Free Maggie's Journey (McKenna's Daughters) by Lena Dooley Nelson Page A

man to take liberties with his good friend.
    “I thought you might like to sit out one number. You’ve been dancing a lot and would welcome a respite. We could get some food and find a quiet corner for a visit.”
    “What a good idea.” She tucked her arm through his. “I know just where we can go so it’ll be quiet enough to enjoy conversation.”
    After they chose their food, she led the way to the library. With the door wide open, they were still part of the festivities, but they could hear each other without having to raise their voices over the general hubbub.
    Maggie sat in one plush wing-back chair and placed her plate on the table that sat to one side. She turned up the wick on the lamp beside her plate. “My feet will welcome the rest.” She took a bite of chicken and slowly chewed.
    Charles chose the chair on the other side of the small table. “Quite a nice party, isn’t it?”
    “Yes. It’s wonderful.” Although she showed interest in talking to him, shadows still haunted her eyes. “How is the new merger working out?”
    “Just fine. I think of it as a blessing from God. I believe God was looking out for me in my loss.” He bit into the sandwich he’d made with his bread and roast beef.
    “Do you think He always looks out for us?”
    Her question held a note of urgency he didn’t understand. He wondered just what could be bothering her. “Of course I do. Don’t you?”
    She stared into the fireplace where logs blazed, spreading a comforting warmth throughout the room. “Sometimes things happen that might not be for the best.”
    He shrugged. “We don’t always understand why something happens, but the Bible tells us God’s plans for us are good.”
    She quickly turned her attention toward him. He felt her probing gaze. “Are they always? Can’t some things happen to mess up those plans?”
    He shook his head. “Since God gave us a free will, we can make choices that aren’t according to His best plan for us. But there is a verse in the Bible that says God can make all things work together for our good if we love Him. And He does, even if we make wrong choices from time to time.” He knew that had been true in his own life.
    Once again she seemed to find the fire fascinating. “I hope that’s really true.” She shook her pretty curls as if trying to shake troubling thoughts from her head and glanced back toward him.
    More interested in finding out what was wrong with Maggie than eating, he set his plate down. “I’m sure it is. Why would you think it wasn’t?”
    “I do have eyes and ears, and I know that things go on in the world that aren’t good.” Her earnest expression emphasized her quandary.
    “Very pretty eyes and ears.” He tried to lighten the mood. She was far too intense right now.
    Maggie reached both hands toward the sides of her head.
    “Please don’t hide them.”
    Becoming color crept into her cheeks. “Mr. Stanton, you are being impertinent.”
    “I didn’t mean to, Margaret. Will you forgive me?” This repartee felt as though they were children again.
    She lifted her chin. “I will if you’ll go back to calling me Maggie.”
    “And you must go back to calling me Charles. I’ll think you’re displeased with me if you call me Mr. Stanton.”
    When she laughed, he joined her. However, the laughter didn’t reach the depths of her eyes.
    He sobered. If she could change the subject, so could he. “What’s the one thing you want most out of life?”
    She took the time to mull over the question before answering. “I want to be a wife and mother someday. Doesn’t every young girl? But I want my life to be more than that. I have a gift for dress designing.”
    “Did you design that one? It’s very becoming.”
    The blush moved down her throat. “Thank you. No, my grandmother is a well-known dress designer in Little Rock, Arkansas. She owns a design company, and she made this one.”
    “She knew just what to do to enhance your beauty.”
    “Mr. .