Part 180 (1/2)

lingering a moment as Michael climbed back into the truck

with his things.

”Did you have a good show, Jed?” she asked, longing to

prolong this encounter.

”Yeah, surprisingly so. Thanks for asking.”

She took a breath then said, ”I missed you, Jed.”

”You did?” He seemed genuinely surprised.

”Of course. I've been missing you for weeks now.”

Looking for You All My Life281

His eyes began to glow warmly and he moved toward her,

now standing on the first step of the porch. ”Well, the truth

is, I've been missing you too. And I've been wondering if we

could get together and talk some things over.”

”I don't know why not. I know I have some things I need

to say to you.” She smiled down on him.

He stepped up another step and now looked directly into

her eyes. ”And there's one thing I need to say right now,

Maggie.” He reached over and touched her arm. ”I need to

tell you I'm sorry for being so horrible that day in your

office. I don't even know what got into me, but will you for-

give me?”

”Of course, but I said some pretty harsh things too. Will

you forgive me?”

He nodded and continued looking right into her eyes.

”I've been giving everything a lot of thought, and I think

there has to be a better way to deal with all this. I don't want