The next day, there was a letter from Mamma for Britta, which she scampered off to read upstairs. Susie’s curiosity rose as she wondered if Mamma might be writing to discourage her from looking for Kathleen. The thought of Britta’s interest in locating her birth mother still troubled Susie as she considered the possible pitfalls ahead, not least among them Kathleen’s own possible reaction to Britta’s sudden appearance.

And while she rustled up a light supper for the two of them, Susie asked for divine direction, especially for Britta, still so young to be making such a risky decision.

Maybe Mary should’ve talked directly to Britta when she stopped by the shop, Susie thought, hoping Mamma had written something to quell Britta’s yearning.

When the grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade tomato soup were ready, she called Britta down for supper. After washing her hands, Britta joined her at the table, where they bowed their heads for the silent blessing. Afterward, Britta cut her grilled cheese sandwich into strips and began to dip them into the soup, something she had done since childhood.

“So Mamma had a surprise for me in her letter,” Britta announced.

“A pleasant one?”

“Was it ever!” Britta said between dips. “She sent me Kathleen’s mailing address.”

Susie almost dropped her spoon. “What on earth?”

“I know.” Britta was nodding. “And wait’ll ya hear this—Mamma has been in touch with her all this time, writing a letter once a year since my adoption. She said it was her idea. But Kathleen has only written back a few times.”

Mentally, Susie was trying to catch up. Mamma gave her Kathleen’s address?

“I can’t believe it,” Britta was saying. “Looks like God has opened a door for me.”

“Does Mamma have a guess as to why Kathleen hasn’t written regularly?” Susie asked.

“Evidently she didn’t want to interfere with my life or confuse me . . . ya know, with letters arriving here from a stranger.”

Susie was speechless.

“Mamma continued writing, though, because she thought it was only right to keep Kathleen updated ’bout my life,” Britta added. “And apparently Ella Mae knows Mamma’s kept in touch with Kathleen.”

Hearing this baffled Susie. “So are ya sayin’ that Mamma doesn’t mind if you contact Kathleen?”

“Here, you can read the letter.”

Susie shook her head. “I was just curious if Mamma had any, uh, advice for you.”

“She did. And don’t worry—I’ll be very careful.”

Susie stirred her soup as the startling news churned in her head. She sent a quick prayer heavenward, then attempted to turn the conversation to upcoming holiday activities.

“Ach, I forgot to tell ya—Jerome invited Cousin Marnie for Christmas dinner with his family. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re planning to wed next year,” Britta said.