The hushpuppies had arrived, and the trio was halfway through a second bucket of chicken when the screen door of the shack creaked open again.
Louise expected Uncle Mike with more napkins. Instead, a man walked out onto the patio, looking around as if he were lost.
He was tall, with sandy blonde hair that fell effortlessly across his forehead. He wore a casual button-down shirt that fit him well, and he had the kind of calm, reassuring face that made you want to tell him your medical history.
Louise gasped.
It was Dr. Evan Hayes.
He spotted their table and paused. His eyes landed on Louise, and a slow, genuine smile spread across his face.
"Louise?" Evan asked, walking over. "I didn't expect to see you here. Moon Goddess duties take a break for fried chicken?"
"Evan!" Louise smiled,
