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. "Only five,

was a picture of helplessness. "Hit

pinching pennies now,

the man they'd hauled

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

patted Tobias’ head, a

witless when we dragged you out of the water,

the fish in

is it getting harder to catch

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

problem. Not so much these days. Might be the

couldn't rely solely on

even

luck with the school

want his son to worry and tousled

shirt off my back to

chatted, they headed

biggest fish for Tobias

And these fish won't cover your fees, so no need to

and

listened from outside, the clear blue sky overhead

would be arriving soon, and he'd leave his

was jolted by

what happened to your

a scratch. I'll swing by Queena's

the mention of

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

Temples. Heard Mr. Temple passed. It's only

bit his lip, unable to

visible from theirs, lights blazing,

watching Tobias

PM, Jackson

about to head out, when

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

brought that look of admiration to Tobias'

scared of Queena

Abner raised an