Grady (Men of Clifton, Montana #47)

Chapter One

As Savannah Collins dusted the showroom of her antique shop, she let out a heavy sigh. Despite owning the shop for almost a year now, customers were still few and far between during the colder seasons. Thankfully, she had paid in cash and didn’t have any payments to worry about.

When she bought the shop, she hoped it would bring a fresh start after leaving behind her life in Arizona. She never wanted to return there again. Although she loved growing up in Yuma, a disastrous marriage had driven her away.

After finishing her cleaning, Savannah returned the duster to the closet and walked over to the window, gazing at the falling snow. It was so beautiful. Moving to Clifton, Montana was certainly a change from sunny Arizona, but it brought a smile to her face.

The constant snowfall may have been deterring customers, but Savannah found beauty in it. It was April and still snowing; a stark contrast from her previous home where it never snowed.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw her new friend, Parker Tisdale, enter the shop.

“Hey there! What are you doing out in this weather?” Savannah greeted her with a smile.

“I wanted to see if you wanted to grab lunch together. It’s so slow at the store today. This time of the year always is,” Parker replied with a grin.

“I’d love to go. I’m so bored right now.”

“We’ll stop at the store first. Shay wants to join us too.”

“Let me grab my purse. I highly doubt anyone will be coming in today,” Savannah admitted with a sigh.

“That’ll change soon enough. You know tourist season starts next month and we’ll all be busy from May to mid-October.”

“I’m looking forward to that.”

“You might want to hire some extra help,” Parker’s grin widened even more.

“I thought about it last summer, but never got around to it.”

“We all look forward to tourist season until it gets so busy that we can hardly catch our breath.” Parker chuckled.

“I was surprised by the tourists last summer, but after Christmas, business slowed down so much that I got worried.”

“Yes, I felt the same way when I first started working for Shay. But she explained it to me. She said she’s been through the same thing.”

“Let’s go grab some food then. The smell of those burgers cooking is making my stomach growl.”

“Have you been to the bakery yet? Some days I have to stay on this side of the street because I know I won’t be able to resist going inside. Sloane James is an amazing baker.”

“I haven’t made it there yet, but I do stop by The Everyday Grind for coffee every morning. Celine makes a fantastic cup and we were neighbors for a while. Until she moved in with Killian.”

“They really do make great coffee there. And let’s not forget about Scoops of Joy, the ice cream parlor. All of the little shops do well during the summer season.”

“I can’t wait. It can get too boring here sometimes. Even if I have a dollhouse to put together. I’ve gotten so good at it that I finish quickly and then just sit around the shop.”

“You’re always welcome to come over to our shop for a chat. Shay and I get bored too during this time of year, but we know it won’t be long before we’re complaining about being too busy. Have you met Connie, the owner of the diner yet?”

“I did. I’ve never met anyone as sweet as her. She’s truly amazing.”

“Clifton is known for being one of the friendliest towns in the west.”

“I can see why. Everyone I’ve encountered has been incredible.”

The two women exited the door, with Savannah locking it behind them. They then made their way to A Touch of Glass and walked inside.

As they entered, a cheerful chime rang out to announce their arrival.

“Hi, Vanna,” Shay Coleman greeted.

“Hi, Shay.” Though Savannah preferred being called by her given name, most of the people in Clifton shortened it to Vanna, and she knew there was nothing she could do about it, but didn’t care. She loved this town and the people in it.

“Let me grab my purse and we can head to the diner. I am starving.”

“You’re always hungry lately. Are you pregnant again?” Parker asked teasingly.

“Actually, I think I might be. My period is late, but I haven’t taken a test yet.”

“I was just kidding.” Parker chuckled.

“I know, but I really do think there’s a chance. I’ll pick up a test at the pharmacy and make an appointment with Doc Anderson if it’s positive.”

“Are you alright, Vanna?” Parker asked.

“Oh, uh, yes. I’m fine.”

“I’d love to have another baby.” Shay grinned.

“You were born to be a mother, Shay,” Parker remarked. “Now let’s go get some food.”

“You have a beautiful store, Shay. The pieces are stunning.”

“Thank you, Vanna. My uncle is the glass smith, but I think I told you that. The shop does really well during the summer months.”

“I hope my shop will again too.”

