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"Melody protects its own, Alec. We love Tyler. We want to see him happy again. When you

came—especially this time of the year—it was like a sign. No. Itwasa sign," she corrected.

Alec scoffed, but Misty continued. "We don't get a lot of visitors outside of tourist season, so I decided to do a little snooping. I'm the town librarian too if you didn't know.

"Buddy mentioned it."

"Anyway, I've read a few of your columns inThe Washington Post. It's well-written and funny… but a littleshallow. I just wondered if that was therealyou… or if that was just a voice you use to pay the rent?"

Alec felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. He should have been offended, his body

even physically reacting to the statement with brief rigidity. But these reactions dissipated almost as fast as their onslaught—especially seeing the earnestness in her eyes. It was clear she wasn't there to insult him.

She wasn't there on his behalf at all.

"I—" he stammered, but said no more.

Misty had just smacked him in the face with an outsider's perspective of his struggle. So had

Buddy… minutes earlier, encouraging—practically ordering—him to write what he loves. Alec had

come to Melody, Montana for clarity and he was receiving it… whether he wanted to or not.

"This is the strangest town I have ever been too."

"But it's a good town," said Misty.

"I believe you."

16

When Alec entered Bear Tavern that evening it was just past seven o'clock. The place was

practically empty—just stragglers at a few tables, and Marge sitting at the bar with Buddy tending.

Hector Longfeather was on stage again, performing tricks for the tiny crowd. Buddy and Marge

waved Alec over.

"It's a short show tonight," said Marge.

"Yeah," Buddy added. "Bryce wasn't even going to open. I told him I'd handle it."

"Must be nice having friends and neighbors run your business," Alec said.

Buddy shrugged it off. "He'd do the same for me. We all would."

Marge patted the stool beside her and Alec sat. Buddy handed him a Corona. "Sorry," he said.

"I'm not good at fancy drinks."

"Beer's fine… but Bryce is missing out on higher margins."

Buddy laughed. "He'll be fine. The markup on booze is ridiculous."

"That's how he survives off-season."

"Buddy tells me you met Misty today," Marge said. "Isn't she the sweetest thing?"