And that’s why I’m here. I want to make you a priority. I still feel bad about cancelling at the last minute my visit at Christmas.”

“Tyler, I was married to a military man. I understand work and commitments, I do.”

He watched her lift the teapot and begin filling their cups. “Speaking of commitments,” he said carefully, “you mentioned to me on the phone that you’ve been meeting with your attorney. You’re amending your will?”

“I haven’t yet, no, but thinking about it.” She set the pot down. “I’ve lived here for my entire life and want to leave something behind, something that can be my legacy.”

He felt a painful knot in his chest. The idea of a world without his grandmother wasn’t something he could contemplate.

“You are, of course, my legacy, too,” she added, “but this town has meant a great deal to me and I’d like to do something for it… give something back to help those here who are less fortunate than me.”

“I think that’s an excellent idea. Are you thinking of starting a foundation, or is there a charity you’re involved with?”

“There are a couple charities I give to, but what I want to do is less formal. I’ve someone I’d like to support.”

“Someone?” he asked, trying to keep his voice neutral.

But she must have heard his tension because her head lifted and she gave him one of her no-nonsense looks. “I’m telling you so you’d be aware of my plans, not so you can judge.”

“I’m not judging.”

“Good. Because my personal finances are my own business.” She gave him a sweet smile as if to soften her firm words. “I would hope at my age I don’t have to explain my decisions to anyone.”

He struggled to find the right words and the right tone as this was sensitive ground. “I just don’t want you being taken advantage of, Gram.”

“And who would be taking advantage of me, Tyler?”

“Any number of unscrupulous people—”

She added a small teaspoon of sugar to her tea and gave it a gentle stir. “Fortunately, I don’t know anyone like that.”

He hesitated, counting to ten, aware he was on perilous ground, but this was why he’d come here, and this was why he’d left Austin even though everything was chaotic.

He couldn’t back away now. “Or friendly, well-meaning acquaintances, who might somehow make you feel responsible for their dreams or goals?”

“I don’t know anyone like that, either.”

“Gram, you are too kind for your own good.”

She set her spoon down with a clink. “Tyler, what is this all about?”

Should he tell her? Should he not? Honesty won in the end. “The hair salon. Amanda Wright.”

His grandmother didn’t even blink. She just looked at him with her wide blue gaze, her expression impossibly trusting, and, for a moment, he thought he’d give anything for her serenity. But he’d never be her, and he could only do what he believed was right.

“Gram,” he growled. “Stop being so difficult. Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on.”

“Nothing is going on.”

“You’ve given Amanda Wright a small fortune.”

“That is absolutely not true. I invested in her business. There is a big difference.”

He took a sip of tea, and then another. Women were maddening. His grandmother the most maddening of all.

“Why would you do that?” he asked when he was certain his voice was pleasant.

“Because I believe in her. She’s a smart young woman and this town needs her. She’s good for Marietta, and I’m lucky to be her business partner.”

He nearly choked on his tea. “Her business partner?”

“She has great ideas and I want her to make them happen.”

It was so much worse than he thought. Amanda had never mentioned that his grandmother was her business partner either.