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,

face was a picture of helplessness.

pinching pennies now, his

man they'd hauled

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

a

were all scared witless when we dragged you out of the water,

sighed at the

it getting harder to catch

son. Fishing bans in our usual spots, trouble with international

much

changing; they couldn't rely

even

luck with the school

son to worry and tousled his

off

chatted,

fish

sir needs the protein, still recovering. And these fish won't cover your fees, so no need to

nodded and

from outside, the clear blue sky overhead a stark contrast to

own people would be arriving

thought, he was jolted by Tobias'

to your hand?

scratch. I'll swing

of Queena,

on, his leg swollen, but he

get the fish cooked. I'm heading over to the Temples. Heard Mr. Temple

lip, unable to

from theirs, lights blazing, a crowd

dinner, watching Tobias peer

PM, Jackson hadn't

about to head out, when Abner

caught up at the Temples. Nothing to worry about. And if he was hurt bad, Queena's there. She's

brought that look of admiration to Tobias' face;

kinda scared of Queena

Abner raised an eyebrow,