell the business to the other, but to no one else. But you must live together at the B&B for at least six months.

If both of you want to sell, you can make that decision after six months, although I hope that doesn’t happen.

If both of you choose to stay, I hope it’s because you love my B&B and each other.

I know this will be hard and challenging, but family is worth it. Please do this for me.

Love,

Mom

“This is insane!” Mia said, standing up again. “I’ve worked side by side with my mother for years. I helped make it what it is today, and now I have to give up half of my business?”

Kate looked at her. “Thanks for the welcome, sis.”

Mia sucked in a sharp breath and blew it out. “This has nothing to do with you.”

“Um, it seems that it does.”