freshly coifed and dressed in a purple velvet pantsuit. She
ruled over the library like royalty as she quizzed Michael
about his homeland. Buckie and Kate came, and Kate sur-
prised Maggie by rolling up her sleeves and providing some
much-needed help in the kitchen. Even Clyde showed up,
proudly bearing a large smoked salmon, a prize from last
fall's deep sea fishing trip. Then there were the Hendersons
*from the antique shop, the Jordans from the hotel, and Abi-
gail from work. A full house! Maggie couldn't have been Looking for You All My Life65
happier as she took orders from her mother and bustled
around the kitchen. Somehow Audrey managed to fit
everyone around the two tables, with all leaves in, and
placed end to end with a decorative turkey at each place set-
ting. Maggie's eyes grew misty as Jed said a heartfelt Thanks-
giving blessing. She silently thanked God, once again, for
bringing her to Pine Mountain and joining her with all these
wonderful people who felt as close to her as family.
Even after everyone was stuffed with the delicious dinner
and the tapered candles had melted into short flickering
stumps, the group continued to linger at the table, visiting
and laughing congenially.
"Maggie, that was sure a nice piece in the paper yesterday
about old Arnold Westerly's life," commented Al Hen-
derson. "Now, that man was a real part of our Pine Moun-
tain history."
"Yes, and it's such a shame what those boys are going to
do to his farm property," said Clara, making a tsk-tsk sound
with her teeth. "Poor old Arnold, I'm just sure that's what
finished him off."
Maggie nodded sadly. "It's too bad he couldn't have
passed quietly without hearing that bit of news."
"Oh, I think you people are all getting a little paranoid
about this development deal," said Buckie as he leaned back
in his chair and contentedly folded his arms. "Growth will
be good for this town."
Brian Jordan nodded. "Yes, if it's done right, that devel-
opment could be a real draw for the tourist traffic. And
speaking for the hotel and restaurant, we could use some
business."
"Hmph!" Clyde sat down his coffee cup with a loud clink.
"Done right? I guess you fellows don't read your newspapers
very carefully. Don't you remember what Maggie wrote
about the establishment that's doing most of the developing?
Maybe our editor should refresh your memory. Go on, tell
'em, Maggie."
66Melody Carlson
"Well," she glanced uncomfortably around the table. She
didn't like the turn their conversation had suddenly taken.
Yet everyone appeared interested. Even Michael Abundi
looked at her with open curiosity. "According to my research