Part 44 (1/2)

”Thought I'd come hear what this young man has to

say,” said Clyde, before she had a chance to comment.

”How did you know for sure that he'd be preaching

today?”

”I have my ways.” Clyde grinned slyly and then added,

”Saw Sam in the plumbing section of the hardware store yes-

terday afternoon. He told me how to fix my leaky faucet

too.”

She smiled again as she focused her attention on the view

outside the tall windows up front. Although the mountains

had received another light dusting last night, it was still not

nearly enough to open the ski resorts yet. But the snow was

73.

74Melody Carlson

beautiful, lit by the morning sun and s.h.i.+mmering white

against the clear blue sky. She noticed Jed sitting in the front

row, with Michael and Leah flanking him on either side. She

quickly averted her eyes back to the mountain scene, deter-

mined not to be distracted from today's sermon by Jed's pres-

ence or memories of Thursday night's kiss. But it wouldn't be

easy.

After what seemed a lengthy prelude of music and

announcements, Jed finally stepped up to the podium and

introduced Michael Abundi. Instead of looking at Jed, Maggie

kept her eyes on Michael, smiling to herself as she noticed his