Smiling, she decided to send her reply in tomorrow’s mail, expecting he would get it in plenty of time. Del hadn’t mentioned double-dating this outing, so she assumed they’d have more time to talk and get to know each other. Either way, she was pleased to hear from him.

Reaching next for Obie’s letter, she paused before opening it, feeling a bit giddy since he’d never written to her before, other than the birthday and Christmas cards he’d given her through the years.

Slowly, she opened the envelope and began to read.

Dear Susie,

How are you? How is your Mamma doing, and Britta, too?

It’s taken me a whole week to get settled here and into my new routine—Onkel Leon has plenty for me to do and learn, and I’m eager to master all of it. But I find myself wondering how you are and wanting to sit down and write.

You should know that your encouragement about this job helped me make the decision to take it, and I’m grateful, Susie. You’ve been a trusted friend to me over the years.

That’s why it pleases me to see you happy with Delmar Petersheim—he’s not like the other fellows you’ve gone out with. Del is obviously well-suited and a God-fearing man, so once you start seriously courting, let me know, so I don’t interfere with my letters.

Know that I’ll keep you in my prayers, just as you’ve done for me.

Your friend,
Obie Yoder

Susie folded the letter and slipped it into her dress pocket, glad to hear from him, but also thinking that, as accommodating as he sounded about Del, Obie may as well have signed off Your brother.

She rose and looked out the window at the sky scattered with cottony clouds. At least he wants to keep in touch, she thought, her heart still tender toward him.

A car pulled up just then, and she made her way back to the counter, where she took her spot on the wooden stool, thinking how odd it was to receive Obie’s letter on the exact same day as Del’s supper invitation.

CHAPTER
15

Mamma’s chicken and dumplings supper was so delicious that evening that both Susie and Britta had seconds. Yet as the three of them ate together, Susie noticed how droopy and pale her mother looked, though she was talkative enough.

“You certainly seem cheerful tonight, Susie,” Mamma said, observing her.

“Do I?”

Britta nodded. “Jah, and right after the mail came.” Britta exchanged glances with their mother.

“Goodness, just now you two remind me of certain cousins.” Susie looked out the window, not sure she wanted to tell them about the letters quite yet. They’d probably make a bigger deal of it than necessary.

Mamma took a sip of her warm tea, not saying more.