Second Chance Hero by Winnie Griggs Page A

As soon as you get me the names of the children involved we’ll schedule the first practice. In the meantime, I’ll speak to the parents of some of the other younger children to see if any of them are interested in participating. And I’ll speak to Zella after choir practice tomorrow about any ideas she might have.”
    Janell smiled. “Looks like you’re definitely the right person for the job. I’ll leave it all in your very capable hands.” And with a wave, the schoolteacher moved on.
    Verity finished her shopping while mentally making a list of things she could do while waiting for the names of the participating children. She could visit the parents of some of the children Joy’s age to see if she could recruit a few more choir members. Eileen Tucker would be her first stop—Molly and Joey Tucker were Joy’s best friends.
    She could also talk to Hazel. The dressmaker had already volunteered to provide costumes for the children who were in the play. Perhaps she could also talk her friend into doing some short, simple, smock-like choir robes for the children’s choir.
    Yes, she’d go by Hazel’s first. And since it coincidentally just happened to be right next to the saddle shop, perhaps she’d stop in and check on Mr. Cooper while she was at it.
    * * *
    Nate looked up from his workbench to see Adam striding into the shop. Truth to tell, he was glad of the interruption. Nice to have something to think about besides the way he’d been less than gracious with Mrs. Leggett.
    He leaned back. “Here to get a harness repaired?”
    â€œJust visiting.”
    Was Adam checking up on him? Was he worried about Nate’s ability to repay his loan? Then Nate pushed that thought aside. He owed his friend more trust than that. He nodded toward a nearby chair. “Have a seat.”
    Adam looked around as he sat. “I don’t see your crutch. Don’t tell me your foot’s healed already?”
    â€œNot completely.” Nate reached behind him and grabbed the walking stick he’d fashioned from a strong, straight branch and some scraps of leather. “I’m using this instead.”
    â€œHow’s the arm?”
    â€œMuch better.” Nate rolled his shoulder to prove his point.
    â€œGlad to hear it. Because I’ve come to ask you a favor.”
    Now, that was unexpected, but he welcomed the chance to repay, at least in part, the debt he owed his friend. “Name it.”
    â€œZella Ford, our church pianist, has had a family emergency and has to go out of town to attend to it. She may be gone for a month or more.”
    Uh-oh, he didn’t like the direction this was taking.
    â€œIf I remember correctly, you play the piano, don’t you?”
    Nate nodded.
    â€œGood. Then I’d like you to consider taking her place during the interim.”
    Nate stared at his friend, trying to figure out what was behind this. Was this some misguided scheme to get him more involved in the community? “Why me? I mean, isn’t there someone else here in town who plays piano and would be better suited?”
    â€œMrs. Peavy, our housekeeper, normally steps in on the rare occasions when Zella can’t attend services.”
    â€œWell, then—”
    â€œMrs. Peavy is a generous woman and when Reverend Harper spoke to her about the situation, she agreed to step in. But she’s been having flares of rheumatism in her hands lately and I’d like to spare her any extra use of them if I can. Besides, with Reggie expecting again, I’d like to selfishly keep her focus on our household.”
    â€œI see.” Nate nodded, remembering what he owed Adam. “I suppose, when you put it like that, I can’t say no.”
    â€œGood. The choir practices for an hour every Saturday at four o’clock.”
    â€œI understand Mrs. Leggett is the choir director.”
    â€œShe doesn’t care to be called that,