Chapter 10 - THE SUNDAY MORNING THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Three days after the downtown syndicate vanished overnight, the sun shone brightly over Lamar Street, warming the old metal awning until it stopped clattering in the wind.
Maize was packed. All four tables were filled to capacity with laughing patrons, churchgoers, and harbor workers enjoying the best red beans and cornbread in the entire state of Tennessee.
In the kitchen, Jolene moved with a light, joyful step, her hair tied high, laughing as she slid another hot skillet of corn cake out of the oven.
The front door chimed its bright, ordinary ring at eleven o’clock sharp.
Knox Sheridan stepped inside, shedding his heavy overcoat to reveal his familiar black suit and charcoal shirt. This time, he wasn't alone, but Perry lingered respectfully by the door, offering a rare, approving nod to Jolene.
Little Mabel rushed out from behind the counter, holding a small white plate with a freshly baked golden square of cornbread, the edges perfectly, beautifully burnt.
"Mister!" Mabel cheered happily, running straight up to him. "Mommy made extra today because you always eat the crunchy part!"
Knox knelt down on one knee right there on the checkered tile floor, ignoring the expensive fabric of his suit pants, and smiled—a genuine, radiant smile that completely transformed his face.
"Thank you, Mabel," Knox said softly, taking the plate from her tiny hands.
May you like
He looked up toward the counter, where Jolene stood watching him with soft, glowing eyes, holding her wooden spoon like a scepter in a kingdom they had built together out of ashes, memory, and hope.
Knox sat down at table one, right where he belonged, and took his first bite.