“Oh, it will. The antiques are wonderful and those dollhouses are gorgeous!” Shay smiled.

“I agree. I’ve been wanting one for myself.” Vanna grinned.

“I actually have one. My husband bought it for me one Christmas. It seems like every little girl wanted a dollhouse growing up,” Shay said.

“Is everyone ready? I’m so hungry,” Parker exclaimed.

“Don’t mind her, Vanna. She gets cranky when she’s hungry,” Shay said with a smile.

Parker just shook her head as Shay bundled up, and they left the shop. Walking to the diner, they had to put their faces down so the snow wouldn’t slap them in the face. As they entered, they were greeted warmly by everyone inside, which made Vanna chuckle.

“Once you become a regular here, everyone welcomes you like that every time,” Shay remarked. “I still remember my first time here. The whole place fell silent until Connie saved me.”

“Same for me. I didn’t know what to do when everyone was staring at me.” Vanna laughed. “But now, they make me feel right at home.”

“Let’s grab a booth,” Parker suggested. They navigated through the tables and sat on the bench, with Parker and Shay on one side and Savannah across from them.

“Well, hello there, lovely ladies,” Connie greeted as she approached their booth.

“Hi, Connie. The food here always smells incredible,” Savannah said.

“Thank you, hon. So, what can I get for you girls?” Connie asked.

“The usual for me, please, Connie,” Shay replied, and Parker requested the same.

“Well since I don’t have a usual yet, I’ll have a burger with mayo, lettuce, and tomato. Thank you so much, Connie.”

“I’ll have those out to you in just a few minutes.” Connie winked and walked back to the kitchen.

Vanna’s eyes scanned the cozy restaurant, a warm smile spreading across her face. It was exactly how she imagined a small-town diner: charming and inviting with just the right touch of nostalgia. The booths and tables were adorned in glossy black lacquer with bold red cushions that called out to guests to take a seat. The stools lining the counter matched in vibrant red, adding a pop of color against the classic black and white tile flooring. Despite its worn appearance, Savannah couldn’t help but feel drawn to this quintessential small-town restaurant. She looked at Parker and Shay and smiled.

“This place is perfect. It’s exactly how I envision a small-town diner to be,” she exclaimed.

“Isn’t it?” Shay smiled.

“So, Shay, how long have you been living in this charming town?” Savannah asked with curiosity.

“I’ve been here for a few years now. I fell in love with the place immediately,” Shay replied dreamily.

“And a very handsome cowboy,” Parker chimed in with a mischievous laugh.

Shay laughed along with her. “Oh, and you didn’t fall for one too?”

Savannah turned to Parker with interest. “You’re not from here either, Parker?”

Even though Savannah had been here for a while, she hadn’t had the time to get to know the two women well yet but was looking forward to it.

“No,” Parker shook her head. “I moved here just over a year ago, but I can confidently say that it’s the best place to live.”

“And you also found yourself a handsome cowboy?” Savannah couldn’t help but smile at the thought.

“Yes,” Parker confirmed. “Shay’s husband, Wes, is part owner of The Triple C Ranch, and my fiancé, Maverick, works there as a foreman.”

Savannah shook her head. “I’m not really into cowboys.”

Shay and Parker shared amused looks before bursting into laughter. “You will be,” Shay said confidently. “There are other types of men here too, but nothing beats a hot, sexy cowboy. And Clifton, Spring City, and Hartland are full of them. You can’t walk down the street without running into one every few feet. Plus, they have the best manners.”

Parker let out a sigh. “And they’re just so... irresistible.”

Savannah couldn’t help but join in on their laughter as she looked around the diner. Suddenly, the bell over the door jingled, and she saw two tall cowboys strolling in and taking seats at the counter. She couldn’t believe how handsome they were. One of them was talking to Connie, who then pointed toward their booth. The cowboy looked their way, grinned, and stood up.

“A cowboy is heading this way,” Savannah whispered.

Parker and Shay peeked over the back of the booth and laughed. As he approached their booth, Parker got up to greet him with a hug and a kiss on the lips, causing the rest of the diner patrons to cheer. Savannah couldn’t help but smile at the display.

“That’s Maverick,” Shay said, gesturing toward Parker’s fiancé. “Maverick, this is Vanna Collins, the new owner of Minnie’s shop, which is now called Timeless Treasures.”

