Salma returned from the grocery store, arms full of fresh produce, to find Monica and Anastasia deep in conversation.


    Anastasia got up to help. "Nah, don''t worry about it." Salma waved her off with a chuckle. "I''ve got it, sweetie. You just rx. Monica, are you joining us for lunch? I''m making meatballs." Monica grinned. "Absolutely, Salma. Your cooking is irresistible. I can never say no."


    Beaming at thepliment, Salma said, "Well then, you shoulde more often. I''ve got plenty of time on my hands, and I love


    cooking."


    Salma didn''t have the heart to return to her job at the hotel when Anastasia was pregnant.


    Anastasia settled back on the couch, giggling. "Mom loves it when peoplepliment her cooking."


    Monicaughed. "Salma, your cooking is far better than my mom''s. I dare not eat her cooking, it''s a disaster. Poor dad, he''s been eating her food for over twenty years." Anastasiaughed. "When was thest time you went home?"


    "About two months ago." Monica shrugged. "They''re busier than I am. It''s pretty quiet when I go back." Monica had bought a two-bedroom apartment in the city. Salma, peeling garlic in the living room, shared, "I ran into Penny earlier. She was asking around about her son, and she had been following me and Pattie"


    "Penny was following you and Pattie?" Anastasia''s heart skipped a beat. "And?"


    Salma reassured her, "Nothing. Penny just misses her son, I guess. We''re moving out this weekend anyway."


    Monica frowned. "You''re moving?"


    Anastasia nodded. "We''re moving to a house in Southridge Estates where Herman used to live. He''s hired a nutritionist to take care of my diet. The doctor said I need to take care of my health and not overeat." Monica agreed, "That makes sense. This ce is too small, especially with the babying. There''s just not enough room. Plus, having Salma take care of you and pick up Pattie from school is too much." Anastasia''s phone rang, interrupting their conversation. The caller ID showed a number she didn''t recognize. Anastasia answered, "Hello?"


    "Ms. Jewell, this is the director of the orphanage on Southern Mountain Road. We have some news about the child you were. looking for..." Anastasia''s heart pounded. "Really? Where is my daughter?"


    Anastasia had never given up the search for her daughter. She had visited all the orphanages near the area where her daughter wasst seen, leaving her contact information in case anyone had any leads. The director on the phone said, "Ms. Jewell, the situation is a bit unusual. A couple has adopted the child. Why don''t youe in, and we can discuss it further?"


    "Thank you, I''ll be right there," Anastasia replied, her heart still racing as she ended the call.


    Anastasia turned to Salma, excitement shining in her eyes. "Mom, they found her. They found my daughter."


    The news took Salma by surprise. She exchanged a worried nce with Monica. Their excitement was overshadowed by


    concern.


    Anastasia stood up. "I need to go to the orphanage right away. Monica, can you drive me?"


    "Ana, hold on," Monica cautioned. "This is a big deal. If it really is your daughter, what''s your n?"


    Anastasia didn''t understand Monica''s concern. "I would bring her home, of course."


    Monica exined, "You''re part of the Salstrom family now. If you suddenly show up with a daughter, your own flesh and blood, how will the Salstroms react? What about Herman?"


    Salma agreed, "Ana, Monica is right. You need to think this through. You''re pregnant, and Grannie Anita is already not happy with you. This isn''t the right time."