“Absolutely,” Avery answered, and Gabe smiled as Angi threw an “I told you so” look at him over her shoulder.

He fell into step next to Dylan. “Heard you’ve got a big company interested in leasing this space.”

“As a matter of fact, we sign the final papers later this afternoon.” He shielded his eyes against the bright winter sun as another black SUV pulled into the parking lot. It was like a rich-guys club, Gabe supposed. “I invited the CEO of one of the new tenant companies to join us today. They’re interested in getting more involved in the community, so I thought this event would be a great way to introduce them to people.”

“Is that Alex?” Avery paused at the front door.

“Yep.” Dylan tossed her a set of keys. “You all go ahead. I have a few quick things to talk through with him and then we’ll meet you inside.”

Avery opened the tour and led Angi and Gabe through. He could see how nervous Angi was with Avery and didn’t understand it. She was alternately quiet and then almost aggressively chipper as Avery showed them around the place. The building had been cleared out and cleaned up, obviously left as a blank slate for whatever business might come in next.

“What happened to the condos and micro-retail shopping mall Dylan originally planned?” Angi asked Avery after a few minutes. “I thought once he decided not to take over downtown, he’d turned his attention to this place.”

Gran had written to Gabe of her fear over losing the flower shop last year when she’d sent him a Christmas care package. He’d been stationed in the Middle East, and every day was a loop of sand, sun and endless training drills. He hated to admit how little attention he’d paid to his grandmother’s words at the time.

She’d glossed over her upset by telling him that no matter what happened, she knew things would work out for the best. Looking back, he wondered if her letters were as much for herself as for him. A catharsis of sorts and a way to work through some of the issues she had because there was no one in her life she felt comfortable confiding in. In that way, he was an easy outlet.

Now he wished he’d done more to support her. He could have made a bigger effort if only he’d realized how uncertain her future had been.

“That was his intention,” Avery agreed. “But this town has a way of helping people see what’s really important. Obviously, Carrie was a big part of that change in direction, as well. Dylan mellowed out quite a bit and decided that he wanted to develop his properties in a way that added to what we were already doing to revitalize Magnolia instead of competing with it.”

“Mom says he’s a way better landlord than the last guy who owned the restaurant’s building. Dylan’s property manager is responsive and keeps everything maintained.” She turned to Gabe. “Don’t you agree?”