Part 42 (1/2)

know how~it feels to lose your parents.”

”Thanks,” muttered Spencer, obviously feeling self-

conscio us.

”You must remember that G.o.d is your father now,” con-

tinued Michael with conviction. ”And he will never leave

you.”

”Yeah, sure,” said Spencer without looking back up.

”Okay.”

”And Audrey is my mother,” continued Maggie, hoping

to relieve Spencer from the limelight. ”She moved here per-

manently about a month ago. She lives in that little house

over by the barn-most of the time.” She winked at her

mother.

”That is good,” proclaimed Michael. ”Family is very

good.”

”Yes,” agreed Maggie. ”Family is very good.”

Jed's eyes locked with Maggie's from across the room.

”But you're right, Michael,” he said, ”we are a happy family.

Even if we're not all directly related, we're still like a family.”

”Yes,” said Michael. ”I think it is a most wonderful

thing.”

Leah and Jed offered to clean up the supper dishes, and

Spencer hobbled around on his crutches, giving Michael a

tour of the house and property, returning quickly from being

outside on account of Michael's discomfort with the cold.

He hovered over the fireplace, soaking in the heat with a