Hermione Windsor ducked her head as he scanned the bank interior. She knew what others would see when they looked at him. A man whose appearance was identical to that of an up-and-coming action movie star. In fact, most might not know it was Brody Paget, who’d at one time lived here in Cottonwood Falls. After all, once he’d left here, he’d changed his name to Alton Rivers…his screen name. They may not know, but she did. With a sniff, she lifted her head. She had no reason to be ashamed. She wasn’t the one who’d left. She hadn’t abandoned her fiancé without a word. And yet, seeing him, here and now, brought it back. All of it. The good, the bad, and the excruciatingly painful. Taking a deep breath, she withdrew the money and counted it out to Mrs. Cofax who waited. “There you are, Mrs. Cofax. Have a great day.” “You know, Hermione. You’re always such a joy. Every day I see you, you’re always so cheerful. Aren’t you the president yet?” Not feeling particularly cheery right now.
