Looking For You All My Life Part 179

just be one big happy family." He gave her a cheesy smile.

Maggie had to chuckle. "That's nice, Spence, but it 5

Leah's decision. She knows she's welcome here."

"Yeah, who knows?" said Leah. "I might just stay a

while. Maybe at least throughout the holidays." She glanced

at all the festive preparations going on around them, then

took another slice of pizza. "After all, this is a pretty hap-

pening place to be, and I sure can't complain about the

food."

That night, Maggie, immersed in a new novel recom-

mended by Elizabeth, was reading long past midnight when

she was startled to hear a vehicle pull into her driveway. She

looked out her bedroom window to observe a large truck

with its lights on below, and suddenly realized it was Jed

dropping off Michael. She quickly threw on her thick che-

nille robe and slippers and dashed downstairs, opening the

door in time to greet the two men.

"Sorry to disturb you," said Jed as he handed Michael his

bag, "but we were so homesick we decided to hotfoot it back

home today."

280Melody Carlson

"You're not disturbing me," said Maggie. "I was already

awake. But I just wanted to let you know that Leah is staying

here. And I didn't want you to be alarmed when you saw

your pickup off the side of the road near your house. She had

a little driving mishap, but she is fine, and I'm sure your

pickup is okay too."

Jed walked up toward the porch with a look of concern

etched into his features. "She's really okay then?"

"Yes. She's perfectly fine." She looked down from the top

step to see his smooth, handsome features illuminated by the

porch light. She wanted to just stare at him, to drink in his

presence, but she forced herself to look away, watching as

Michael unloaded some things from the cab of the truck.

"She said your shop has been really busy this week."

"Good. But if Leah's fine, why is she staying here?"

"I think she was lonely. Would you mind very much if she

stays a few more days, maybe through the holidays even?

She just mentioned this evening that she might like to. And,

by the way, Gavin hasn't been staying here for over a week

now. He found his own place in town."

His brow remained somewhat puzzled. "Sure, Leah can

stay wherever she wants to." Then he turned to Michael

who was approaching the porch with several bags and'

looking very sleepy. "Hey, Michael, maybe you'd like to

come back and stay with me again?"

"Yes. I like your cabin, Jed. It is much more like what I

am used to at home. I sometimes feel lost in these big

houses."

"Well, then, I guess we'll see you later, Maggie," said Jed,