There was no reason for him to have felt guilty investigating her. His only regret was that he hadn’t checked her out more thoroughly. “Gram, your guesthouse is completely ready. It’s all brand-new, and it’s gorgeous. You’d love it. Please come live with me in Austin—”

“Austin?”

“Yes, Austin. It’s where I live.”

“I thought you were in San Jose. Isn’t that where Silicon Valley is?”

“I moved to Texas two years ago, Gram. That’s why I’ve been sending you books and magazines about Texas, and why I gave you that subscription to Austin Monthly for Christmas, so you’d get to know the city and surrounding area—”

“You’re the one that sent me the magazine? I thought it was one of those credit card companies.”

“Why would they do that?”

“Because you get points with some cards, and if you don’t use them, they give you a choice of magazines.”

Tyler’s brow furrowed. He honestly didn’t know what to make of this conversation. Had he stayed away too long? Been too immersed in his work? Dear God, his grandmother wasn’t going senile, was she?

She reached over and patted his arm. “Don’t look so anxious. I just thought you were still in California.” She gave him a quizzical glance. “Your mom is still there, isn’t she? Because I could have sworn I got a Christmas card from her with a Los Gatos address.”

“She’s still in Los Gatos.”

“So why did you move?”

“I sold my company to a Texas corporation and they wanted me to stay on as the head of Justice Games.”

“Have you asked your mom to move?”

“No, because she’s remarried, and you know that. I’m sure you got the same Christmas card of them in Florence that I did.” And just saying the words felt like touching a bruise.

He was glad his mother was finally happy, just sorry it had taken her so long to find contentment. And yet they still never discussed Coby, and it had been more than fourteen years since his brother had died.

“She looks happy.”

“She is,” he said huskily.

Gram must have understood because she suddenly reached over and took his hand. “It’s a good thing,” she said firmly. “Your mother lost her oldest son, and then your father, and I’m glad she’s found someone who can love her and give her life meaning.”

Your mother lost her oldest son…

Coby.

He held her cool, dry fingers, her skin so soft in his. “Do you ever think about Coby?”

“Every day. I say a prayer for all my beautiful boys every day. Your grandfather, your father, and Coby. And then I say a prayer for you, thanking God I have you. And now you’re here. What fun. Aren’t I the luckiest?”

He, who didn’t cry, or feel, felt as if she’d mashed his heart. “Oh, Gram, I hate that you’re alone.”

“Only I’m not. I’m not lonely, either. My life is wonderful and full. I’m blessed, truly.” She released his hand and reached for the teapot and topped off their cups. “And I’m going to introduce you to my friends, starting with Amanda, tonight.”

Chapter Three

Even on vibrate, Mandy’s phone wouldn’t stop buzzing and dancing around on the wooden shelf of her station.