wondered what that was all about."
"Yeah, it was kind of sudden. Jed was worried about
Gavin staying at my house. It seemed to be troubling Leah."
"Actually, I was pretty surprised about that too, Maggie.
I thought maybe you were losing it altogether. But then
Gavin stopped in here wanting to sell me some ad space, and
I couldn't believe it was him. My goodness, he has changed!
Sam said the exact same thing. Gavin seems to be working
so hard for the paper. I was totally astounded."
"Yes, he's really trying. And he'll only be staying with me
until he can find a place to rent in town. It's so wonderful
that he and Michael have really hit it off. Though I'm sorry
that Leah felt the need to leave, I'm really glad for Gavin to
have this opportunity to get better acquainted with
Michael."
"God really does work in mysterious ways, doesn't he?"
"I guess so, now that you mention it.
They chatted a while longer, getting caught up on all the
latest news on both sides, then Maggie stood to leave. "Oh,
one more thing," said Rosa suddenly. "A couple of guys
were in here today-from Salem, they said. Apparently
they're environmentalists here to check out the wetlands at
Pine Mountain Estates." Her eyes twinkled. "I said to them,
'Oh, yes, my husband says you can see all kinds of birds and
waterfowl out there, and that it's really quite special."'
"You didn't?" Maggie grinned.
Rosa nodded smugly. "Yes, I did. And they seemed quite
interested."
"Let me know if you hear anything else, okay?"
210Melody Carlson
"You bet I will." Rosa adjusted her apron. "There's no
doubt we need business in this town, and now more than
ever, but we're not that desperate. I have no desire to see Pine
Mountain selling its soul for a few pieces of silver."
"I know what you mean." She shook her head. "I'm just
not sure if we can stop them."
"Well, maybe we can at least slow them down and make
them think." Rosa wiped the table off. "And after the New
* Year, we need to schedule another business association
* meeting."
"Good idea. I had been meaning to get together with
Kate to discuss some ideas, but everything has been so hectic
lately."
Rosa rolled her eyes. "I don't know if I'd waste my breath
on Kate or Buckie just now. I've heard them in here, going
on about how this town needs to support TS Development.
They're so worried about the Blue Moose that I'm afraid
they've completely stepped over into the other camp.
* Maggie frowned. "I guess I'm not surprised, although it's
disappointing. If only people could be patient. Or if only it