"I keep special pictures in here," Joni informed the man who'd hoisted her up on the bench next to him. Fynn Malone nodded and listened to the young girl show him her precious collection. Many were of her late Father, Jasper Jacks. Brenda watched from a short distance, awed by the interaction. Fynn, so respectful and kind with her only child and Joni, slowly coming out of the shell she'd coccooned herself in since the tragedy of almost 18 months earlier. He'd come into their lives just a few short months ago and had done amazing things to lull some light and joy back into Joni's young life.
Fynn turned back, catching Brenda's eye. His smile warmed her heart once again. The heat surprisingly rippled through her veins, leaving her nerve ending tingling with anticipation. The new sensation left Brenda momentarily startled. Slowly, but surely, her own smile grew, only this time, it was not solely in regards to Joni's continued progress towards healing. It was one born of a hope for herself. A chance at something more.
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