As John and Patience approached Graham’s Grub, they heard shouts and yelling from the street. John pulled Patience off the main road, and they hid on the side of one of the buildings so they could see what was going on.

The crowd cleared a bit, and John and Patience could see a young man lying on the road, clutching his side.

“We need a doctor!” another young man called, sounding scared. “Is anyone here a doctor?”

Most of the people in the crowd just pointed and stared.

Robert and Lydia Graham raced out onto the street. “I’ve sent one of the boys to get Dr. Thomas,” Robert explained to the crowd. “Did anyone see the man who got away?” Lydia, holding a towel, walked over to the young man and pressed the towel to his side.

Everyone began shouting.

“He was a tall man!”

“He was a short man!”

“His hair was black as night!”

“He had no hair at all!”

“He went east!”

“I saw him go south!”

Finally, Robert put two fingers between his lips and let out a loud, long whistle. “The marshal will be here soon. He’ll need to talk to anyone who saw the man with the knife.”

At the side of the building, Patience shivered. It wasn’t cold in temperature, but she felt terrible knowing that someone had been hurt inside her parents’ restaurant. Something else was bothering her, too.

John rubbed Patience’s arms, trying to help her get warm. “I’m sure you’re scared right now, Patience, but don’t worry. Everything will be all right.”

Patience chewed on her lip. “That could have been me lying on the ground. If I had been working tonight . . .”

“Shh.” John put a finger to her mouth. “It wasn’t you. You’re right here, and I’ve got you now.”

Patience did feel much better when she was wrapped in John’s embrace, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had escaped a terrible fate. Maybe there was something to what that Sarah woman had said after all.

Dr. JT Thomas pulled up in a wagon just then, and the crowd parted to allow him to park. Dr. Thomas hopped out of his wagon and rushed to the wounded young man. Robert and Lydia conferred with him in hushed tones.

Patience looked toward Graham’s Grub. “I need to find a way back inside before my parents realize I’m not there.”

“They didn’t know you left your house?” John was confused.

Patience shook her head. “They think I’m in my room. I was already going to disobey their rules, and I didn’t think sneaking out would hurt.”

John surveyed the crowd, then looked at the building they were hiding behind. “I have an idea.” John took Patience’s hand and led her behind the other buildings and toward the wooded area just outside of Graham’s Grub. Tiptoeing so they wouldn’t attract attention, John and Patience made their way closer and closer to the restaurant. “Is there a back entrance?” John whispered.

Patience nodded. She pointed to where it was along the side of the building. There were some trees nearby, and John and Patience darted behind them to stay out of sight. The crowd was still focused on the young man who had been stabbed and Dr. Thomas’s attempts to save his life.

When they got close to the side door, Patience turned to John. “I can make it from here. Thank you so much.”

“Of course. I’ll see you soon, Patience.” Once again, John brought Patience’s hands to his lips and kissed her delicately.

Patience felt a flutter in her stomach and reminded herself that she needed to get back into her house. “Yes. See you soon.” She quickly walked the rest of the short distance to the side door of the house and used her set of keys to unlock it. She pulled the door shut behind her and sank down onto the floor, exhaling in relief. She had made it inside without her parents realizing she had left.

Her heart was still pounding from spending time with John, but she knew she had better go back to her room before her parents came inside and wondered what she was doing on the floor. She stood up and returned to her room, lying down on her bed and replaying the events of the last few hours. She still couldn’t believe that she and John had somehow ended up at the exact same spot in town. He always seemed to show up when she needed him the most.

Patience yawned, exhausted from all the emotions she had gone through during the day. She decided to go to sleep early. As she started to drift off, she imagined a big, beautiful wedding at the local church. John stood at the altar, awaiting his bride. And later, they’d move into a lovely house and begin to fill it one by one with children. Patience could see it all so clearly. She was starting to believe that Sarah, the mysterious stranger who kept showing up in unexpected places, was right. She and John were meant to be together. But how would she get her parents to see that? What could she possibly do to change their minds?

* * *

The following evening, Patience went on her date with Alexander Jacobs to satisfy her parents. Throughout the evening, Alexander continued to make comments about his family’s wealth that made Patience feel uncomfortable. She had always thought it best to only talk about money with family. She and Alexander barely knew each other.

