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,

of helplessness. "Hit sbad winds, son.

they'd be pinching pennies now, his

Abner, Jackson remembered the man

"How you holding up?"

"Better, thanks."

a gesture of

were all scared witless when we dragged you

the fish

getting harder to catch

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

problem. Not so much these days. Might be the

couldn't rely solely on the

even

luck with the

didn't want his son to worry and

sell the shirt off my back to keep

chatted,

chose the biggest fish for Tobias

needs the protein, still recovering. And these fish won't cover your fees,

and set

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

would be arriving soon, and

he was jolted by

your hand? Why's

scratch. I'll swing

mention of Queena, Tobias

his leg swollen, but he didn't want

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

his lip,

house was visible from theirs, lights blazing, a

Tobias

c11 PM,

frantic, about to head

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

that look of admiration to Tobias' face; he

I'm kinda scared of Queena

raised an eyebrow,