The Trouble with Patience by Maggie Brendan Page B

Would you care to go with me?”
    Patience stopped rocking. When he grinned at her like that, the man was most charming. She recalled Hannah’s words—yes, she needed to get out and have a little fun. “All right, Cody, I’d love to go. I think it will be . . . will be rather enjoyable,” she finished primly, her cheeks feeling even warmer than the sun was making them.
    He grinned and went back to his painting. “Good, that’s settled then, ’cause tonight is my last night. I got a job today as a ranch hand.”
    â€œCongratulations, Cody!” she said with genuine admiration. “I know you’re tired of these little odd jobs of mine.” But she did briefly wonder once more how she’d get everything done that needed doing. And did this mean he’d no longer be boarding with her?
    â€œNot a problem, Patience. Your assignments gave me something to do until a job came my way. Glad I got the painting done.” He was brushing the last rungs of the railing.
    â€œWell, I am grateful, all the same.” She rose from the rocker. “It’s about time for supper. You’d better clean the paintbrushes,” she said over her shoulder, a twinkle in her eye, as she reached the door. “That is—if you’re planning on eating here tonight.”
    â€œI think I’ll do both—clean the brushes and eat here—since it’s my last night. Be there in a few minutes.”
    So I guess he will be staying out at the ranch , she concluded as she went back to the kitchen, fastening once again the top button of her shirtwaist collar. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that.

    Some evenings the residents enjoyed a game of checkers or a chat with other boarders in the parlor. Patience liked the lively conversation. It was good to have laughter and more people in the house. It all kept her from feeling so alone. However, she wasn’t able to sit there at her desk with so many of them in the room tonight, so she excused herself to go to her room with her Bible and notebook before it got very late. Emily was close behind, acknowledging how tired she was.
    As she and Emily walked upstairs, Patience dropped hernotebook. Emily hurried to pick it up for her, but held it open, staring at the page. “‘Seeking to Forgive Others,’” she read out loud. “What are you writing, my friend? A book?”
    Patience smiled and gave a little shrug. “Something like that. I’m working on a collection of my thoughts that I call Devotional Readings for Every Day. ” She watched as Emily continued to read silently.
    â€œThis is really good, Patience. I’m impressed.” Emily handed her the notebook.
    â€œThank you. I try to write one every few days, when I can. I don’t know what I’ll do with them, though,” she said as they continued down the hallway.
    Emily paused in front of Patience’s door. “Well, I have an idea. My uncle works for a publishing house in New York. I’ll help you get them to him.”
    Patience laughed. “I don’t think he’d be interested in publishing devotionals by someone he’s never heard of—and a woman at that. But I have to admit, Emily, I hope to get them published someday.”
    â€œThen you will. Let me know when you’ve written as much as you intend for the collection, and we’ll mail it off.”
    â€œYou really think he’d take a look at them?” Patience swallowed, butterflies spreading in the pit of her stomach.
    Emily smiled. “With a little bit of persuasion from me, I think so. I’m his favorite niece.”
    â€œDo you have a few minutes, before you retire? I’d like to talk to you about something that’s been on my mind.”
    â€œOf course. I’d probably only lie in the bed counting sheep anyway. The main thing I really wanted was to get off my feet.”
    â€œThat’s good. Come