Now, that I’d like to see. Then he remembered the brownies. That was a nice gesture, and it had sort of been his fault that they almost ended up in the flower bed. “I’m sure I will.” Gabriel continued to eat and contemplate how in the world he and Serenity would patch up their differences. Obviously, his grandmother expected it, and he couldn’t keep lying. What if one of the neighbors saw the argument? He took a big gulp of iced tea. No, if someone saw, Nana would’ve met him at the door with a million questions. He relaxed. “How’ve you been feeling?” he asked, changing the subject.

“Other than the aches that come along with getting old, pretty good. I have a checkup with the doctor next week.”

“Let me know what time and I’ll go with you.”

“You don’t need to go.”

“I know. I want to. Gotta make sure my favorite Nana is all good.” He leaned over and kissed her temple.

She patted his cheek. “I can see you’re going to be as bad as your sister. It’s Thursday at eleven o’clock,” she added with a shake of her head.

Laughing, they finished eating. Gabriel stood. “I’ll clean up the kitchen before I leave.”

“Thanks, honey. Make sure to fix you a plate to take home. There’s plenty. I’m going to put my feet up and watch that cutie Shemar Moore on S.W.A.T.”

Chuckling, he cleared the table. His gaze followed her departure and took in everything. Though her steps were slower, she’d maintained her tall, trim frame and still moved with a grace and agility that belied her near eighty years. Spending time with her made him realize just how much he’d missed her and wished he could go back in time and extend all those visits when he had dropped in and out in less than forty-eight hours. Family was precious, and he intended to take advantage of every moment with her.

After washing the dishes, he found Nana in her favorite recliner, eyes glued to the television screen. Knowing she didn’t want to be interrupted, particularly during the action scene, he took a seat on the sofa and waited until the next commercial to say his goodbyes. “Thanks for dinner.” He held up the bag. “Next time I’m cooking.”

Nana’s eyes lit in surprise. “You’re welcome, and I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’ll come by Saturday morning to do the yard,” he said as they walked to the front door. Gabriel had noticed the slightly overgrown grass on his way in earlier. She had always maintained a manicured lawn.

“Ooh, I’d appreciate that. The young man who’s been doing it hasn’t come around in two weeks.” She kissed his cheek. “Be careful.”

“I will.”