"She's driving Jed's truck while he's away," Maggie
glanced out at the quickly accumulating snow, "although I'm
not sure she's had any experience driving on snow yet."
"You know, it can be a little treacherous getting in and
out of Jed's place once the weather really turns," said Sam
with concern. "I hope Leah can handle it."
"Maybe I should call~and see if she's considered that,"
said Maggie. "As a California girl, I can relate. It still scares
me a little too."
"You should just let me drive," said Spencer with fifteen-
year-old confidence. "I'm not afraid."
*Maggie chuckled. "Well, if it hadn't been for that broken
foot, I bet you'd have your learner's permit by now."
"I have mine," chimed in Sierra, "but they hardly ever let
me drive."
"I want you to take the driver's ed class first," said Rosa.
"That's what I did with the boys too. It shouldn't be any dif-
ferent for you."
Sierra groaned. "But that's not until next spring. How
will I learn to drive on snow and ice?"
Rosa relented. "I suppose you could practice a little this
-winter. But it will have to be with your father. My nerves
can't take it."
Sam chuckled. "I guess I better go dig my old motorcycle
helmet Out of the attic then."
- -"Dad!" Sierra playfully punched his shoulder.
The snow hadn't made its way to the lower elevations yet,
and it was just starting to grow dusky as they dropped Maggie
and Spencer at home. Sam helped them get their big tree into
the tree stand and then into the front parlor of the house.
Looking for You Alt My Life237
Meanwhile, Sierra and Rosa were encouraged by Maggie to
slip into the kitchen to sample Audrey's selection of appetizers.
''These are delicious,'' said Sierra as the others joined
them. "Teach me to make these and I'll help Out."
"Great," said Audrey. "I think we can freeze part of them
ahead of time, and then put them together the day before the
wedding."
"You shouldn't go to such trouble," said Rosa.
"Remember we want tQ keep everything simple."
"Oh, it's no trouble," Audrey assured her. "I love doing
things like this."
Rosa turned to Maggie. "You are so lucky to have her
around. Do you ever lend her out?
Maggie put an arm around her mother's shoulders.
''Only to really good friends like you.
Audrey laughed. "I always wanted to have more children
just so we could do lots of celebrations like weddings and the
like. Between my two kids, we've only managed to have one
wedding so far."