Free Second Chance Hero by Winnie Griggs Page B

mistake of feeding him a few scraps.” Nate shrugged. “He started following me around and I couldn’t find anyone who’d lay claim to him. When he followed me to the train depot, I took him with me on impulse.”
    The truth was, the mutt reminded him of a dog his sister had adopted when she was a kid. And that’s where the name had come from, as well. Because of her pet’s dark brown coat, Susanna had named it Coffee Bean, but it had quickly been shortened to Beans.
    Nate shook off that memory and focused on Mrs. Leggett again as she moved a pawn. “I guess you could say both Beans and I came here looking for a fresh start.”
    That drew a speculative look from her. Had he revealed too much?
    He made a quick move on the chessboard, then changed the subject. “Joy is certainly an exuberant child.”
    Mrs. Leggett’s expression took on a wry twist. “She is definitely a handful. Her lack of fear scares me sometimes.”
    There was that hint of timidity again. “Most children are born fearless. They have to be taught to fear. Surely you don’t want your daughter to be fear
ful
.”
    Her posture turned defensive. “A little bit of caution wouldn’t go amiss.”
    He didn’t let that go unchallenged. “As long as it doesn’t turn into excessive timidity.”
    She frowned at that, obviously disagreeing with his sentiment. But she didn’t comment. Instead, she changed the subject. “Did you have a nice visit with Mr. Barr?”
    Nice? That was much too soft and feminine a term to suit him. “Adam was just checking in on me.”
    â€œDo you mind if I ask how you and Mr. Barr know each other?”
    Nate hesitated. How did he answer that question without revealing too much about his, and for that matter Adam’s, secrets?
    * * *
    Verity saw the hesitation on his face. Was there some private matter there she’d inadvertently intruded on? How could she take the question back without making it worse?
    Before Verity could figure that out, he spoke up.
    â€œI’ve known Adam for a number of years.” His gaze was focused on the chessboard rather than her. “We’ve maintained a correspondence since he’s moved here. His letters made Turnabout sound so appealing that when I was ready to relocate I decided to try it here.”
    She realized he hadn’t exactly answered her question. But she ignored that and moved on. “And where is home?”
    â€œI was born and raised in Plattisburg, Pennsylvania.”
    â€œDo you still have family there?”
    His jaw tightened. “No, they’re all gone now. That’s why I decided to try a change of scenery.”
    Verity’s heart went out to him at that admission. She’d lost people in her life as well, but there’d always been other family members around to help her through the rough time. Mr. Cooper was definitely a man in need of a community.
    But she’d pressed him enough for one sitting.
    And apparently he thought so, too, because he changed the subject. He waved a hand toward the piano at the other end of the room. “That looks like a fine instrument. Do you play?”
    She shook her head. “No, that belonged to my mother, who got it from her mother. I’m afraid I never learned to play. Joy’s started to show some interest, though, so I’m hoping when she’s a little older I can find someone to teach her.”
    â€œActually, she’s not too young to start now.”
    She looked at him with renewed interest. “It sounds like you know something on that subject yourself.”
    He gave her a little half smile that seemed to hide some other emotion. “I used to play, but it’s been years.”
    She glanced back at the piano before meeting his gaze again. “I’m not sure if it’s still in tune, but if you’d like to play while you’re here, please feel free. It would