Savannah felt her heart flutter as Maverick tipped his hat with a smile. “Ma’am, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, extending his hand.

“You too,” Savannah replied, unable to take her eyes off the handsome man in front of her.

She shook his hand and couldn’t believe how tall and muscular he was. Maybe she did need a cowboy after all.

Parker chimed in with surprise. “I didn’t know you were coming into town.”

“It was a last-minute decision,” Maverick explained with a chuckle. “Grady needed to stop by The Feed Store, so I rode along. There’s not much going on at the ranch in this weather. And we were both getting hungry.”

Maverick then turned to Shay, who greeted him. “How are you doing, Shay?”

“I’m good, Maverick. Tell Grady to stop flirting with the server and come say hi,” Shay joked with a laugh.

“Telling Grady to stop flirting is like trying to catch the wind,” Maverick chuckled and motioned for the other man to join them. As Savannah watched him approach, she couldn’t help but feel her heart race. He was simply breathtaking. His coat hung open, revealing a well-built body that made her cheeks flush with heat. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from him as he greeted Shay and Parker with a nod and a touch of his hat.

“Hey, Grady,” Shay said, introducing him to Savannah. “This is Vanna Collins, the new owner of the antique store. Vanna, this is Grady Henderson, another foreman at The Triple C.”

As soon as Grady turned to face her, their eyes locked in a powerful gaze. His jet-black hair brushed against the collar of his coat, and his emerald green eyes seemed to sparkle in the light. He nodded at her, and she noticed some streaks of gray in his stubble and at his temples.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” he greeted her with a deep voice that sent shivers down her spine.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Savannah replied, trying not to sound as breathless as she felt.

“I’ll see you at home, darlin’,” Maverick said to Parker before kissing her on the lips.

The men nodded at the women and returned to their seats. After they sat down, Savannah let out a sigh, causing Parker and Shay to laugh.

“Aren’t they just gorgeous?” Parker exclaimed.

“Yes, they both are. You’re a lucky woman, Parker. I can’t wait to see your husband, Shay. If he’s half as good-looking as Maverick…” Savannah shook her head and sighed.

“He is. Grady’s single,” Shay said while staring at Vanna.

“That man... he just... he’s… there are no words to describe him. He just oozes sex appeal.” Savannah sighed again.

“So, have you changed your mind about cowboys?” Parker teased.

Savannah laughed. “I think I might have.”

After finishing their lunch, they stopped at the cash register to pay for their meals, but, Connie smiled at them. “Your meals were taken care of. Have a wonderful day, ladies.”

Savannah shook her head in disbelief. “Who paid for our lunches?”

“Grady.” Connie winked.

Parker nudged Savannah’s side with her elbow. “Looks like you owe him a thank you.”

Savannah gasped. “You’re terrible.”

Shay and Parker laughed as they stepped out into the falling snow.

“Is it just me, or is the snow getting heavier?” Shay asked while bundling up in her coat.

“It’s not just you. It’s coming down harder and starting to accumulate,” Parker replied with a shake of her head.

“I think I might close the shop and head home. I’m not used to driving in this kind of weather,” Savannah said.

“Me neither, but I’ve learned how to handle it. Doesn’t mean I enjoy it, though. But my biggest concern is other drivers on the road,” Parker reassured her.

“I’m probably one of those drivers you should be worried about,” Savannah joked.

They laughed as they walked to Shay’s shop, then stopped while Shay unlocked the door.

“I’m just going to go home. I need to put the closed sign up and make sure I didn’t leave anything on. Thank you both for letting me join you for lunch. Let’s do it again,” Savannah said and after hugging them, she quickly made her way to her store.

She unlocked the door, entered the store, then headed toward the back to make sure nothing was on and the delivery door was locked. She walked back toward the front door, flipped the closed sign over, then opened the door, closed it and locked it behind her. She gasped as the snow hit her in the face.

Savannah checked traffic, crossed the street, and walked toward her car. She pushed the fob, making the horn beep and the lights flash.

Once she got inside, she started the vehicle and turned the heater on high, but it blew cold air, so she turned it down. She checked for traffic, then pulled out of the spot and drove home.

She loved living in the townhouse she rented from Kinley Wilson, a pharmacy technician who Savannah met when she went into the pharmacy, along with Addison Haines, the pharmacist. Kinley asked her if she would be interested in renting it since she was moving in with her fiancé, Levi Thomas.

