Part 34 (1/2)

Mountain must seem a pretty small thing up there amidst all

that heavenly splendor.”

She smiled. ”I never thought of it like that. But I suppose

you're right.”

”Anyway, getting back to Thanksgiving, I was wondering

if we might be able to squeeze in one more guest.”

”Of course.” Maggie pushed her empty soup bowl to the

side of the table. ”May I ask whom?”

”Remember the man I told you about who's coming from

the South Pacific? Well, he's already in Portland and plans to

arrive on the bus tomorrow.”

”This should be interesting.”

58Melody Carlson

”Yes. He sounded like a real character on the phone. And

by the way, let Audrey know that I'll bring the famous sweet

potato dish I told her about-the one my mother used to

make.”

Maggie smacked her lips. ”Sounds delicious.”

He reached out to take her hand while lowering his voice.

”I've missed you.”

She sighed softly and nodded. ”Me too. Life's been so

chaotic the last few days. Maybe it'll slow down a little with

the holidays coming...” She glanced out the window to the

clear, blue sky. ”Do you think it'll ever really let loose and

”I'm sure it will. Just don't know when. But I know

everyone in town, including me, could use that ski traffic