Sallie's POV
I had no clue that Grandpa Levi was drowning in all those worries. Squeezing his hand gently, I said, "Grandpa Levi, don't stress yourself out like this. I'm not rushing into marriage or anything. When I do fall in love, you'll be the first person I tell."
Grandpa Levi understood I was just trying to ease his mind, and he seemed to realize he shouldn't push me about this stuff. He let out a soft sigh.
His weathered, trembling hand reached over and patted my head. "Sweet Sallie, what will you do when I'm not here anymore?"
The man who'd been a powerhouse his whole life now looked like a fragile old gentleman. He was scared out of his mind that no one would be left to protect me. He desperately wanted to do something—anything—but didn't know what.
