The Trouble with Patience by Maggie Brendan Read Free Book Online Page A

legend! No one ever told me!” The young man was wide-eyed with amazement.
    Jed clenched his jaw, not wanting this impressionable kid to put him on a pedestal where he certainly didn’t belong. Even though he hadn’t been here that long, most of the men already knew he never wanted to talk about those days. “Haven’t missed much, Kit,” he said, avoiding the boy’s appraisal.
    â€œWonder what ever happened to Ned?” Bob continued.
    Monty grunted. “I heard tell he took off for Kansas. Said he’d had enough of Montana.”
    Jed abruptly stood, wadding the sandwich paper into a ball, ignoring their stares. “Enough lollygagging. Let’s get back on the trail. If we don’t find what we’re looking for, we’ll head back to town before dusk.”

    Late-afternoon sun danced across the worn porch, its nails pushing upward from the boards as Patience swept. She leanedher broom against the unstable railing, shielding her eyes from the setting sun to glance down the dusty road. But there was no sign of Jedediah and his posse. Was that a good sign or bad? She didn’t know, but she hoped everything had turned out all right. She couldn’t stay out here sweeping much longer.

6

    The next morning she set off to buy paint and supplies at Foster’s general store. She had to push her way through the other shoppers in hopes of getting waited on. Finally she touched the sleeve of a scrawny young clerk who didn’t appear strong enough to hoist the five-pound sack of flour balanced on his shoulder. But before she could speak, he said, “Sorry, ma’am, this will only take a few minutes.”
    She pulled her list from her reticule, but he was already walking on.
    â€œHold on there, lad.” Patience heard a raspy voice from behind her. “Is that any way to treat a lady?”
    Patience turned in the direction of a tall man moving toward them. His black hair beneath the fine black cowboy hat was so long that it brushed the top of his broad shoulders. He was smartly dressed in a paisley tan vest under his leather coat and sported a blue silk neckerchief knotted at the base of his throat. “Won’t you take a moment to find out what the young lady needs?” He stood waiting, feet spread apart in well-heeled boots.
    Although the young clerk’s face flooded bright red, no doubt taken aback at the man’s intrusion, he stood his ground. “In time I will, but she has to wait like everyone else, mister.” He gave Patience a curt nod, then hurried away.
    The man shrugged. “I tried, but how he could pass up an opportunity to serve a comely customer such as you is beyond me.” His blue eyes twinkled.
    Patience felt her face grow warm. Comely—me? “Sir, I appreciate your efforts, but I can see the clerk has more than enough to handle. I shouldn’t have prevailed upon him to assist me. Thank you all the same. I’ll wait my turn and, in the meantime, see if I can locate some of these items myself.” She stared down at her list. Perhaps if I don’t look up , he’ll walk away. But he continued to stand there.
    She couldn’t remember seeing him about town, but with so many coming and going daily, she’d be hard-pressed to remember every face—except for the fact that she wouldn’t likely forget his handsome face or his deep, raspy voice.
    â€œI could help if you’d like,” he offered.
    â€œThat won’t be necessary. I’m sure you have better things to do.” She looked directly into his eyes, which crinkled at the corners. A slight smile parted his lips. Was he flirting or just being helpful?
    He took a step closer and held out his hand, and she reluctantly placed hers inside his big, strong fingers. “Name’s Cody. Cody Martin.” He shook her hand firmly, holding her eyes with his.
    She gave him a curt nod. “Patience Cavanaugh,” she said, pulling