During the noon meal that day, I told Britta about every little detail of Obie’s spur-of-the-moment visit. A mischievous smile appeared as she timidly revealed that she had been visiting Hazel and mentioned, in Obie’s hearing, that I was skating.

Then tears glistened on Britta’s face. “Oh, Susie, I’m so happy for ya!”

“I’m amazed at the Lord’s timing,” I replied.

“When’s the wedding?”

“One step at a time, Schweschder.”

“Well, Obie loves ya, just like I always suspected.” Britta gave me a grin. “I’ve been waiting and waiting for this.”

I laughed, enjoying her delight. “Somehow, you and Mamma always seemed to know, ain’t so?”

“The only one who didn’t was you.” Britta giggled.

I shooed her upstairs to redd up her room, still reveling in the absolute joy of Obie’s return . . . and in our shared love.

Once the noontime dishes were washed and dried, I sat at the table to write a long letter to Mamma, telling my news. Every so often, I glanced out the window at the gently falling snow—fine white feathers floating from the gray sky.

As I finished the letter, it occurred to me that Ella Mae’s comment last fall—a reason for Mamma to stay in Missouri—might have been about freeing me to court.

Perhaps Mamma and Allen had been looking out for my best interests, after all, hoping I’d still have a chance to marry, even though Obie was long gone. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason Mamma had remained with Allen and family. Her health required it. Besides, Mamma couldn’t possibly have known that Obie would change his mind about his girlfriend, return to Hickory Hollow, and purchase Bishop Beiler’s smithy business! How could any of us have known?

Yet our heavenly Father did.

A week later, as the sun’s rays began to melt the snow atop the gazebo just beyond the kitchen window, I began to wrap up Mamma’s oldest set of dishes to box and store away, according to her suggestion.

Hearing a knock at the back door, I hurried to see who was there and opened it to see my darling beau, his smile so wide his eyes crinkled.

“Was just in the neighborhood and wondered if ya might have any more of that delicious hot cocoa,” Obie said, his nose and cheeks red.

“Sure, I’ll make some in a jiffy.” I welcomed him into the kitchen.

He eyed the boxes and packing paper. “Looks like you’re packin’.”

“Mamma suggested what things to store, dispose of, and give away. This is a big house, so there’s lots to do to get ready.”

“True . . . and I heard it’s up for rent.”

I looked at him. “Oh, I didn’t realize Allen had started advertising already.”