The camera shook as his mother walked. His heart sped up slightly—sharing good news always came with that pleasant flutter in the stomach. When the image steadied, his grandmother appeared on the screen, settling herself on the bed, the nightcap and nightgown making it clear she was ready for sleep.

“Blessings, Grandma.”

“God bless you, my son,” Adelaide said, smiling in a way that carried him straight back to childhood memories.

Gabriel couldn’t resist a joke.

“Grandma, you’re stunning in that