Part 167 (1/2)

folded Leah inside, taking a moment to buckle her in and

wrap the blanket all around her legs and feet. Then she ran

around to the other side and climbed in herself, shaking from

fear and cold. She cranked the heat up to high.

”Now, hang in there,” she said as she tried to mentally

calm herself in order to drive. ”I'm going to do what Jed

would do,” she continued to speak, as much for her sake as

Leah's. ”I'm going to pray as I drive.” She put the car in gear,

but before she began to move, Lizzie hopped into the front

seat and cuddled down upon Leah's lap.

Maggie glanced at the dog in surprise. ”Good girl, Lizzie.

Share some of that body heat with her.” She thought she saw

Leah smile just slightly.

Maggie decided to proceed on up Jed's road. She knew

his house was only a couple miles away from where they

were, much closer than her own house, and the fastest way

to get Leah inside and warm. ”Dear G.o.d,” she prayed out

loud, ”please help Leah. Help her to get warm. And please,

help me to drive safely.” Although she could feel the heat

blowing out of the car's engine like a furnace, she continued

to s.h.i.+ver herself. ”Dear G.o.d, help Leah to get warm,” she

prayed again as she slowly navigated the curving road that

continued climbing upward. Suddenly she wondered if she

were a fool to attempt this drive. Perhaps she should've

turned back, but then she would've had even more distance

*to cover on this mountain road. Finally, after what seemed