Page 50 of Moonlight Over Montana

He wasn’t sure who Susie was protecting, her mother or the deadbeat father. Maybe she had romanticized their relationship into something like a Greek tragedy when it wasn’t. As far as he was concerned, any man who walked out on his child was not a man.

“I can promise you I will always treat Maggie with respect. The best part of our relationship is we’ve been friends for a long time.”

“I read in a magazine that the best love affairs are also best friends.”

He almost choked when she used the word affair. That word was best ignored. “I agree the best relationships do have a strong friend component.”

She made a hmm sound and looked out the window. Turning back and giving him a pointed look, she asked, “Do you plan on sticking around?”

“Are you asking me what my intentions are toward your mother?”

“I guess I am, and they are?”

“I like Maggie and as long as she and I are enjoying each other’s company, I plan on seeing her. Does that answer your question?”

Her brows knitted together. “Even after I’m gone?”

“I have no idea where we’ll be in two years, but I can’t see why we wouldn’t still be close.” Jed wasn’t sure if that was the way she wanted him to answer. Even if he could see a long-term future with Maggie, he didn’t know if she could. At least not yet.

Susie smiled and seemed satisfied with his answer.

He slowed as they turned onto Main Street. “Can you drop me in front of the pharmacy.” She looked around the area. “And what time do you think you and Mom will be going home tonight?”

“Around eight maybe? Does that give you enough time to have fun?”

“It does.” She had her hand on the door and then slid across the bench seat and gave him a one-armed hug. “Thanks, Jed.” She got out of the truck, dragging the duffel bag with her, and slammed the door. He saw her in the rearview mirror standing on the sidewalk watching him drive away.

25

It was Thanksgiving morning and when Maggie woke, the air around her was chilled. She dragged a blanket over her shoulders and crossed to the thermostat in the hall. It read fifty degrees. Not a great way to start the day. She pushed it up, wondering how it got turned so low. Then she wandered into the living room and laid a fire in the small woodstove and lit it. Soon the cabin would be toasty warm. Until then, she’d start a pot of coffee and fix a mug of cocoa for Susie.

Smiling, she thought about what a great week they had spent together, baking and delivering orders. It was as if her daughter was coming out of the teenage angsty years a little early. She walked softly down the hall and tapped on her bedroom door. She said, “Happy Thanksgiving” as she eased open the door. Susie was sprawled under the covers. Her long blond hair was in a braid. She had said she wanted it to have some waves today and this was the easiest way to make it happen.

“Suz.”

She waved a hand at Maggie. “Go away.”

“Cocoa will be ready soon.”

She opened one eye and looked at Maggie. “Not the dry packet stuff? With real whipped cream?”

“My special holiday recipe with lots of cream.” She turned and was going to close the door but looked over her shoulder. “You’re not going to let it get cold now, are you?”

Susie sat up in bed and rubbed a hand over her eyes. It reminded Maggie of when she was tiny and did that very same thing. She felt her heart twist with nostalgia, oh, the good times.

“I’ll be out soon.”

Maggie closed the door and waited until she heard feet hit the floor. Now she’d whip up something creamy and chocolaty. After all, it was a holiday tradition.

Susie was watching the parade on television when she called out, “Hey, Mom. Come look at this.”

Maggie came in carrying a tray with two mugs of cocoa and a plate with muffins and sliced fruit. She pulled the blanket across her lap as she sat down. “What are we watching at?”

“I know you like watching the Rockettes and they’re coming up next.” She took a mug and stuck her finger into the whipped cream and licked it off. “Yum.”

They watched the parade and it was odd to not have the smell of roasting turkey wafting from the kitchen. Susie was nibbling on a slice of apple. “What time do we need to walk over to the dining room?”

“We should go up around eleven. I offered to help Quinn get the turkeys in the oven but he was being protective of the birds so I figure later this morning, we can help with sides, set the tables, and arrange the centerpieces. Also, I think Annie and Daphne will be down around the same time.”

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