He couldn’t deny he loved when she splurged, especially when it came to her desserts. He had yet to figure out how she always made that yellow cake with chocolate frosting so light and moist.

“By the way, I ran into Serenity today. You two have been spending quite a bit of time together, huh?”

“Like you said, she’s a great person. She’s been nice enough to invite me over for dinner a few times.” Gabriel decided to keep the kissing to himself.

“Hmph. You could do worse.”

“Are you trying to hook me up with Serenity, Nana?”

“I don’t have to. According to Adele, you two are doing just fine on your own.”

So much for them being discreet. “Hold up a minute. Serenity and I are just friends, and I’m sure she won’t appreciate her neighbor spying on her or spreading her business.” He fully understood why Serenity had asked to keep their liaison quiet.

“It’s not really spying when it’s all out in the open. I will say that Serenity would definitely make a wonderful wife.”

Wife? “I’m sure she’ll make some man a great wife, but I really hadn’t planned to stay permanently. Speaking of that, have you given any more thought to moving to Atlanta with me?”

“I’ve given it all the thought I plan to, and my answer is still the same. So you can stop bringing it up. You still coming back on Sunday?” she asked, changing the subject.

“That’s the plan.”

“Okay, well, I won’t hold you. My show is about to come on.”

He didn’t bother to ask which one of the many television dramas it was this time. “I’ll see you when I get back.”

“Love you, baby.”

“Love you, too.” He ended the call and placed the cell on the nightstand. Gabriel scrubbed a hand down his face. This was not going the way he’d anticipated. He’d naively believed it wouldn’t take much persuasion to get Nana on board with his plan. The finality in her voice made him speculate on whether he’d ever be able to change her mind, and when he returned to Atlanta permanently, if he’d be going alone. Would he have to extend his time in Firefly Lake? Could he change his plans and relocate? Gabriel didn’t have a clue as to what he should do.

*  *  *

Wednesday evening, Serenity stood at the counter dipping strawberries and talking to Natasha. It took longer than necessary because her friend kept snagging the berries. “Natasha Baldwin, if you eat one more of these strawberries, you can forget about taking those boozy ones for your clients.”

Natasha froze with a berry halfway to her mouth. “Okay, okay. Last one. I’ve only eaten four regular ones and one champagne-infused strawberry. That’s not a lot.”