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

was a picture of helplessness.

knew they'd be pinching pennies now,

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

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

head, a gesture of

you out of the water,

at the

it getting harder to catch

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

no problem. Not so much

couldn't rely solely

even more

luck with

his son to worry and tousled

off my back to keep you in

chatted, they headed

chose the biggest fish for Tobias

still recovering. And these fish won't cover your fees, so

nodded and

clear blue sky overhead a stark contrast to the

arriving

he was

what happened to your hand?

swing by Queena's for

the mention of

his leg swollen,

heading over to the Temples. Heard Mr. Temple passed. It's only right to

his lip,

lights blazing, a

Tobias

c11 PM,

was frantic, about to head out, when

the Temples. Nothing to worry about. And if

brought that look of

scared of Queena

raised an