She also noticed that Alexander was just as stiff and cold as usual at dinner. She felt none of the warmth or joy that enveloped her when she was with John. At the end of the evening, when Alexander drove her home, she was secretly relieved the date was over. When Alexander pulled the wagon in front of her house, he walked her to her front door and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“I hope to take you out again one day, Patience,” Alexander told her.

Patience didn’t know what to say. “Thank you for everything. Good night.”

Alexander waved goodbye to her and got back into his wagon. “Good night!”

Lydia was waiting up for Patience. As soon as Patience walked into the living room of their home, Lydia was there to pepper her with questions. “How was it? Where did you go? Did you meet any of his family?”

Patience laughed. “Fine. To a restaurant in Bachelor. No. In that order.”

Lydia frowned. “He took you to Bachelor?” The road between Creede and Bachelor was along a narrow stretch of land with a steep drop off into the canyon below. More than a few people had lost their lives to the dangerous pass. Lydia didn’t like that on the first date, Alexander had put her daughter’s life in danger.

“Yes, there was a restaurant there he said was his favorite,” Patience explained.

“Why isn’t Graham’s Grub his favorite?” Lydia wondered out loud.

Patience grinned. “Mother!”

“You know I’m only teasing, dear. Did you two enjoy yourselves?” Lydia asked, looking down at the quilt squares she was sewing together.

Patience paused. She didn’t want to be dishonest, but she also didn’t want to upset her mother. “It was . . . interesting.”

Lydia set down her sewing. “Interesting? What does that mean?”

Patience decided to tell her mother the full truth. “It means . . . I don’t think we have a strong connection. I don’t plan to go on any other dates with him.”

Lydia sighed. “It was only the first date, dear! You may feel differently once you get to know him a bit better.”

“Trust me, Mother. I doubt my feelings will change.” Patience’s tone was so adamant that Lydia didn’t protest any further.

“I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but I believe you if you say you don’t want to get to know him any better,” Lydia told her daughter.

“Thank you, Mother. If you don’t mind, I’m exhausted. I’m going to go to bed now. Good night!” Patience kissed her mother on the cheek and went into her bedroom.

Though she had spent her night with Alexander, John Jackson was the only man she could think about. Thoughts of John ran through her head day and night. Now she just had to figure out what to do about it.

For the rest of the week, Patience and John continued to find ways to see each other in secret. Whenever John and Willie had a package for Graham’s Grub, John would write a note to Patience and manage to slip it to her when they delivered the package.

Patience was the happiest she had been since moving to Creede. She felt like John understood her and wanted the same things out of life that she wanted. She fantasized about what they might wear to their wedding and what their future children might look like.

One evening, John sneaked out of his parents’ house to meet Patience. He had a special gift for her. Whenever John wanted to see Patience while she was at home, they had developed a system. John tapped a specific pattern of knocks against the side door, which was closest to Patience’s bedroom.

Patience opened her door and checked the hallway to confirm John would have a clear path. She then rushed toward the side door and opened it, letting John in. From there, they typically went to the storeroom, where it was dark, and their voices wouldn’t carry into other parts of the restaurant.

That evening, Patience met John at the door and led him to the storeroom. Once he had pulled the door closed, John pulled Patience in and wrapped his arms around her. He bent down and kissed the tip of her nose, then pressed his lips against hers.

Patience pulled back a little. “John! I still feel strange carrying on like this in my parents’ house.”

John sighed. “I know I need to wait a little longer. But you have this effect on me, Patience. I can’t help myself!”

Patience giggled. She felt a little out of control when she was near John, too. “How was your day?”

“It was great,” John declared.

“Why was that?” Patience asked.

John pulled a small jewelry box from his pocket. “Because I decided to do this. Patience Graham, I’ve had feelings for you since I met you. I’ve turned my life around, and I have you to thank for it. Now, I can’t imagine my life without you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” John opened the jewelry box to reveal a key.

Patience covered her mouth with her hand. She had dreamed of a life with John, but she had no idea that he was going to ask for her hand in marriage. She wanted to shout, “Yes,” but then she thought of her parents and their disapproval. Was it wrong to accept a marriage proposal if your parents were strongly against it?

“What’s wrong, Patience?” John was worried about the faraway look he saw on Patience’s face. He knew it only meant trouble.

“I’m sorry, John. I was just thinking about my parents. Accepting your marriage proposal would make me so happy, and I want them to share in my happiness.” Patience tried to explain it to John, but she wasn’t sure she was doing a very good job.

