Kate wasn't sure she could continue reading. She didn't know how she was going to be able to get through the rest of this journal. A part of her was so angry at the grandparents she would never know.

They took my baby away. I have never felt so empty in my whole life. I never even got to hold her, but they did let me name her Gwendolyn. I don't know if her new parents will keep that name, but I hope they do. I don't know what to do from here. How do I start over knowing that some stranger is raising my baby girl? How do I breathe? How do I put one foot in front of the other? There doesn't seem to be a life in front of me. My parents said they would disown me if I kept my baby, but now I really want to disown them. How will I ever not be angry at them? I have so many questions and I have no answers. Only God can help me now.

Kate closed the journal because it ended there. She hugged it tightly to her chest, understanding more than ever how her mother had probably grieved for her for so many years. Gone was the anger and resentment she had felt when she first found out. That had been replaced with love and empathy for this woman who had given her life and agonized after being forced to give her to someone else.

She turned off the lamp and sat in the darkness until she finally dozed off, thoughts of her birth mother in her mind and heart.

Mia stirred batter and poured the perfectly round pancakes into the pan. Kate had told her that the contractor was coming this morning to give an estimate, so she wanted to make sure everybody got fed before that happened.

She was starting to get nervous. The wedding was coming up in just a little over a month, and Lana Blazer’s personal assistant was coming out in another week just to make sure things were on schedule and looked good.

Even though the wedding was a big secret, they would want beautiful pictures, so it was important that the contractor had the highest quality craftsmanship. Plus, these structures they were building could be used in future weddings and hopefully provide a great extra income for the B&B.

A lot was riding on this.

"Good morning," Kate said as she came down the stairs.

"Good morning. Did you want bacon with your pancakes?" Mia asked. Having her sister around had become the norm. She was so glad that they had found an ease with each other.

"Sure. I like mine crispy," Kate said as she poured herself a cup of coffee. "Need any help?"

"Nope. I have it covered. We’re supposed to get some new guests this afternoon. I think they are checking in around four o'clock."