Mended Hearts by Ruth Logan Herne Page B

years, to make a difference where it mattered most.
    But that would never happen so she’d pretend to be brave and bold outside while her cowardly soul huddled within, wishing she’d done more, knowing she hadn’t.
    And she couldn’t forgive herself for that.
    Â 
    Hannah felt the air change the minute Jeff walked through the door Thursday night. She had to squelch twinges of anticipation. Luckily, two other committee members walked in with him.
    Perfect. Their presence precluded personal talk. She stepped forward and perked a smile that encompassed all three. “Good evening. I’ve got things set up at the round table tonight.”
    Jeff took her cue and stayed matter-of-fact. “And Grandma sent cookies from the Colonial Cookie store. Cookies you may have helped make.”
    Hannah kept her smile easy and her voice neutral. “I do the candy store more often now, so probably not. Although I’ve been known to warm up the cookie ovens at the bakeshop when Megan’s shorthanded.”
    â€œAltruistic.”
    â€œMore like thrifty,” she told him. “Paying the bills. Hey, Callie, glad you could make it.” Hannah shifted her attentionto Jacob’s mother as she hurried in, her hassled expression saying there weren’t quite enough hours in a day.
    â€œGlad to help, although I’ll miss this place when it’s all dolled up and fancy,” Callie told her, grinning. She gave the small, cramped library a fond look. “This was the Farmers Free Library before I was born.”
    â€œAnd before I was born,” added an older woman who followed Callie through the door, a newcomer to the committee. “And since I remember your mama pushing you in a stroller, Callie Marek, my memory stretches longer. But not with the same level of accuracy as you young folks.”
    Jeff stuck out a hand to the older woman. “I beg to differ, Miss Dinsmore. Your wealth of knowledge puts us youngsters to shame. How are you?”
    She waved off his hand with a shrug of impatience. “I’m not being unfriendly, Jeffrey, but I’ve had a cold hanging on for the better part of a month and while common sense would say I’m not contagious, it also warns me not to be careless with others, so I won’t shake your hand tonight.”
    â€œIs this the same cold you had in August?” he asked, his left brow shifting up.
    â€œOr another one piggybacking the first. In any case, catching colds when you’re a teacher isn’t a bit unusual.”
    â€œBut not getting better is,” warned Jeff.
    His concerned manner intrigued Hannah. Was this a family friend? A relative?
    â€œHannah, this is Miss Dinsmore, Wellsville’s beloved high school science teacher.” Jeff offered the introduction easily, his affectionate tone respectful but friendly. “There are few people here who haven’t benefitted from her wisdom and patience during adolescence.”
    Science teacher?
    A cool chill crept up Hannah’s spine. “Nice to meet you.”
    The other woman met Hannah’s gaze with a pointed lookof consideration before she softened her expression. “And you. I’ve heard a lot about you, my dear.”
    Jeff’s look sharpened, but one of the other committee members drew his attention, interrupting the moment.
    She knows.
    Hannah met Miss Dinsmore’s eyes and nodded, not willing to pursue the feeling but fairly sure she had no secrets from the wizened woman facing her. “Do you teach all levels?”
    â€œYes and no.” Miss Dinsmore withdrew a chair and settled into it, a glimmer of discomfort darkening her features before she took a deep breath, let it out slowly and smiled. “I have over the years. Right now I’m doing bio and chem.”
    Hannah slid into the seat alongside her, reluctantly drawn. “I love biology.”
    â€œI know.” Miss Dinsmore looked at her and broke her no-touch,