Page 53 of Moonlight Over Montana

“You know, we’ve argued before when I put guidelines in place. She calls them inflexible rules, but I’m the parent and all I want is for her to be safe. If she’s staying at a friend’s house during a storm, how will I know for sure she’s okay?” She looked at Jed. “Ever since the fire, I’ve had this irrational fear that I am going to lose her and it’s turned me into a helicopter mom, which I’ve never wanted to do. I know it’s upsetting to her, but we both could have died if it wasn’t for you being in town.”

She shuddered and he tightened his arm around her shoulders. “But I was there, and you and Susie are safe. I’ve been thinking, and if you feel I’m overstepping just say so.”

“No. I’d like to hear what you have to say.”

“We should go into town tomorrow and pick up a few things. What if we took Susie with us. She could hang out with her friends for a while and when we’re ready to come back to the ranch, we’ll swing by Marcy’s and pick her up. She’ll have something that she wants, and you can have her with you here.”

Maggie sipped her cocoa and Jed didn’t push her for a response. They had until the sun came up if necessary.

“Compromise is the key to success in all relationships, even between mothers and daughters.” She kissed his cheek, causing him to smile.

“Does this mean I had a good idea?”

“I just wish I had thought of it. We were each too busy arguing our points that a compromise was never considered. I’ll talk to her about it when she gets up.”

“Good. I’ll check in with Linc to make sure and get whatever they need too. No sense in all of us heading to town.” He drank the last of his cocoa and set the mug aside. “That was really tasty, especially the zip of peppermint.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” She snuggled closer to his side. “Want to come for breakfast and propose your compromise to Susie? She might be more receptive to the idea if you present it since I’m pretty sure she’ll still be upset with me.”

“I can do that. You know, I was thinking the last weekend when she was with Marcy she had a duffel bag, but she didn’t bring it home with her. Maybe she forgot it.”

Maggie pulled away from the crook of his arm and sat up. “What was in it?”

“She said Marcy had a date and wanted to borrow something to wear. My sister and her friends used to do the same thing, but I remember my mother getting annoyed since the clothes rarely found their way back into her closet.”

“Good point. Since I wasn’t privy to that, feel free to bring it up.” Maggie covered her mouth and yawned. “I’m exhausted. It’s time to say good night.”

Jed pulled her up and held her against him. Kissing her softly, he murmured, “I’ll walk you home.”

She laughed softly. “It’s like forty feet to my steps.”

“It’s dark and besides, I’d like to savor this moment with you. Once the diner is finished, you will be moving home and we won’t have nights like this.”

Placing a hand on his chest, she kissed him again. He knew he loved Maggie with all his heart, and he’d savor every time they were together. He knew life was fleeting and could change in an instant. He’d seen it working the ranch. People got hurt or worse and he didn’t want to live his life with any more regrets.

“Don’t worry, Jed. It won’t be like this but other moments just as wonderful will. Now that we’ve discovered each other, I don’t plan on losing you.”

He held her tight in his arms, his emotions rolling over him like the river in spring rushing with melting snow runoff. “I’m glad we’re on the same page.” He kissed the top of her head. “Come on. I’ll walk you home.”

Jed tucked his list of needed supplies in his shirt pocket. Linc had added a few things and he’d need a couple of stops to get it all done, but at the most, they’d be in town a few hours. Maybe he could convince Maggie to grab pizza for an early lunch before picking up Susie. Taking a look around, he double-checked the woodstove to make sure it would be safe while he was gone and then grabbed his heavy coat, gloves, and hat before going next door.

Susie pulled the door open just as his boots clomped on the top step. “Jed, you’re just in time for breakfast. Mom whipped up huckleberry pancakes and sausage.”

His stomach growled with anticipation, and he couldn’t help but smile. That was one of his favorite breakfasts and Maggie knew it. “Morning, Susie. You look like you’re ready to take on the day.”

“Every day is a new adventure, you know.” She shut the door and gave it an extra push to make sure it was secured. “Did you see the sunrise this morning? It was so fiery-looking, beautiful but intense at the same time.”

“That’s the storm. My mom always said, ‘red sky in morning, take warning.’”

Maggie came out of the tiny kitchen holding three mugs—one had tea and the other two, coffee. “Morning.”

Jed leaned in to give her a chaste kiss. Enough to connect but not too much to cause an issue for Susie. Best to let her get used to their relationship slowly. “Thanks, and I hear pancakes are on the griddle.”

“Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes.”

He noticed the small table was set for three and he wasn’t sure if he should broach the idea of Susie’s abbreviated visit with her friends now or wait.

“Jed.” Susie sat down on a chair and pointed to the couch. “Can I ask your opinion on something?”

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