Part 29 (1/2)

the paramedics had entered the house. She was sitting on the

wooden porch steps, s.h.i.+vering in the cold and stroking Looking for You All My Life49

Lizzie's soft, warm coat, preventing the confused animal

from going inside and getting underfoot when Jed walked

up, took off his jacket, and hung it over her shoulders. Then

he sat down next to her and gathered her into his arms.

”Your mom told me everything.”

Hot, silent tears rolled down her chilled cheeks as she

leaned into his embrace. ”I've killed him, Jed.”

”No, no, Maggie, you didn't kill him,” he spoke softly,

his words flowing like a gentle stream. ”He was an old, old

man. He'd had a good life working on the land that he loved.

He was a good man, but he was due to go anytime. You

didn't kill him.”

”But he was reading the paper.”

”I know, I know...” he whispered as he stroked her hair.

”It's been a really bad day, Jed.”

She thought she heard him chuckle ever so softly, and she

looked up to see, but his face grew serious. ”Come on,

sweetheart, let's get you home. There's nothing you can do

for the old fellow now.”

She looked down at the dog. ”What about Lizzie?”

”Let's bring her along. She seems to like you.

Maggie brightened just a little. ”Yes, she does, doesn't

she.”