Part 183 (1/2)

worn out by now.”

”Nah, I'm fine. And I want to show you something.”

By the time they reached the bottom of the slope, she

couldn't believe how greatly he'd improved. He only fell

twice! And even then he recovered himself so quickly, hardly

losing any momentum at all as he pulled himself from the

snow to an upright position on the board and continued.

”That was fantastic, Spence!” she exclaimed. ”Did the

instructor sprinkle you with magic dust or something?”

286Melody Carlson

”No, he just gave some good tips, and it all started to sink

in.” He shoved his hat to the back of his head and wiped his

brow. His face was flushed from both excitement and the

exercise. ”Want to get a soda before we head for home?”

”You go ahead. I want to check on something and then

we can meet at the car.” While he headed to the snack bar,

she slipped downstairs and quickly purchased him a season

lift pa.s.s as an early Christmas present.

Jed and Maggie tried several times to get together on

Monday, but everything was so busy with the paper and last

minute holiday preparations, plus Jed had his shop and was

trying to fill some rush orders, that between the two of their

schedules it was impossible to schedule anything for more

than a few minutes. Maggie honestly rea.s.sured him that she

wasn't the least bit worried, and that when the time was

right, they'd work it out and get together. Town was so