"They also say that seeing is believing. Have you ever
considered visiting one of my developments in person?"
"Unfortunately, your developments aren't handy to Pine
Mountain. And our little newspaper just doesn't have the
budget for researching. I tend to rely on the Internet and a
few other sources I consider to be reliable."
He smiled. "Then why don't you allow me to fly you
down to see one of my places for yourself?"
She was somewhat taken aback by his friendliness and
personal manner. Suddenly she grew very self-conscious, for
it seemed that the entire restaurant had grown quiet and it
felt as if every head had now turned their way. "Well, I just
might consider that, Mr. Byers." She quickly fumbled in her
purse and managed to produce a business card. "If you're
really serious about your offer, why don't you give me a call
and we'll see what we can do?"
He took her card. "I'll do just that. And forgive me for
interrupting your dinner. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms.
Carpenter," then he bent toward her and lowered his voice.
"And by the way, you're nothing like the dragon lady these
fellows described to me." Then he winked at her.
She couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, thank you very
much-I think."
She sat back down and watched as the men exited the
dining room. "Well, go figure," she said to the three sets of
eyes now focused tightly on her.
"Wow, Maggie," said Leah, "you handled that really
well."
"That Mr. Byers is one smooth number," commented
Audrey as she turned her attention to her berry cobbler.
"I didn't like the look in his eyes," observed Spencer
dryly. "This guy seems sort of slippery if you ask me."
y Monday, the weather hadn't changed a single bit,
and the forecast was for a continuance of this unwel-
1) come warm spell. Only yesterday at church, a few
people had suggested they should get Michael Abundi to
pray for snow again. Maggie felt relieved for Michael's sake
that Jed, wanting to make the most of this mild spell of
weather, had closed his shop for the whole day and driven
Michael and Leah over to see the Oregon coast. Leah had
arrived home late last night with wonderful tales of all they'd
seen and done, even touring a completely renovated clipper
ship that had been docked near a seaport town for a few
days. Maggie had listened with what she hoped appeared to
be delighted interest, but at the same time had silently chided
herself for the small ripples of envy that floated through her.
How she wished she could experience a trip to the coast with
Jed too. Maybe someday. In the meantime, if the warm
weather continued, perhaps she should plan a similar trip
with Spencer and her mother.