Part 116 (1/2)

too. I don't see how it would be much different if we were

running a bed-and-breakfast...” Her voice faltered and she

knew by his flat expression that her reasoning was lost on

him. Was this jealousy? Or hurt? Or simply an overly pro-

tective father trying to s.h.i.+eld his daughter? Whatever it was,

it felt narrow-minded and unfair.

”It's just not right, Maggie.” His features softened a little

now. ”Can't you see that? Leah feels really uncomfortable

there now.”

She was too irritated to answer rationally. ”Well, what do

you suggest, Jed? Should I just throw Gavin out onto the

street?”

”If Michael wasn't staying out at my place, I'd suggest

that Leah come and live out there, but you know how small

it is. I only have two bedrooms.”

182Melody Carlson

”Well, maybe you'd like to trade,” she said sarcastically,

his words of accusation still stinging. ”Why not have

Michael come stay at my house? Then Leah could go live

with you.”

”You know, that's not such a bad idea. I think it might

work.”

Maggie sank into her chair and stared at him with unbe-

lieving eyes. Who was this man? And how had she ever sup-

posed that he loved her? Or she him? ”Fine,” she said in a

subdued voice, looking down at her desk. ”Whatever makes