John nodded. “I know your parents are very important to you.”

Suddenly, the stranger’s words flashed back to Patience. Perhaps since they were in the storeroom where Sarah had first appeared or perhaps because the mystery was still bothering Patience, she remembered what Sarah had said about needing to disobey her parents to be with the man she loved. “John, please excuse me for answering in such a long-winded way. The truth is I would love to marry you!”

John gave a happy-sounding laugh and lifted Patience off the ground. “You’ve made me so happy, Patience!”

“Oh, John, it’s so lovely!” Patience declared. “When can we get married? I can’t wait to be your wife.”

John shook his head in amazement. He had trouble keeping up with Patience. It seemed like moments ago, she was upset because her parents wouldn’t approve of their marriage. Now, she wanted to get married as quickly as possible. “I can’t wait either.”

“I do have one question, though.” Patience pointed at the small key in John’s hand. “What is that?”

John laughed. “I was wondering when you would ask about that. I explained tonight to my father that you and I have been seeing each other and that we plan to marry. He’s going to let me stay with him until we are married, and then, after the ceremony, you and I will move into a little house I bought on the outskirts of town. This key is for you.” John pressed the key into Patience’s palm.

Patience felt tears gather in her eyes. She was so touched by John’s gift to her. It was perfect.

“Now, I’m not saying this will be our home forever. I’ll have to keep working hard at the mercantile, but one day, I’d like to build you another house—a big house, something beautiful that you deserve. And that can fit all the dozens of children I’d like to have with you.” John raised one eyebrow to Patience to show he was teasing.

“Dozens of children? Oh my!” Patience laughed.

“I can’t help it, Patience. I’m completely in love with you.” John smiled at his future bride.

“I’m in love with you, too, John.” Patience grabbed John’s hands and squeezed them, enjoying their wonderful warmth and strength.

“I can’t tell you what a relief that is to hear. I’ve been pacing back and forth at the mercantile all day today. My parents couldn’t wait until I got out of the house,” John confessed.

Patience grinned as she thought about John nervously pacing at the mercantile. Then her expression faltered, and she looked away.

“What is it, Patience?” John tilted his head, trying to figure out what was wrong.

“I’m sorry. It’s nothing.” Patience fixed her gaze on the floor. This was a happy day, and she should enjoy it.

“Patience, we shouldn’t start our life together by keeping things from one another. What is it?” John asked gently.

Patience sighed. She felt guilty bringing it up, but she knew John was right. She couldn’t hide things from her soon-to-be husband. “I have always pictured my parents standing beside me or at least near me at my wedding. I am so excited to marry you, but at the same time, it’s bittersweet because I know my parents won’t be there.”

John nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a good point. I know what you mean. I am sad that my mother won’t be there. I am fortunate that I have Toria, of course, but it won’t be the same.”

“Yes,” Patience agreed. She was glad that John hadn’t accused her of being difficult but instead agreed with her feelings. She knew how lucky she was to have found a man like him.

“Do you think there’s any chance your parents may change their mind about me?” John asked hopefully.

Patience shook her head sadly. “Unfortunately, I feel their minds have already been made up. And since the stabbing that took place last week, my parents have gotten more and more overprotective of me. No, I don’t see them changing their minds at the moment.”

“I see. In that case, then, maybe we should make plans with Reverend Bing to marry quickly and quietly. Once we are married, your parents can’t object, right?” John explained his line of thinking to Patience.

Patience nodded. “Yes, that sounds good to me. The sooner I am Mrs. John Jackson, the better. I just thought of something. Will your parents be able to attend?”

John smiled at his soon-to-be wife. “Yes, they’ve both told me they would love to attend. My parents know what a wonderful young woman you are, and they are thrilled to have you join the family.”

Patience felt guilty that she couldn’t say the same about her own family, but John was taking all of this in stride. “Then I agree. We should get married as soon as possible.”

“I was hoping you’d say that. I’ve spoken to Reverend Bing, and I think we can get married next Saturday evening.” John told Patience, hoping she would like this plan.

Patience felt a tingle of excitement spread through her body. Once she and John were married, they would be able to truly live as husband and wife. Although she was a little scared and unsure of what was ahead of her, she knew she wanted to take this next step, and John was the right man to take it with.