Part 16 (1/2)

Maggie brightened. ”Wouldn't that be great-”

”h.e.l.lo,” called Leah tentatively as she entered the room

carrying a tray of cheese and crackers. ”Am I interrupting?”

Jed rose to his feet and took the tray from her. ”Of course

not. Come on in and join us.”

”Audrey says the roast is going to take another half hour.

I guess I set the oven too low.”

”That's okay,” said Maggie. ”That just gives us more

time to visit.”

Leah turned eagerly to Jed. ”Oh, I forgot to tell you that

this guy came into the shop this afternoon, and he went

absolutely gaw-gaw over that twig-a nd-birch hutch that's sit-

ting right next to the front door. He wanted to know if he

could special order several pieces in that same design.”

”Did you get his name?”

Looking for You All My Life31

Leah smiled. ”He gave me his card, and I gave him yours.

I a.s.sured him that I thought you could make more pieces,

and I even asked him to write down what he had in mind.”

”Good girl.”

Now Leah was beaming. She continued to chat with Jed,

sharing various ideas about the business while Maggie

leaned back into the couch and relaxed, allowing their words

to flow over her like a fountain. Content to sit quietly next

to Jed, she enjoyed the warmth of the fire and the sounds of

father and daughter happily conversing.