A Deserted Rose *Joe Cartwright Love Story*

Chapter 12: Puzzle Piecing

This darn puzzle. Hoss bought it for me, and thought it might offer me some fun on a rainy day.

I was trying to fit together this one part of a tree, but just couldn't seem to get it.

But apart from this, "you know who", just had to death surprise me.

"Ahh!!" I yelped.

Joe poked me in the side. Note: I'm very ticklish.

"Joe!" I yelled, trying to take a swing at him.

"Now, now, Little Lady, no need to get feisty." He teased me as he poked my nose.

"Whatever." I said as I playfully rolled my eyes.

"So what do you got here?" He said, pulling a chair up beside me.

"That puzzle Hoss got me." I said.

"It giving you trouble?" Little Joe asked.

"A little bit." I laughed, slightly, "I've never been really good with puzzles."

"Here," Joe said, as he got up, leaned over me, and fit two tree pieces together. The exact ones I was having trouble with.

"How did you?" I said suddenly.

"I've always been lucky when it comes to puzzles." Little Joe teased and winked at me.

"Oh whatever, I bet you've done this puzzle before." I said, resting my cheek in my hand.

"Well..."

"You have!" I exclaimed.

"Oh little lady, don't get jealous that I'm a better puzzle piecer than you." He smirked.

"Bull! I bet I could put these puzzle pieces together faster than you can rope cattle. " I smirked.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go!" He declared.

And then we were off, seeing who could put the pieces together the fastest.

I smiled, looking up at Little Joe in amazement as he was laughing and working at the pieces. I just smiled at him.