Maggie, thinking that Leah would surely hav~e more than
enough solitude there to keep her satisfied.
Leah shrugged. "Not really, but there's lots to do. I'm
keeping busy enough. And if Jed gets a lot of new jobs lined
up at this show, it'll be good for me to have the place all
organized." Her tone had an edge of defensiveness to it, and
Maggie wondered how or if she'd managed to offend her
now.
"Would you like to join us in getting a Christmas tree
today?" offered Maggie brightly, determined to bridge this
rift that seemed to have fallen between them.
"No thanks. I have a lot to do around here." Leah
glanced around the building that had until today housed the
church. "Jed gave me a list of things to do to start getting
this place ready for remodeling, and I can't wait to start."
She smiled appreciatively as she looked around the big open
room. "This is going to be such a cool place to live."
"Yes, I'm sure Jed will make it really special."
"He has plans all drawn up for where the rooms will be
and everything. You won't even recognize this place by next
year."
234Melody Carlson
- - "You sure you don't want to change your mind about
getting a tree with us?"
"No, but I think I'll cut one down to surprise Jed when
-~he gets home."
"Okay, then. Be sure and call if you need anything."
Then Sam came up to get a phone number from Leah so
-he could reach Michael and tell him the good news. ''I'd like
to hear his response before we plan our next service-just in
case he says no."
Audrey opted to pass on the tree-hunting expedition. She
wanted to get some things done in preparation for Christmas
as well as for the upcoming wedding. "I found an old recipe
for appetizers I want to try out again," she had explained
with enthusiasm. "And I thought I'd do some Christmas
-~baking to start stocking the freezer." But Maggie and
Spencer joined Rosa, Sam, and Sierra-all five riding in their
roomy sports utility vehicle.
Sam had gotten their tree permits and driven up to a por-
tion of the national forest where a nice variety of evergreens
grew in profusion. The woods were quiet and green as they
tramped along in search of perfect Christmas trees.
"Scott already helped Chloe set up a small tree in her
little apartment," explained Rosa as they hiked up a small
knoll with several good-looking fir trees near the top. "And
they're busily working on wedding plans this afternoon.''
Sierra and Spencer were dragging a little behind. "How's
-your ankle doing?" asked Maggie, pausing to catch her
breath as she neared the top.
"It's okay," he called back. "I figure this will be good - -