I went to the kitchen and filled a water glass for Granny. Why had Simon stopped by? What had they talked about? And why hadn’t he mentioned that day that he’d been hanging out with my grandmother? I hurried back to the living room and sat a little closer this time, perpendicular to Granny’s perch on the overstuffed chair. “What did you talk about?” I asked.

“Oh, nothing, really. Gardening. Families. He came out back and helped me pull out all the dead tomato plants.” She giggled. “Wearing a shirt and tie, even. I don’t know how he’ll manage to get the dirt off his sleeves.”

I shook my head. “Why didn’t you tell me? I saw him today. I could have said thank you.”

“I told him thank you well enough. He was helping me, not you. Besides, I’m telling you right now.”

I picked up my lasagna plate. “Simon is a very nice man. I’m not surprised he helped you.” A new wave of guilt washed over me—shame that I’d spoken so carelessly.

“Mm-hmm. Nice to look at too.”

I nearly choked on my lasagna. “Sounds like you have a crush, Granny. Would you like me to tell him for you?”

She held up her hands, a wicked gleam in her eye. “I’m too old for that nonsense. But are you sure you don’t have a crush?”

I lowered my fork, sliding my nearly empty plate back onto the coffee table. “Why would you even ask that question? You’ve met Jamie. You know I’m dating him.”

“I know you are, and that’s fine. But I also know I hear Simon’s name almost as frequently.”

“It’s just because he’s been helping out with the inn.”

She leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed over her chest. “I’m going to say one more thing.”

I stood. “It doesn’t matter what it is. You’re crazy. And you’re wrong about this.”

She shrugged. “Maybe so. But you’re going to listen anyway ’cause I’m old and I brought you food. So sit back down and hush a minute.”

I dropped back into my seat. “It’s so not fair you get to play the old card.”

She laughed. “I’ll take every advantage I can get.”

“Fine. I’m listening.”

“Two men came to see you on the same day, Lane. Two nice, kind, respectful men. But only one hung around long enough to talk to me. Only one offered to help in my garden. Why do you think that is?”

“Jamie was on his way to California. He couldn’t have stayed.”

“I’m not talking about why Jamie didn’t stay. I’m talking about why Simon did.”