Savannah shook her head. He was another good-looking cowboy, but she couldn’t help but think about Grady. She was so enthralled with him that she could barely speak and could only gawk. She was surprised she got any words out in his presence. He was simply mouth-watering.

“You’ll probably never see him again. Such a shame.” With a deep sigh, she concentrated on driving, taking it slow. She definitely didn’t like driving in this stuff.

****

Grady sat in the passenger seat of Maverick’s truck, staring out the windshield.

“Why are you so quiet?” Maverick asked him.

“I’m so damn tired of snow. I should move to another state.”

Maverick laughed. “I don’t see that happening.”

Grady looked at him and grinned. “I don’t either, but damn, it needs to stop for the year.”

“It’s hell to work in, but so is the summer.”

“One reason I’m glad to be a foreman.”

“You and me both.”

“So, how is it going with Parker?”

“She’s the love of my life. I’m going to marry her.”

“That’s good. I’m glad you got through that rough patch.”

“Me too. So, what did you think of Vanna?”

“I think she’s beautiful but don’t get any ideas.”

Maverick shook his head. “I know not to get any ideas about you and women.”

“What can I say? I like my freedom too much to give it up. I’ve never met a woman who made me think differently.”

“Do you want to be alone the rest of your life?”

“Yes. Yes, I do.” Grady grinned.

“Tell me that when you’re in your sixties, sitting alone in your house. All your friends will be married and playing with their grandchildren.”

“Maybe.”

“And that doesn’t bother you at all, does it?”

“Nope.”

“Damn, Grady. You are one hardheaded son of a bitch.”

“I’ve just never found a woman I’d want to spend the rest of my life with. Hell, after one night, I’m ready to go home and be alone.”

“So, what if you did find someone you wanted to be with for longer than one night?”

“Well, first off, I’d be shocked, but I can’t honestly say what I’d do. Hell, Maverick, you know I’ve never been in love. I’ve been in lust plenty of times, but it doesn’t last very long.” He shrugged. “I don’t know how I’d react if I fell in love. Who knows? Maybe I’d be happy.”

“I like to think so. Seriously, I’d be glad to see you fall for someone. It’s great.”

“Yeah, you’re so happy with Parker, you make me sick.”

Maverick laughed. “You know, I never thought I’d settle down, but once I met her, I knew I wanted to.”

“I’m glad you’re happy. Parker’s a good woman.”

“You need to find one. I’m serious, Grady. Having one good woman is better than a bunch of one-night stands.”

“Damn, Mom. Give me a break.”

Maverick chuckled. “Yeah, fuck you.”

As Maverick pulled up to the barn, he parked, and they both exited the truck, then entered the barn.

“I’m going to check on the men. They’re putting up new fence in the west pasture.”

“You’re going to ride there?”

“Yeah, I might hate the snow, but I do like riding in it. I’ll see you later.” Grady entered a stall, hooked a lead to his horse, and led him out.

“Let’s take a little ride, Onyx.”

After tying him to the rail, Grady entered the tack room and carried a blanket and saddle out. Once the horse was ready, he led him toward the doors, but the horse pulled back on the reins.

“Quit being a pussy. You’re going out in it. It’s not like you’d melt,” Grady said, then quickly moved his head when the horse tried to take his hat. “Stop.”

Shaking his head, he mounted the horse, nudged him with his knees, and the horse walked toward the doors, but stopped.

“Damn it. Why are you so stubborn?”

“Takes after his master,” Wes Coleman said as he walked from a stall.

Grady laughed. “I’m not this bad.”

Wes frowned. “I’m sorry, have you met you?”

“What are you saying, Wes?” he asked with a smirk.

“I’m saying, I’ve met some pig-headed men in my time, but not one gets close to your stubbornness.”

Grady shook his head. “Yeah, whatever. I’m heading out. I’ll see you later.”

“This snow is going to get worse, so be careful.”

“Yes, sir.” Grady nudged his horse and they rode out into the snow.

As he rode toward the west pasture, the snow started getting heavier but at least the wind died down.

He thought he heard something, so he stopped to listen and recognized the sounds of the ultra-terrain vehicles coming toward him. He couldn’t see them until they were almost upon him. He moved his horse to the side and watched as the UTVs stopped, and Jeff stepped out.

