Page 135 of Matchmaking On The Menu

“I thought I came to Boudica Springs to find photography again.”

I look around the room before settling on her.

“Turns out I just needed someone to remind me what was worth photographing.”

When I turn to face her, she’s crying. I move in and wipe the tears gathered on her cheeks with my thumb. She steps in closer and kisses me, her tears salty on my lips. “Thank you. This is the best gift ever.”

“No, Dannica. Thank you.”

I dip down and kiss her again, deepening it this time. I break away before our mugshots are in the local paper for indecent exposure. We’re both a little breathless.

“Oh, and I have this.”

I hand over the little booklet Mary helped me make for her.

She smiles as she takes it, running her fingers over the cover before opening it.

The first page has a headline.

BREAKING NEWS: MR. DAVENPORT SAVES DUCKLINGS FROM DRAIN. DECLARES THEM “GOOD KIDS.”

Underneath, in smaller writing, it says:

You wrote this after I climbed into the storm drain to rescue them. I’d forgotten all about it until Teddy asked if you’d ever made up one of your headlines about me. — Mr. Davenport

Dannica lets out a tiny laugh and turns the page.

LOCAL BAKER REFUSES PAYMENT FROM LITTLE BOY BUYING HIS MOTHER A BIRTHDAY CUPCAKE. CLAIMS HIS SMILE WAS ENOUGH.

You said kindness should always make the front page. — Mrs. Ellis

She blinks, turns the page.

BREAKING: SHELLY O’DONAGUE PRETENDS SHE DOESN’T LIKE KIDS. IMMEDIATELY MAKES ELEVEN PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICHES FOR THEM.

You caught me. — Shelly

A smile tugs at her mouth.

MARY JOHNSON CROWNED UNDISPUTED CHAMPION OF MAKING EVERY LONELY CUSTOMER FEEL LIKE FAMILY.

I’d never thought anyone noticed. — Mary

Dannica’s smile falters.

QUADRI OSMAN SOLVES TOWN’S FUNDRAISER BEFORE FINISHING HER COFFEE. DECLINES TO TAKE CREDIT.

You always noticed the quiet things. — Quadri

She swallows.

BREAKING NEWS: LOCAL TOWN SECRETLY LOOKS AFTER ITS OWN. FILM AT ELEVEN.

Beneath it are dozens of signatures.

She slowly looks up at me. “Teddy...”

I rub the back of my neck. “I asked everyone if they remembered one of your headlines.”