Page 14 of Lumberjack Bride

“Leo...” Bobby says slowly. “You okay?”

I shake my head once. “She’s calling off the wedding.”

He exhales. “We’re gonna need more beer. I’ll be back in ten.”

I feel his hand on my shoulder, tapping twice, as he gets up and walks toward the front door.

I don’t understand. Last night, she was fine. She was my Hazel. Bright and happy Hazel, ready and willing to take on the world with me. What happened?

I flinch. What the hell was in the box?

I get up and grab my keys.

Bobby turns around as I slam the front door behind me and march to my truck. “Where are you going?” he asks.

“To talk to my wife.”

“Obvious semantics aside... do you know where she is?”

I pull open the door to my truck. “Only one place she can go.”

“Okay…” he says. “I’ll just… hang out here. With the dog.”

“Thanks, Bob.”

He stares on in confusion but he says nothing more as he backs out of the way.

I race down the driveway, pushing the gas pedal hard.

Hazel Smith of Spokane, Washington.

I can’t marry you?

We’ll see about that.

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