What a surprise to go online and find that you had

sent me an emaill I don't check my email every day, but

*I sure wili from now on. You have no idea how good

*it is to feel a connection with you again. I've missed

you so much, my Maggiel When I saw you at the hotel

restaurant on Thursday, it was all I could do to remain

in my seat and keep my conversation focused at our Looking for YouAltMy Life173

table. You looked so beautiful, and I must admit I felt

some furious jolts of jealousy seeing you there with

Cohn Byers. Yet all the time, I kept telling myself you

were only there on business-what else could it be?

But Barbara seemed set on thinking that you and Cohn

were Pine Mountains' hottest new couple. And, of

course, what could I say without revealing everything?

But when I got your email, I knew I'd been right to

believe the best in you. I suppose the heart can be a

fickle thing when it comes to hurt and love. And I must

admit to my weakness in that area when Barbara car-

ried on about you two. I felt the bitter taste of some

serious hurt. And I didn't like it, not at aill But I realize

that's the risk of loving someone-a person could get

hurt. And, as you may already suspect, I was hurt once

before. It was a long time ago, and I'll tell you all about

it someday But since that time, I suppose I've kept my

heart locked up safe and sound. That is, until you

arrived in town. Well, its' very late, my dear one. But I

hope to continue this conversation with you later. And

hopefully, it won't be long until we can be more open

with our relationship. I do think Leah is growing more

confident all the time, but I must admit, I sense troubles

with her whenever I bring up your name. I think it has

something to do with her mother, but I can't be sure.

In the meantime, know that my feelings for you are as

strong ~no, strongerl) than ever

Love,

Jed

Maggie felt tears of happiness in her eyes, and immedi-

ately began her answer.

Dear Jed,

Thank you for your wonderful email letter. It means so

much to me. I have missed you desperately Even

tonight I worried that this little 'break" might mess up

something between us permanently But now I feel

certain that it won't. I wish this thing with Leah could 174Melody Carlson

be over but I do understand, and I know she needs

ore time. Honestly I'm willing to wait as long as it

kes. I think if we can just keep in touch (even if it's

L.

only through email) I'll do much better. I guess I must

pretty' insecure at heart, for it's easy for me to think