Part 188 (1/2)

On the next chairlift ride, Jed told her all about how Leah

had confessed to him about her close call with hypothermia

that night. ”I don't even know how to begin to thank you,

Maggie.”

”Thank me?” She turned and looked at him, trying to

gauge his expression halfway hidden beneath his goggles. ”I

love Leah, Jed. I thank G.o.d that I found her.”

He smiled then. ”I think he was looking out for both of

you. By the way, it was generous of you to give her the dog.

She's been good company for her at the shop.”

Maggie swallowed hard, wondering how or even if she

should say this, but somehow she wanted to make it clear.

”Jed, I want you to understand that my feelings for Leah

stand alone. I have loved her since she first came to live with

us. And even if you and I were to permanently part ways, I

would continue to love her just as fiercely as I do now. Does

that make any sense?”

He looked slightly surprised by her intensity, but as it was

time to unload from the chair, he could only nod and say

briefly, ”I understand.”

On the next ride up the mountain, Jed told Maggie that

Leah had confessed something else to him. ”She admitted

that she was trying to come between us, Maggie.” He

seemed uncomfortable. ”I just couldn't believe that she

would do something like that.”

Suddenly Maggie felt defensive of Leah. ”But you must