Chapter 4

Mrs. Ragsdale arrived on time and fussed over me even as I worked with her on the weights. “You should be resting at home, Wheeler Ridley. I can watch the gym for you, you know. I’ve nothing else to do today.” She used to coach the girls softball teams among other things in her younger years. She was retired and likely bored out of her skull, what with her husband now deceased. She’d never had children.

I smiled. “I know that, Mrs. R. and I appreciate it. If I don’t feel better as the day goes on, maybe I’ll take you up on your offer.”

By lunchtime, it seemed like half the town had stopped by. Tory hadn’t been kidding. I received gentle hugs, roses, and the diner sent me lunch. I was overwhelmed. Right before the gym closed that evening, a tiny woman almost half my height came inside toting the little boy whose life I’d saved the day before.