She couldn’t remember the last time a man made her feel any kind of personal interest.

Sarah guessed he probably worked at the nearby horse ranch. His intense gaze studied her. Margaret had probably already given him an earful about her no-good daughter-in-law, and Sarah’s initial interest quickly faded because he probably already thought she was a gold-digging bitch.

She glanced back to Margaret, noticing for the first time the sixty-four-year-old woman’s small frame seemed a bit frail, her complexion pale. Her graying blond hair had been cut short into a simple, sleek style. Margaret held her hands clasped so tightly, her knuckles had turned white. They appeared swollen.

Sarah knew all too well grief and pain could wear a person down. Maybe that’s what she saw in Margaret as the older woman carefully placed each foot on the treads as she made her way down the steps to them. Her gaze locked on Jack, who had Sarah’s same dark hair and brown eyes. He’d grown a lot over the past two years. Margaret noted the differences with surprise in her eyes.

Sarah sympathized. Time went by way too fast and her boys were growing up and changing with every passing day.

Nick lifted his face from her neck and Margaret gasped at the sight of him. While Jack took after her, Nick looked just like Sean. Blond hair, a beautiful soft face with his father’s light coloring, the same mouth, slender build, and piercing green eyes.

Margaret blinked tears away. Her stoic exterior showed a tiny crack but Margaret pulled herself together and hid her true emotions again.

It couldn’t be easy for her to see how much the boys had changed over the last two years and face the reminder that life went on, even when you still grieved. And let resentments hold you back.

Jack ran the short distance to Margaret. She opened her arms to him and cuddled and kissed him on the head, then immediately produced a chocolate candy. Jack snatched it and gave her a warm, sweet smile.

Margaret cupped Jack’s face in her hand. “You’ve grown at least six inches since I saw you last. You’ll be tall, like your father.”

“Mama says she’s going to stop feeding me because I’m almost as big as her.” Jack’s serious tone made it seem like Sarah had meant it.

“Well, not to worry, Grandma will feed you bunches and you’ll be an inch taller by the time you go home.”

“Can I watch TV? I want to watch cartoons.” Sarah’s boy was obsessed with TV, which meant she had to make him earn it. At home, homework and chores came first.

“Later, Jack. Let’s get settled first and spend time with Grandma.”

Margaret’s gaze drifted to Nick, still in Sarah’s arms, playing with her hair. Something he always did. She cherished every stroke he made down her hair to the middle of her back.

Sarah took the initiative and closed the distance to Margaret, so she could get a better look at him. “Honey, do you remember Grandma? Please say hello.”