Joan Sawyer understood what she meant—that she was worried Wyatt Winslow would be lonely. She patted her shoulder, gratified. "Good. Our Holly is all grown up now, so thoughtful of others."
She then asked, "Is Miles treating you well?"
Holly Winslow nodded without hesitation. "Grandma, he's very good to me."
Joan Sawyer was relieved. She said lovingly, "That's good. If you're ever wronged, don't keep it to yourself. Grandma and Grandpa will stand up for you."
"I know, Grandma." Holly was so touched she gave her a kiss on the cheek, then said coquettishly, "Grandma, you're the best."
Back in the county town, she packed her things. There wasn't much luggage, actually—mostly just a lot of snacks that Wyatt Winslow had bought. Holly couldn't possibly eat them all, but she took them anyway.
She knew that if she left them at home, he wouldn't eat them either.
After buckling her seatbelt, Holly noticed her father wasn't starting the car. "Dad, what's wrong?" she asked, puzzled.
