Looking For You All My Life Part 38

freshly coifed and dressed in a purple velvet pantsuit. She

ruled over the library like royalty as she quizzed Michael

about his homeland. Buckie and Kate came, and Kate sur-

prised Maggie by rolling up her sleeves and providing some

much-needed help in the kitchen. Even Clyde showed up,

proudly bearing a large smoked salmon, a prize from last

fall's deep sea fis.h.i.+ng trip. Then there were the Hendersons

*from the antique shop, the Jordans from the hotel, and Abi-

gail from work. A full house! Maggie couldn't have been Looking for You All My Life65

happier as she took orders from her mother and bustled

around the kitchen. Somehow Audrey managed to fit

everyone around the two tables, with all leaves in, and

placed end to end with a decorative turkey at each place set-

ting. Maggie's eyes grew misty as Jed said a heartfelt Thanks-

giving blessing. She silently thanked G.o.d, once again, for

bringing her to Pine Mountain and joining her with all these

wonderful people who felt as close to her as family.

Even after everyone was stuffed with the delicious dinner

and the tapered candles had melted into short flickering

stumps, the group continued to linger at the table, visiting

and laughing congenially.

"Maggie, that was sure a nice piece in the paper yesterday

about old Arnold Westerly's life," commented Al Hen-

derson. "Now, that man was a real part of our Pine Moun-

tain history."

"Yes, and it's such a shame what those boys are going to

do to his farm property," said Clara, making a tsk-tsk sound

with her teeth. "Poor old Arnold, I'm just sure that's what

finished him off."

Maggie nodded sadly. "It's too bad he couldn't have

pa.s.sed quietly without hearing that bit of news."

"Oh, I think you people are all getting a little paranoid

about this development deal," said Buckie as he leaned back

in his chair and contentedly folded his arms. "Growth will

be good for this town."

Brian Jordan nodded. "Yes, if it's done right, that devel-

opment could be a real draw for the tourist traffic. And

speaking for the hotel and restaurant, we could use some

business."

"Hmph!" Clyde sat down his coffee cup with a loud clink.

"Done right? I guess you fellows don't read your newspapers

very carefully. Don't you remember what Maggie wrote

about the establishment that's doing most of the developing?

Maybe our editor should refresh your memory. Go on, tell

'em, Maggie."

66Melody Carlson

"Well," she glanced uncomfortably around the table. She

didn't like the turn their conversation had suddenly taken.

Yet everyone appeared interested. Even Michael Abundi

looked at her with open curiosity. "According to my research