a charcoal turtleneck sweater. His eyes seemed to lock onto
hers as Michael continued to speak eloquently of the biblical
meaning of marriage, and Maggie felt her own eyes mist over
and blur as the couple repeated their promises to one
another. Then finally, the ceremdny ended and the crowd
began to move about, congratulating the newlyweds and
steadily escalating into a more effervescent mood appro-
priate to a joyous New Year's Eve celebration. Rosa had Looking for You All My Life301
hired several high school girls to help in the kitchen and
serve food so that all the guests were free to mingle and enjoy
the festive atmosphere.
After the cake was cut and numerous congratulatory
toasts made, Scott and Chloe prepared to make their exit,
thanking everyone for everything, and wishing all a very
happy New Year. Then Sam, wearing an old-fashioned top
hat and scarf, proudly escorted the surprised newlyweds
onto the front porch where an elegant sleigh, complete with
brightly glowing kerosene lanterns, awaited them. The
driver helped the couple into the sleigh as birdseed and well
wishes were tossed their way. And then everyone waved and
cheered as the harness bells began to jingle and the sleigh
slowly cut across the meadow and on toward the road where
a car awaited. People trickled slowly back into the house,
but Maggie remained on the porch a few minutes longer.
Entranced by the sight, she wanted to paint a picture of this
magical evening in her mind before she rejoined the cheerful
and noisy crowd. As she entered the house and worked her
way through the rooms, she tried not to conspicuously
search for Jed, and yet each time she spotted him, he seemed
engaged in some lively conversation with someone else. Well,
that was okay. She was just happy to see him here, and glad
to see he was having what appeared to be a very good time.
Just before midnight, Maggie felt a light tap on her
shoulder and turned to see Jed smiling down on her. "Care
to take a walk?" he asked, holding her long winter coat all
ready for her to slip into.
"I'd love to." She allowed him to help her with her coat,
and then lead her to the backdoor. There by the back porch
was the sleigh again! The driver nodded knowingly to Jed as
he opened the tiny door. Jed helped Maggie aboard and then
he climbed in next to her, tucking the thick wool blanket all
around both of them. With the soft jingle of harness and
bells, the sleigh took off into the snowy night.
She felt her face smiling brightly in the cold winter air.
"What a perfectly wonderful idea, Jed. Thank you so much 302Melody Carlson
for thinking of this!" She turned happily to him. His face,
illuminated by the lantern's golden glow, was smiling too.
He reached over and took her hand. "Thank you for
joining me, Maggie." He slipped his arm around her shoul-
ders. "I wanted to do something romantic for you. I think