298Melody Carison
"Lots of designers are moving off-site to work these days.
Ever heard of the age of computer technology?"
"You are serious!"
He shrugged. "I don't know. But you should know as
well as anyone that big-city life ain't all it's cracked up to
be."
Rebecca nodded sadly. "Amen. I hear you, brother."
"You two!" laughed Maggie. "Five minutes back in your
old stomping grounds and you'll be singing a different tune."
"I suppose," said Rebecca unconvincingly, "but Barry's
right. You guys do have it pretty sweet here. I'm trying not
to be too envious."
Maggie shook her head in wonder. "So tell me the truth,
Rebecca, would you honestly trade your law career in L.A.
to become a small-town attorney?"
"Maybe..."
Maggie vigorously hugged them both. "Well, you both
know you'd always be welcome here!"
Just then Audrey hurried out the front door, carrying a
basket of provisions for their trip back. Maggie decided not
to get her mother's hopes up with any word of the previous
conversation. Goodbyes were said, promises to phone and
email more often were made, then Barry and Rebecca drove
away, pausing to wave from the car at the end of Maggie's
*driveway.
-~''You know, honey," said Audrey as they walked back
into the house, "I think I might've seen a little spark passing
-vbetween those two."
Although she'd thought the exact same thing herself, she
just laughed, saying, "Nah. It must've been your romanti-
cist's imagination, Mom."
The following days passed in a whirl as Maggie worked
furiously to get every detail in order for Scott and Chloe 's
wedding. With the winter tourist season in full swing, the Looking for You All My Life299
town was hopping with business. Chloe was trying to make
the most she could of this traffic in her little shop and Rosa
and Sierra were busier than ever in the deli. Maggie saw this
as her opportunity to repay her dear friend for all her pre-
vious kindness as she attempted, with Audrey's help, to carry
as much of the load as possible. Abigail eagerly helped too,
glad to participate in this greatly anticipated event.
Somehow by New Year's Eve all was in place for the wed-
ding. Sam had spent the entire day at Maggie's house, setting
up chairs, tending to the horse and sleigh, and even polishing
the brass faucets in all the bathrooms. Rosa and Sierra came
over just after the lunch hour to tend to the final food details.
Then Clara and Abigail arrived in mid-afternoon with beau-
tiful fresh flowers. All traces of Christmas, save the greens