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.

glanced around.

face was a picture of helplessness. "Hit sbad

pinching pennies

Jackson remembered the man they'd hauled in from

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

patted Tobias’ head, a

witless when we dragged you out of the water, thought you were a

at the fish in

it getting

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

so much these

couldn't rely

looked even more

with the

son to worry and tousled

shirt off my back to keep you in

they chatted,

fish

fish won't cover your fees,

and set

from outside, the clear blue sky overhead a stark

would be arriving soon, and he'd leave

in thought, he was jolted by Tobias'

happened to your

a scratch. I'll swing by Queena's

mention of Queena, Tobias

let on, his

Temples. Heard Mr. Temple passed. It's only right to lend a

his lip, unable

house was visible from theirs, lights blazing, a crowd gathered

watching Tobias peer out for

c11 PM, Jackson hadn't

frantic, about to head out,

worry about. And if he was hurt bad, Queena's

brought that look of admiration to Tobias' face;

kinda scared of Queena

Abner raised