Part 175 (2/2)

and I was so relieved that you were okay, well, something

happened inside me. I mean, I've always really loved

you.. you have to believe me. Ever since that first day when

Spencer brought you home last summer.. .but last night, I

was watching you, and I suddenly felt like.. well, like I

couldn't love you a bit more if you were my own flesh and

blood daughter.”

”Really?”

”I mean it. It was that strong sort of mother-bear-emotion

that you'll never understand until you have a child of your

own. But I had it, Leah. I swear, I did. I still do. I think, last

night, I adopted you as my very own daughter whether you

like it or not. And even if nothing ever comes out of my rela-

tions.h.i.+p with Jed-other than just good friends-I want to

stick by you forever.” She sniffed. ”I want to be a grand-

mother to your kids. Can you understand that?”

Leah nodded and broke into a big, watery smile, then the

two hugged, long and hard. Finally they stepped apart, and

Maggie reached across the counter for a nearby box of tis-

sues. ”Here you go.”

Leah wiped her nose. ”So, I guess that means you forgive

me too?”

Looking for You All My Life275

”Leah, mothers always forgive their children.” She

thought about that for a moment. ”Well, okay, at least this

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