Read Online What the Heart Knows by Margaret Daley - Free Book Online Page A

the back of the group of six were Mark and Hannah. Hannah beamed; Mark scowled. He spun about and started along the trail with determination in every stride, his hands clenched at his sides. Hannah took the place next to Kathleen.
    â€œDad likes you,” the young girl finally said.
    â€œI like your father. He’s a good friend.” The words sounded empty even to her own ears, as though she wished there was much more to the relationship than friendship. She scoffed at that notion. Neither wanted anything but friendship.
    â€œI’m gonna wear my new dress tomorrow to church. Candy says I don’t know how to pick out pretty clothes. I’ll show her.”
    â€œYou’ll knock their socks off with that dress.”
    â€œMaybe you could help me pick out another one for school.”
    Surprised at the request, Kathleen said, “Sure, when you get ready to go back in August, I can go with you if your dad says it’s okay.”
    â€œHe will. He likes you.”
    They were back to that again. Kathleen searched for something other than she and Jared to discuss.
    â€œYou’re so much easier to talk to than Mrs. Davis,” Hannah said before Kathleen could come up with another topic.
    â€œHow long has Mrs. Davis been your housekeeper?” Okay, this subject was a start in the right direction.
    â€œThree years. Mom needed help, so Dad hired Mrs. Davis. She’s okay. She cooks real good, but I bet you cook better. She won’t let me help her in the kitchen.”
    â€œNext week I’m going to be making dozens of cookies for the church bake sale. Maybe you could help me.”
    Hannah stopped. “I can?”
    â€œIf it’s okay with your—”
    â€œDad likes you. It’ll be okay.”
    Kathleen clamped her lips together to keep from moaning.
    â€œWhen?”
    â€œTuesday afternoon.”
    â€œCan we make some peanut butter cookies? They’re my favorite.”
    â€œSure. I was going to bake several different kinds. Peanut butter will be one.”
    â€œAnd chocolate chip?”
    Kathleen nodded, the young girl’s eagerness catching.
    â€œSugar, too?”
    â€œThat sounds fine.”
    The rest of the hike up the trail to the lake nestled between two mountains was filled with Hannah talking about her favorite foods. By the time Kathleen reached their destination, her stomach rumbled with hunger, and she was ready to delve into the sacks and eat lunch an hour early. She leaned back against a tree trunk and surveyed the teenagers as theyplopped their backpacks on the ground, then headed for the water.
    â€œI almost came to rescue you.”
    Kathleen gasped, so intent on watching Mark standing off by himself that she hadn’t heard Jared approach. “Rescue me?”
    â€œFrom my daughter. When she gets going, she can talk a person’s ear off.”
    â€œI have to admit I’m starved now. She went from describing her favorite pizza to her favorite dessert. I think she likes ice cream and caramel about as much as I do. I could almost taste the hot caramel double dip sundae she told me was her favorite dessert. Where’s the nearest store?”
    His chuckle rippled down her length. “That’s Hannah. I don’t know how she keeps the weight off.”
    â€œMetabolism.”
    â€œThat and the fact she can out-play most boys in soccer and baseball.”
    â€œShe wants to help me bake cookies Tuesday. Is that all right?”
    Jared’s expression brightened, his eyes sparkling like the lake water with the sun glinting off its surface. “I don’t want her to be a bother.”
    â€œShe isn’t. I asked her first. I could use the help since I’m going to make five or six dozen cookies.”
    â€œDo you need a tester? I’m quite good at that job.” Jared’s gaze roamed over the teenagers, some at the lake checking the temperature of the water, a few getting their fishing rods