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.

a picture of helplessness. "Hit sbad winds,

pinching

reaching Abner, Jackson remembered the man they'd hauled

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

Tobias’ head, a

when we dragged you

sighed at the fish in

getting harder to

our usual spots, trouble with international waters. Pirates, even. Used

so much these days. Might be the

they couldn't rely solely on

even

with the

want his son to

the shirt off my back to keep you

they chatted, they headed

the biggest fish

recovering. And these fish won't cover

and set to

blue sky

arriving soon, and he'd leave his

thought, he was jolted

happened to your hand? Why's

scratch. I'll swing

the mention of Queena, Tobias clammed

let on, his leg swollen, but he didn't want

the fish cooked. I'm heading over to the Temples. Heard Mr. Temple passed. It's only right to

bit his lip,

Temples' house was visible from theirs, lights blazing, a

watching Tobias

PM, Jackson

was frantic, about to head out, when

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

look of admiration to Tobias' face; he sat

scared of Queena

Abner raised an eyebrow,