Looking For You All My Life Part 134

wondered what that was all about."

"Yeah, it was kind of sudden. Jed was worried about

Gavin staying at my house. It seemed to be troubling Leah."

"Actually, I was pretty surprised about that too, Maggie.

I thought maybe you were losing it altogether. But then

Gavin stopped in here wanting to sell me some ad s.p.a.ce, and

I couldn't believe it was him. My goodness, he has changed!

Sam said the exact same thing. Gavin seems to be working

so hard for the paper. I was totally astounded."

"Yes, he's really trying. And he'll only be staying with me

until he can find a place to rent in town. It's so wonderful

that he and Michael have really hit it off. Though I'm sorry

that Leah felt the need to leave, I'm really glad for Gavin to

have this opportunity to get better acquainted with

Michael."

"G.o.d really does work in mysterious ways, doesn't he?"

"I guess so, now that you mention it.

They chatted a while longer, getting caught up on all the

latest news on both sides, then Maggie stood to leave. "Oh,

one more thing," said Rosa suddenly. "A couple of guys

were in here today-from Salem, they said. Apparently

they're environmentalists here to check out the wetlands at

Pine Mountain Estates." Her eyes twinkled. "I said to them,

'Oh, yes, my husband says you can see all kinds of birds and

waterfowl out there, and that it's really quite special."'

"You didn't?" Maggie grinned.

Rosa nodded smugly. "Yes, I did. And they seemed quite

interested."

"Let me know if you hear anything else, okay?"

210Melody Carlson

"You bet I will." Rosa adjusted her ap.r.o.n. "There's no

doubt we need business in this town, and now more than

ever, but we're not that desperate. I have no desire to see Pine

Mountain selling its soul for a few pieces of silver."

"I know what you mean." She shook her head. "I'm just

not sure if we can stop them."

"Well, maybe we can at least slow them down and make

them think." Rosa wiped the table off. "And after the New

* Year, we need to schedule another business a.s.sociation

* meeting."

"Good idea. I had been meaning to get together with

Kate to discuss some ideas, but everything has been so hectic

lately."

Rosa rolled her eyes. "I don't know if I'd waste my breath

on Kate or Buckie just now. I've heard them in here, going

on about how this town needs to support TS Development.

They're so worried about the Blue Moose that I'm afraid

they've completely stepped over into the other camp.

* Maggie frowned. "I guess I'm not surprised, although it's

disappointing. If only people could be patient. Or if only it