Out through a set of french doors, we find Granny sitting next to the smoker, puffing on a pipe. She’s in overalls and a cowboy hat, her grey hair lying in two long braids down her back. No bubbles in her pipe. From the smell wafting about the area, I’m about ninety-eight percent certain she’s got marijuana in it.

“Who’ve we got here now?” She sets her pipe on the arm of the bright-blue chair.

“This is Annabel.” Reese points her out and then motions to me. “Her brother, Fitz.”

“And who’s this big hunky fella?” She stands and eyes Beast up and down.

“This is . . . Beast.”

“He sure is.”

My, what big teeth you have, Granny.

“I’m Jude Parker.” Jude extends a hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

She shakes Jude’s hand with clear strength.

“I’d like to thank you for inviting us over, I hope it wasn’t too much of a hindrance.”

“Not at all.”

“Is there anything I can help you with to lessen your troubles?” Jude asks.

She eyes him with sharp eyes. “You’re a charming one, aren’t you?”

“I like to think so.”

“Uh-huh.” She snorts out a laugh. “And yes. You can all help. There’s always plenty to get done around here.”

She sends Reese and Annabel into the house to get plates, drinks, and the side dishes, while Jude and I are tasked with hosing off the patio table and chairs. Beast’s assignment is to help her get the brisket out of the smoker.

“And don’t stop with that silver tongue of yours, boy. It’s been a while since I’ve had company to flirt with.”

Jude laughs and he even kisses the old lady’s hand before gallantly bowing his way off to get the hose.

Granny mutters to Reese when she thinks no one is listening. “You watch out for that one. He could charm the birds out of their nests.”

I help Jude with cleaning the all-weather Adirondack chairs. They’re made of bulky wood, although they’re surprisingly smooth to the touch, each one a different, bright shade of red, green, and blue.

Before too long, Reese and Annabel are bringing out the sides and utensils and Beast and Granny have the meat sliced and laid out on a tray. There are biscuits, beans, greens, and a homemade cherry pie.

We eat in the backyard under the shade of a rustling magnolia tree. And even though we’re a motley crew, everyone talks and eats in surprising comfort. After Granny says grace.

She taps Reese on the hand. “Tell me, how did you meet all these fine young people?”

“I’m staying at Jude’s house.”

Granny nods, her sharp gaze flicking to Jude, then back to her granddaughter. “Just the two of you?”

“No. Beast lives there. And Fitz.”

Granny’s wily eyes narrow. “So, what you’re saying is you’re living with three men?”

“Um, er, yes.” Two bright flags of color appear on Reese’s cheeks.

Granny’s mouth is a thin line now, but then she releases a loud whoop. “Well it’s about time you did something good. Or should I say bad.” Her laughter is loud and infectious. “You got your eye on any of these fellas?”