Part 54 (1/2)

can make some hot cocoa if you have the time.

”Sure!” He climbed down from the truck and walked

over. ”Cocoa sounds good. But forget about the check,

Magpie. The tires are a gift.”

”Oh, no, Jed. That's too much-”

”Now, if you keep going on about this, I'll have to forgo

the cocoa and go home,” he warned.

87.

88Melody Carlson

”Better listen to him,” said Leah as she stomped the snow

off her lightweight leather shoes. ”I guess I'll need to get

some real snow boots.”

”I have a pair that you can borrow until you get some,”

offered Maggie.

”Great. I'll go start up the cocoa,” said Leah happily.

”How did your dinner go?” Maggie turned to Jed after

Leah closed the front door behind her.

”Very nice.” He reached for her hand. ”We even talked

about you some.”

*”You did?” She looked up into his face and smiled.

I”Leah really admires you a lot, Maggie. She said that

sometimes she actually wishes you were her mother.''

”That's so sweet.” She squeezed his hand, enjoying the

warmth and strength of his long, st.u.r.dy fingers wrapped

around hers.