“Iguess in Kansas that qualifies as a forest fire,” he said.“Somemotorist probably tossed a lit cigarette. It happens all the time,”she said. “Speaking of cigarettes, please don't smoke this weekend.Not in front of my folks and not in their house.”“Youalready told me twice,” Sean said. “Relax, I packed patches.” Ahundred miles from her parents’ place and Janet was already gettingwound up. She'd fret all weekend, worried about what her parentsthought of their soon-to-be son-in-law. Sean could hardly wait forMonday and a return to the university and normalcy. How quickly hetired of playing the perfect fiancé. Hespotted a sign nailed to a stake next to the road. “Hey, a freecorn maze ahead. Let’s stop.”Janetshot him a pained look. “But we’re making good time.”“Exactly.I’ve been driving for hours and I need to stretch my legs. We’vegot plenty of time. Besides, I’ll finally get to sample some ofthose down-on-the-farm, Kansas-style, good times you brag about.It’ll be fun.”Janetsighed and put her book in the glove compartment. “Sure, why not. Iguess I could use a good stretch too. But we can’t stay long. Myfolks are expecting us for dinner.”Seanturned off the highway onto a strip of rutted dirt carved through thecorn. Weeds scraped along the undercarriage as the car bounced overthe two-track. The lane opened into a circular parking area ringedwith cars. “Wow, who knew it would be so popular?” he said. Backto Table of Contents