Free Maureen McKade by Winter Hearts Page B

and ushered Libby ahead of him.
    As they entered the kitchen, Matt asked, “You about filled up there, Dylan?”
    “He’d better be,” Lenore said. “He’s eaten nearly every cookie that came out of the oven.”
    “I ain’t ate that many,” Dylan defended.
    “I haven’t eaten that many,” Libby corrected.
    He groaned. “There ain’t anything wrong with ain’t, is there, Sheriff?”
    “It ain’t proper,” Matt said firmly, then realized his mistake. “I mean, it isn’t proper.”
    He glanced at Libby and, to his surprise, met a soft smile. A sheepish grin twitched his lips. “Maybe some learning wouldn’t hurt me neither.”
    “You’re always welcome to come to school,” Libby said.
    He shook his head. “A mite late for that, I’d say.”
    “It’s never too late to learn, Matt. That reminds me—I have a bit of a mystery for you. I overslept this morning, and when I got to school the stove was already fired up. Do you have any idea who would’ve done that? I’d like to thank him.”
    Dylan pointed at Matt. “The sheriff and me got it going. He was kinda worried when you didn’t show up, so we started the fire for you. He said we could surprise you on your first day of teaching.”
    Matt shifted from one worn brown boot to the other. “Anyone ever tell you you got a big mouth, Dylan?” he growled. He slanted a glance at Libby. “It wasn’t anything. We were up and making rounds when I noticed the chimney wasn’t smoking, so I figured we’d help you out.”
    “You did and I thank you both. It was very thoughtful.” Libby’s warm gaze clothed Matt and Dylan with gratitude.
    To cover his embarrassment, Matt turned to theboy. “C’mon, Dylan, we’ve used up our welcome here. Lenore ai—isn’t going to give us any cookies next time if we eat her whole batch today.”
    Matt closed the top button of Dylan’s jacket and helped him with his scarf, all the while aware of Libby’s contemplation. He straightened and realized he’d forgotten about his scar, forcing Libby to endure the sight of his disfigured face for most of the visit. He tossed on his hat and angled the brim downward. His lips thinned, angry with himself.
    “Thank Mrs. Potts for the milk and cookies,” Matt said stiffly to Dylan.
    The boy dutifully did as he was told, then said goodbye to both women.
    “You come back anytime, and bring that stubborn sheriff with you. There’s always room for a couple more at the dinner table,” Lenore said. She handed Dylan a cloth sack and whispered, “There’s a few oatmeal cookies in there for a snack later.”
    Matt touched two fingers to his hat. “Thanks for the cookies, Lenore. They were right tasty. Good evening.”
    “Good night, Dylan. Good night, Matt,” Libby said.
    He risked a look at Libby’s face, risked seeing the disgust over his blatantly exposed scar. However, only concern showed, as if she noticed his curtness and was puzzled by it. Either she was adept at hiding her feelings, or the puckered tissue truly didn’t bother her.
    He forced himself to relax. “Good night, Libby, and tomorrow I’ll do like we talked about.”
    “Thank you.”
    He placed a hand on Dylan’s shoulder and steered him out the back door.
    “What was that all about?” Lenore asked curiously. “What’s this Matt’s going to do tomorrow?”
    “Just a little favor.” Libby grabbed her long-abandonedbag and coat. “I’d best run upstairs and get some homework done before supper.”
    “What’s that girl up to?” Lenore spoke aloud in the empty kitchen. Her frown was replaced by a sly smile. “So they’re calling each other Libby and Matt now. Well, things are right on schedule. It’s been years since Deer Creek’s had a Christmas wedding.”
    Dylan kicked at a frozen dung heap and grinned when a turd flew across the street.
    “You ought not to do that,” Matt scolded. “Don’t go ruining them good shoes right off. Your ma wasn’t too keen on you getting them the way it