Free Teaching Patience (Homespun) by Katie Crabapple Page B

 
    She laughed.  “Why don’t we wait until school’s out?  Maybe the Saturday after?  That way I won’t have to rush back to work.”   She liked the idea of getting married in the early summer, and having months to get used to being married before she went back to teaching, if she decided she wanted to keep teaching.
    “How long is that?”   He hoped it was soon, because he really didn’t want to wait too long.
    “About six weeks.”   That should give her enough time to plan everything and do the sewing she’d need to do.  With Mama and Bess and Charlotte all helping, they could get a lot done in that short amount of time.
    He sighed.  “That’s too long.”
    She grinned.  “I need time to plan the wedding and make my dress.  Any sooner just can’t happen.”
    “I guess six weeks will have to do then won’t it?”   He sounded disappointed, but she understood.  She wanted to be a part of his life as soon as possible as well.
    She stood up.  “Let’s go tell everyone!”  
    “Charlie first.”
    She’d been heading straight for her mama, but she knew he was right.  Charlie should be the first to know.  It would affect his life the most.
    They walked to where the children were playing and called Charlie.  He came running with a goofy grin on his face. 
    Hugh reached out and ruffled Charlie’s hair.  “Got a question for you.”  He watched his son carefully, knowing how Charlie felt about their marriage would be very important to their future.
    Charlie nodded.  “Okay.”
    “How would you feel if Miss Stevens was your new Ma?” 
    Charlie looked between the two of them for a moment and then grinned.  “I think that’d be great.  She’s a good cook!”  
    Hugh laughed.  “I guess that’s all that’s really important, then, isn’t it?”
    Charlie shrugged.  “Well, I do like to eat.  She’s nice too, though.”  He turned to Patience.  “Are you going to make me study spelling at home?”
    She laughed out loud.  “Only if you don’t learn it while you’re at school.”
    Charlie sighed heavily.  “I guess I’d better start studying then.”  He turned and ran back to the other children a huge smile on his face.