“What are you smiling about?”

Gabriel never did understand how she could see him without looking. “Just thinking about all those years you, Mom, and Andrea used to kick us out of the kitchen so you could discuss women things.”

She paused. “I miss my baby so much. Those were some good times.” As if reading his thoughts, she added, “And I’m okay talking about her and your dad. It’s the good memories that get me through.”

He had only recently gotten to the point of smiling first, instead of feeling pain, when remembering his parents. “Can I help with anything?”

“You cook now?” Nana asked, giving him a sidelong glance.

Gabriel laughed. “I’ve been cooking a long time. Eating out every night is expensive.”

“Check the barbecue chicken and macaroni and cheese. While the candied yams are cooking, I’ll make the hot-water cornbread. The cabbage is already done.”

Leaning down, he kissed her cheek. “I love you, Nana. I’m looking forward to the best food I’ve eaten since Christmas.”

She blushed and giggled like a schoolgirl. “Oh, go on with you, boy.”

Even though the house was more than fifty years old, the kitchen had been enlarged and updated with a double oven and a center island. He opened the top oven, peeled back the foil on the chicken, and stuck a fork in to test for doneness. The meat almost slid off the bone. He brushed on the waiting sauce and slid the pan back in. The mac and cheese was brown, bubbly, and ready to eat.

Twenty minutes later, Nana said the blessing, then Gabriel dug in. The hot-water cornbread was crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. Aside from Nana and his mother, he hadn’t found one person who could make it this way.

“How are you adjusting?”

“Not being able to go out for food or entertainment after eight takes some getting used to, but I’m getting there. What about you? Have you ever thought about moving?”

“Absolutely not. Why would I pick up and leave the place where I know everybody to go to some random city where I don’t know anyone? I like it here.”

He nodded and wondered if getting his grandmother to come around to his thinking would be a losing battle.

“Have you talked to Serenity since Saturday?”

“I wouldn’t say we’ve talked, just waved in passing.” And yelled. And almost got his head knocked off.

“Oh. Well, I’m sure you’ll get to know her now that you’ll be here more than a day,” she teased. “That girl has a heart of gold. Always doing something nice for somebody. Last month, when I had a touch of the flu, she brought me over some chicken soup. Fixed me right up.”