Looking For You All My Life Part 116

too. I don't see how it would be much different if we were

running a bed-and-breakfast..." Her voice faltered and she

knew by his flat expression that her reasoning was lost on

him. Was this jealousy? Or hurt? Or simply an overly pro-

tective father trying to s.h.i.+eld his daughter? Whatever it was,

it felt narrow-minded and unfair.

"It's just not right, Maggie." His features softened a little

now. "Can't you see that? Leah feels really uncomfortable

there now."

She was too irritated to answer rationally. "Well, what do

you suggest, Jed? Should I just throw Gavin out onto the

street?"

"If Michael wasn't staying out at my place, I'd suggest

that Leah come and live out there, but you know how small

it is. I only have two bedrooms."

182Melody Carlson

"Well, maybe you'd like to trade," she said sarcastically,

his words of accusation still stinging. "Why not have

Michael come stay at my house? Then Leah could go live

with you."

"You know, that's not such a bad idea. I think it might

work."

Maggie sank into her chair and stared at him with unbe-

lieving eyes. Who was this man? And how had she ever sup-

posed that he loved her? Or she him? "Fine," she said in a

subdued voice, looking down at her desk. "Whatever makes

Leah happy."

"I'm not trying to placate her, Maggie. I'm just trying to

be a good dad."

She felt tears burning in her eyes, and she was determined

not to let him see how much his words had wounded her. His

choice seemed clear; Leah was more important. It's under-

standable, she thought hopelessly. After all, if she had to

choose between Spencer and Jed, there would be no contest.

But why did they have to choose at all?

For a few moments neither one of them spoke. She

couldn't bring herself to look into his eyes. "If that's all set-

tled, I have work to do," she said in gruff voice, sticking out

her chin and pretending to focus on the papers before her.

She waited until she heard the door close quietly behind him

before she allowed the tears to flow freely.

She called home to tell them she'd be working late

tonight. As usual, her mother was understanding, glad to

start dinner and generally hold down the fort. By the time

Maggie got home, Michael was already there, situated in

Leah's old room. She learned that Jed had brought him over

after work, and then he'd helped Leah pack up her things

and had taken her home with him.

"It all happened so quickly," explained Audrey. "But

Leah seemed determined to leave tonight. I suppose she's just