The general store was busy that afternoon, but Jack didn’t seem to mind. Abigail kept a watchful eye on him as he wandered toward the crates of apples outside, bumping shoulders with another boy about his age. The two stared at each other for a second, as boys do, before suddenly bursting into laughter and chasing each other down the side of the street like they’d known each other all their lives.

Abigail turned to find the boy’s father already watching with an amused look. He was leaning casually near the wagon, arms crossed, a little dust on his boots and a softness in his eyes that made her pause.

— “Looks like we’ve been outnumbered” He said with a small smile, nodding toward the two boys now daring each other to jump from the porch steps.

Abigail smirked back, brushing her hands off on her skirt.

— “I’d say it’s the start of trouble.”