Second Chance Hero by Winnie Griggs

modest again. You really should learn how to take a compliment.”
    He didn’t say anything to that—just continued to watch her in that uncomfortably unreadable way.
    â€œYou’re staying off of that foot, I hope.”
    He spread his hands. “As you can see.”
    â€œAnd the stairs?”
    â€œOnly when absolutely necessary.”
    Before she could quiz him further, the shop door opened. She turned to see Cletus Keeter, a farmer from just east of town, entering with a harness in hand.
    â€œWell, hi there, Mrs. Leggett. I heard about what happened to Joy yesterday. I hope she’s okay.”
    â€œHello, Mr. Keeter. Yes, Joy is just fine, thanks to Mr. Cooper here.” She nodded to both men. “Well, I’ll leave you two gentlemen to your business. Good day, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Keeter.”
    Mr. Cooper nodded, still not softening his politely businesslike demeanor.
    As she stepped out on the sidewalk, Verity realized that, now that he was on his own again, it seemed it was going to be more difficult than she’d thought to break through Mr. Cooper’s reserve. But she wasn’t the least bit daunted. If there was a way to get past his guard, she was determined to find it.
    Some things were just worth fighting for.

Chapter Eight
    â€œV erity, do you have a moment?”
    Verity, who’d arrived at the mercantile only a few minutes ago, paused in her shopping to find Janell Whitman approaching her. “Of course.”
    â€œAs mentioned at the Ladies Auxiliary meeting yesterday, Abigail and I will be putting together a little program with the children as part of the Founders’ Day celebration.”
    Verity nodded. “I’m looking forward to seeing them perform.”
    â€œI was thinking that perhaps we’d do a play based on the story of the founding of the town. Mr. Parker and Mr. Fulton have agreed to write the play for us.”
    â€œThat will be fun.”
    â€œBut the number of parts will naturally be limited and I’d like to make certain all of the children have a way to be involved.”
    Verity had always thought the town was blessed to have a teacher like Janell Whitman, one who really cared about the children. “I agree that we don’t want anyone to feel left out. How can I help?”
    â€œI thought one option would be to form a choir with the remaining children and have them put on a musical performance, as well.”
    Verity felt a little stirring of excitement as she began to see how the teacher was looking to involve her.
    â€œThe problem is,” Janell continued, “both Abigail and I will be fully involved with the play. And of course neither of us have your talent when it comes to music. So we were wondering if you’d be willing to take that on.”
    â€œOf course.” The chance to form a children’s choir, even a temporary one, was something she would very much enjoy doing.
    â€œZella has already agreed to play the piano for you and lend a hand with directing the children as needed.”
    â€œShe’ll be a good help.” Zella was the church pianist, and a more patient woman didn’t exist. She’d be quite good with the children. “How many students would be involved?”
    â€œI’m thinking seven from my group and Mr. Parker thinks about five from the older students in his group.”
    A dozen, then. But then she had another thought. “One more question. Would you object to having a few of the younger children join this little choir?”
    Janell smiled. “Such as Joy, you mean? Of course not, as long as you’re willing to work with them.”
    â€œWhat kind of program did you have in mind?”
    â€œNothing too elaborate. I was thinking two or three simple songs with an uplifting theme. But this will be your project and I’m sure whatever you decide to do will be fine.”
    Already Verity’s mind was brimming with ideas. “All right.