''SHE HAD A STROKE. SHE'S GONE.''
The unexpected death of Tabitha's grandmother, Ruth, deals a blow to her small family--one that comes just as Tabitha is ending things with her long-term boyfriend.
Reeling from these two life-altering losses, Tabi...
I picked up the folded paper that had slipped out of the newly-turned pages of Gran's diary. It was a letter written in soft gray pencil, a neat, cursive script, the paper yellowed with age.
July 11th, 1951
Dear, dear Royal,
You probably have not had a chance yet to respond to my letter. I'm sorry for writing again so soon but I am losing my mind stuck here at home and unable to see you. Mother will not let me out of the door, not even to take a breath of fresh air. I have to sneak these letters to the postman.
I'm not even showing yet but I think because she knows she believes the world will see. I'm scared she will send me away at any minute. I asked her when I must go and she will not tell me.
When I think of having a family with you I get overwhelmed and even cry sometimes. This baby will be the eldest, just like me and just like you, and someday we'll have a house full of little sisters and brothers to bicker and share toys and mail secret letters.
Come see me here. Please. If you don't you may miss me. If Mother sends for my aunt I don't know what I will do. I will have to run away or go with her.
Come see me, take me away, and marry me. I do not need a big wedding nor even a fancy dress or cake. All I need is you and our baby.
With all my love, and more than my heart can hold,
Your Sweet Annie
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