Part 17 (1/2)

”It's a beautiful thing to feel.”

”Dinner's ready,” called Leah.

32Melody Carison

After they were all seated and Jed had said a brief

blessing, Audrey asked him to carve the roast. ”It seems fit-

ting that, as you were the hunter, you should carve the

meat.”

”I'm not too sure what I think about eating deer meat,”

said Maggie with wide eyes. ”I can't help but think of the

beautiful creatures that grace the meadow right next to my

house.”

”Oh, Mom,” said Spencer with exasperation. ”Now how

do you suppose that would make a cow feel?”

They all laughed, and then Daniel shared a hunting story

of his own about the time his nearsighted grandfather nearly

mistook a cow for an elk, and how the irate rancher threat-

ened to have both of them locked up. Dinner for the most

part was delicious, but Maggie still wasn't sure what she

thought about the actual taste of venison. It wasn't bad

exactly, but different than beef. Unwilling to offend Jed or

Leah, she kept her opinions to herself.

”Say,” began Jed as Spencer and Daniel went for seconds.

”I had an interesting letter this week. I'm not sure what to

make of it.”

”Tell us,” said Leah with bright eyes.

”Well, back in the late seventies, Steven Harris-this guy