Dear Ex-wife Marry Me by Twin Bridge

"I'm off to meet my dad, his boat's docked," Tobias stammered, his eyes darting away, clearly hiding something.

But in this backwater town, what secrets could he keep?

Abner walked on without a word, Tobias trailing behind him, lost in thought and tripping over his own feet.

It was a nasty fall; blood gushed from his nose.

Abner helped him up. "You should head back and have Queena take a look."

At the mention of Queena, Tobias clutched his nose as if stung.

"No need, no need, it's just a scratch. I'll be fine, really."

Strange, considering how much Tobias usually adored Queena, his reaction now was anything but normal.

Even a guy as simple as Abner could see something was up.

But he said nothing, just pulled Tobias to his feet, and they ambled toward his house.

The boats coming in was usually the highlight of the day, but since both families had recently lost someone, the crowd was sparse.

Abner tagged along to the shore. Tobias seemed out of it, but he perked up at the sight of the approaching fishing boat, hopping

excitedly on the dock.

Soon enough, the boat landed. But thanks to a harsh wind, the catch was meager; six crewmen brought in just two buckets of fish.

Fishing was always a gamble. A good haul could set you up for the year.

A bad one meant tightening your belt.

Tobias spotted his dad, looking grim, and called out.

"Dad! Over here! Over here!"

The man, Jackson, tanned and weathered from the sea, didn't look happy with just two buckets of fish. His share, five fish, wouldn't

cover much, let alone school fees.

"Tobias."

Jackson called out, holding up the fish as he approached.

around. "Only five,

a picture of helplessness. "Hit sbad winds, son. Let's

be pinching pennies now, his face

reaching Abner, Jackson remembered the man they'd hauled in

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

Tobias’ head, a

dragged you out of the water, thought you were

the

is it getting

bans in our usual spots, trouble with international waters. Pirates, even. Used to be we'd haul in

no problem. Not so much these days.

changing; they couldn't rely

looked even

with the school

his son to worry and tousled

would sell the shirt off my back

they chatted, they

biggest fish for Tobias to

still recovering. And these fish won't cover your

and set

sky overhead a stark

arriving

was jolted by Tobias'

to your hand? Why's it

I'll swing

the mention of Queena, Tobias clammed

hurt more than he let on, his leg swollen, but

over to the Temples.

bit his lip,

from theirs, lights blazing, a crowd gathered even

for dinner, watching Tobias peer out for his

PM,

to head out, when Abner

caught up at the Temples. Nothing to worry about. And if he

of admiration

scared

Abner raised an eyebrow,