“Now, because of your generosity, I’m that much closer to going home. I love Blessings so much. I thought we would live here forever. Be buried here, even. But I guess God had other plans. So thank you for caring enough to help. Thank you so, so much. I don’t know what else to say but God bless you.”

The applause that followed was loud and fervent, and then a pastor from the Methodist church stepped up and said a prayer, and as soon as he said, “Amen,” someone in the crowd shouted, “Let’s eat!”

Food and laughter ensued.

Birdie had turned in her tickets, but instead of eating there, she got three plates to go, one for her and one each for Hunt and Ava, along with a separate box with three desserts. She was struggling toward the car with her load when a young man came running toward her.

“Hey, Bridgette! I haven’t seen you in ages. Looks like you could use some help.”

Birdie stopped. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had called her by her given name, and she was still trying to place him when he smiled. It was that one dimple in his right cheek that gave him away.

Wade Montgomery!

She hadn’t seen him since their junior year of high school.

“Wade! What on earth are you doing back in Blessings?”

“I came back to help Uncle Dub.”

Birdie stared. “My boss, Dub Truesdale, is your uncle?”

Now he looked as surprised as she felt.

“You work at the Feed and Seed?” he asked.

“Since straight out of high school.”

“Then we’ll be seeing more of each other, I guess. So, will you let me help carry this for you?”

“Yes, and much appreciated,” Birdie said, and handed the stack of boxes over, then took the smaller box with the desserts off the top and carried it.

“Where are we going?” Wade asked.

“To my car. I’m going to eat with my brother and his girlfriend. She just got out of the hospital.”

“Which brother?” he asked.

“Hunter, the oldest one.”

“Good dude,” Wade said. “You lead. I’ll follow,” he added, and then disputed his own words and walked beside her all the way. As soon as the food was in her car, he gave her a quick pat on the shoulder. “Enjoy, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Birdie blinked. “Wait. What?”

“At work. I’ll see you at work,” he said.

“Oh, right. Tomorrow. Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow,” and then she sat in the car without starting it up, just so she could watch him walk away.

Tall, dark, and handsome. Check.

Friendly and personable. Check.

Worked in the same business. Check.