The Trouble with Patience by Maggie Brendan Page A

didn’t plan on being in Nevada City that long. Best that he stick to finding work and continue with his plans.

    Jedediah’s thoughts perplexed him as he left the Creekside Inn. Patience had seemed a little shy while she’d been chatting with her customer. It was surprising, but appealing. The two seemed to know each other, by the sound of their conversation. Well, it was none of his business. But he wondered what it would take for him to cause her to blush so prettily? Easy now . . . She ’s too rigid and perfect for someone like me. I can’t be hemmed in like that—even if she ’d want to be!
    A hint of cinnamon wafted on the breeze. He headed down to The Star Bakery, his belly rumbling in response. Fragrant mixtures of cinnamon and other spices filled the tiny bakery and made his mouth water. Hannah was busy at her woodentable, kneading a big batch of dough he knew would be fresh bread by noon. Behind the glass-fronted counter were all those baking delights to tantalize his senses.
    â€œHowdy, Jed.” Hannah paused to wipe her hands on a cloth, then hurried over.
    â€œMorning, Miss Hannah. I would love to have one of your cinnamon rolls. But,” he bent to peer through the glass at the shelves, “I don’t see—”
    â€œMy earlier customers wiped me out, but I always save one for you just in case.” Her round face beamed at him like he was her son.
    â€œAww, Miss Hannah, you didn’t have to do that.”
    â€œI know I didn’t have to, but I wanted to.” She reached under a linen cloth and placed the cinnamon roll on a piece of paper. “Want me to wrap it or you gonna eat it here?”
    â€œI think I’ll take it with me and make myself some coffee. I always have work I should be doing.”
    â€œNo need to make your own. I just made some fresh. In fact, I’ll take a break with you, now that it’s finally settled down around here this morning.” Ignoring his protests, she poured two mugs of coffee. She carried them and he picked up his roll and followed her over to one of the small wooden tables.
    â€œHow’s life been treating ya, Jed?” She always got right to the point. “I heard you took the posse out. Anything I should know about? Robbers, criminals? You know I live alone here, and there’s plenty o’ no-accounts passing through.”
    Jed laughed. “Why, Miss Hannah, I don’t think you have a thing to worry about. In fact, I’m pretty sure you can handle whatever comes your way!” He took a bite of the roll and a swig of coffee, looking into the older woman’s eyes. She’s a keen one, that’s for sure. In this rugged country, women—especially widowed women—learned survival skills or the worst could happen.
    â€œTo tell you the truth, we trailed that no-good outlaw until we reached the border of Idaho, then lost him. Just as well. Let the authorities there apprehend him.”
    She gave him a serious look. “Can’t say as I blame you there. You have plenty of drunks and minor lawbreakers to keep you busy right here in town. Seen any more of Patience?”
    He finished his roll, giving him time to consider how to answer. “Why do you want to know?”
    â€œI guess you need lookin’ after, and I’m just the one to do it.” She gave him a wry smile. “Someone should.”
    â€œMiss Hannah, don’t worry your wise gray head about me. I’m not worth worrying over.”
    â€œNow, don’t say that, Jed. I know better. So, have you seen her lately?” She leaned forward expectantly.
    â€œWell, yes and no. She agreed to pack boxed lunches for me and my men, but when I dropped by to pay her today, she was . . . well, otherwise engaged.”
    Her brows knitted in a deep line above her nose. “Ya don’t say? Tell me about it.”
    â€œCan’t rightly tell you. Some cowboy checking in as a