Free The Trouble with Patience by Maggie Brendan

Jedediah intended to find out more about the stranger. Why hadn’t he offered to finish the painting for Patience? After all, that was part of their agreement.
    Feeling silly with the wildflowers in hand and an observer up on the ladder, he turned back in the direction he’d come and saw Hannah sweeping the sidewalk in front of her bakery. He’d have to give Patience the money later—when Mr. Cowboy wasn’t around.
    â€œMornin’, Miss Hannah. Maybe you’ll find a place for these,” he said, thrusting the bouquet in her hands. Her mouth dropped open as he strode on past her.
    â€œThanks, Jed, but where ya off to in such a rush?”
    Jedediah heard the exasperation in her voice, but he didn’t look back.

    By the time Emily peeked in on her, Patience was slowly getting dressed, careful of the bruise on her side. Though she was still stiff, she was grateful her headache had subsided.
    â€œI’m leaving now,” Emily told her, “if you’re certain that you can manage getting your breakfast. I didn’t want to wake you earlier.” Emily stepped into the room and helped Patience with the buttons on her dress.
    â€œI’ll be just fine,” Patience assured her. “Maybe I’ll have just a piece of toast this morning, and I can easily manage that. In fact, I feel quite well, except for the soreness in my shoulder and ribs.”
    â€œGood! Now, don’t overdo, and I’ll see you after supper or as soon as I can get away from the café.”
    Patience assured her she would be careful. After she left, Patience tried brushing her hair up into its usual chignon as gently as she could. Tenderness from a bruise and swelling on the side of her head caused a sharp intake of breath. Instead of her comb, she used her fingers to make a loose knot at the back of her head. It would have to do for now, even if Jedediah stopped by, as Emily had indicated he might. She pinched her cheeks to add a little color and was glad for the green sprigged dress that brought out her eyes. Patience sighed. If she couldn’t be tall and willowy like Emily, with her golden hair and honey-colored eyes, she could at least be bright and cheerful.
    This kind of thinking got her absolutely nowhere.

    After downing another two cups of coffee, Jedediah leaned back with his boots propped against the porch railing and surmised that he was simply confused. Considering how he’d reacted earlier, it all made no sense. Patience, with her lovely eyes and witty tongue, along with her deep faith, left him bewildered and wondering. He believed in God, but she seemed to take her faith a step further—writing “devotionals,” whatever they were, and spouting off about them. And then, of all the nerve, suggesting he might have regrets in his past. Why would she presume such a thing about his life? She didn’t know him from Adam. Why should he care how many devotionals she wrote? They meant nothing to him, and there was nothing between him and Patience.
    Except for some reason or other, she stuck in his craw. He knew little about her—who her parents were, where she came from—and maybe he didn’t need to. Forget whatever Hannah said or thought. He and the Patience woman would mix like grub worms in a tomato patch—pure disaster. Especially if she knew me for what I really am .
    He’d walk over there now and pay her what he owed her, then leave it at that. At least until he needed lunches again.

    Patience was sitting in a rocker on the front porch, chatting with that cowboy still up on the ladder, when Jedediah walked up. Hadn’t this dude finished yet? For goodness’ sake! He could’ve had the entire front painted by now. Cowboy’s slow. Or maybe he wants to paint at a snail’s pace to hang around longer. He hoped the slowpoke wasn’t charging her for the job.
    â€œWhy, Jedediah, good morning. It’s good to see you this