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“That’s terrific I wish more kids were interested in wildlife and conservation” Ben took off his hat, his long fingers toying with the brim “Where are you folks from?”
“Huh?” Jason jerked his gaze up from Ben’s hands “Oh, Pennsylvania Philadelphia area”
“I’ve never been What’s it like?” Beneath long lashes, Ben’s sea-blue eyes were focused on him, and Jason went hot to the tips of his ears
He stammered, “It—uh, well it, you know, it has its pros and cons” So eloquent “Great museums and stuff” He winced internally He sounded like a dumb kid, and turned the conversation back to Ben “Philly feels like another universe compared to hoild it is Montana Are you from around here?”
“I am Born and raised in Kalispell”
“Population twenty-two thousand, right? First established at the end of the nineteenth century after the railas built There’s a dragon boat festival in September”
Head tilting, Ben sht”
Why aie did her ter about it Guess some of the info sunk in” He jammed his hands into his jeans pockets
“Nice to have visitors who’ve done their research Is Maggie’s mom here too?”
Jason kept his tone even He despised talking about this Hated the pity and questions that followed, and the incredulity that he could possibly be raising a child alone “No, her ie was a baby It’s just the two of us”
Ben blanched “I’m so sorry I shouldn’t have…”
“No, no, it’s okay You didn’t know Obviously”
Ben scratched at his head, e to reach up and straighten it Fortunately he kept his hands in his pockets as an aard silence stretched out He waited for Ben to ask the usual questions, but Ben only fiddled with his hat, those long fingers s over the band of leather
Finally, Jason blurted, “I like your hat”
“Thanks” Ben’s low chuckle sent a shiver down Jason’s spine “Want to try it on?”
Maggie called, “Dad! Come see this!”
Feeling oddly guilty, Jason whipped around and squinted at where the kids were gathered over soot to see I should let you get back to work anyway I’s to do” He hesitated “It uh, well… It was really cool to meet you” Oh ht Thanks for the tour”
“Anytime Which site did you pick?”