too. I don't see how it would be much different if we were
running a bed-and-breakfast..." Her voice faltered and she
knew by his flat expression that her reasoning was lost on
him. Was this jealousy? Or hurt? Or simply an overly pro-
tective father trying to shield his daughter? Whatever it was,
it felt narrow-minded and unfair.
"It's just not right, Maggie." His features softened a little
now. "Can't you see that? Leah feels really uncomfortable
there now."
She was too irritated to answer rationally. "Well, what do
you suggest, Jed? Should I just throw Gavin out onto the
street?"
"If Michael wasn't staying out at my place, I'd suggest
that Leah come and live out there, but you know how small
it is. I only have two bedrooms."
182Melody Carlson
"Well, maybe you'd like to trade," she said sarcastically,
his words of accusation still stinging. "Why not have
Michael come stay at my house? Then Leah could go live
with you."
"You know, that's not such a bad idea. I think it might
work."
Maggie sank into her chair and stared at him with unbe-
lieving eyes. Who was this man? And how had she ever sup-
posed that he loved her? Or she him? "Fine," she said in a
subdued voice, looking down at her desk. "Whatever makes
Leah happy."
"I'm not trying to placate her, Maggie. I'm just trying to
be a good dad."
She felt tears burning in her eyes, and she was determined
not to let him see how much his words had wounded her. His
choice seemed clear; Leah was more important. It's under-
standable, she thought hopelessly. After all, if she had to
choose between Spencer and Jed, there would be no contest.
But why did they have to choose at all?
For a few moments neither one of them spoke. She
couldn't bring herself to look into his eyes. "If that's all set-
tled, I have work to do," she said in gruff voice, sticking out
her chin and pretending to focus on the papers before her.
She waited until she heard the door close quietly behind him
before she allowed the tears to flow freely.
She called home to tell them she'd be working late
tonight. As usual, her mother was understanding, glad to
start dinner and generally hold down the fort. By the time
Maggie got home, Michael was already there, situated in
Leah's old room. She learned that Jed had brought him over
after work, and then he'd helped Leah pack up her things
and had taken her home with him.
"It all happened so quickly," explained Audrey. "But
Leah seemed determined to leave tonight. I suppose she's just