“Hey, Grady. I almost didn’t see you.”

“I heard you but couldn’t make out where you were. Are you guys done with the fence?”

“Almost. We have another section to do.”

“Don’t worry about it today. It’s too damn cold. You’re going to freeze your balls off. Since we don’t have any cattle there yet, head in.”

“Yes, sir. We were going back for lunch, but you convinced me.” Jeff grinned.

Grady chuckled. “Yeah, I bet I did. I’ll be behind you. Get going before you can’t see at all. This shit needs to stop for the year.”

“Says a man out in it on a horse.”

Grady narrowed his eyes. “Don’t be a smartass. Head in.”

Jeff saluted. “Yes, sir.”

Grady shook his head, but grinned. The Triple C had good men working it. He enjoyed his job here. He had shown up a year after Maverick and they became good friends. They were both made foremen at the same time. A ranch the size of The Triple C needed four men to hand out chores since there were so many ranch hands.

Grady lived in one of the foreman cabins, as did Maverick, but on opposite sides of the expansive ranch. The Coleman family lived on the ranch but away from each other as well. Wes and Warren were the sons of Robert and Charlotte Coleman, and their houses were a good distance apart. With one hundred thousand acres, they could all go days without seeing each other.

Grady wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. He had good bosses and the ranch hands were hard workers. It was very seldom they had to get after them to do anything.

After ensuring the UTVs had disappeared, Grady urged his horse back toward the barn. As they rode along, he kept a sharp eye out for any signs of danger. Suddenly, he thought he saw movement and came to a stop, peering intently along the nearby fence line.

“Shit,” he muttered under his breath as a pack of wolves emerged from the shadows, their eyes fixed on him and the horse. Slowly, he reached for his rifle as he kept his eyes on them and held it across his lap. Unless they made a move, he would leave them be. Once the fence was finished and electrified, they wouldn’t pose a threat. But for now, he hoped they would stay put and not come after him. He had heard too many stories about packs of wolves attacking humans before. If they were hungry enough, they wouldn’t hesitate to take down a man, but they would go after his horse first.

Grady nudged Onyx into a slow walk, keeping a watchful eye on the pack. He could feel the tension in the horse’s muscles as it sensed the presence of the predators. But Grady soothed him with gentle touches and reassurances.

“Take it easy, boy. I won’t let them near us. Just stay calm,” he whispered to Onyx.

Slowly, they continued to make their way through the field, with Grady constantly glancing over his shoulder at the wolves following behind them. When they suddenly separated into two packs, then broke into a run toward him, Grady quickly raised his rifle and fired a shot into the air. The sound scattered the wolves and gave him a chance to spur Onyx into full speed and race across the field, but as he looked over his shoulder, he saw them running after him again.

He could hear his walkie-talkie crackling in his pocket but there was no way he was stopping to answer it right now. He had to keep moving and get away from those wolves.

As he crested a small hill, Grady let out a sigh of relief when he saw the UTVs coming back toward him. They slid to a halt in the snow and the men jumped out, immediately firing shots into the air in an attempt to scare off the wolves.

Grady reined Onyx to a stop, his adrenaline still pumping as he tried to calm his racing heart. He looked at the men and spoke through heavy breaths.

“Thanks.”

“We heard the shot and when you didn’t answer, we got worried,” Jeff said, shaking his head. “We didn’t see any wolves while we were here.”

“Trust me, they were there. But with all of you around, they were too scared to make a move. It was only when they saw me alone that they came after us,” Grady explained, still trying to catch his breath. “That was way too fucking close.”

“I bet. We’ll get that fence finished tomorrow. I’m glad you were able to get away from them.”

“Thank God you heard the gunshot and came back.” Grady gazed toward the woods, but saw no sign of the wolves. “They split up so they could surround us. The gunshot scared them off for a few seconds, then they came back after us.”

“Damn. You might want to buy a lottery ticket,” Jeff suggested.

Grady chuckled, his breath creating a mist in front of him. “No shit.”

“We should all ride back together. It’ll feel safer that way.”

“I couldn’t agree more, Jeff.” Grady nudged his horse and led them back to the barn.

He had never been so close to death before. Those wolves would have gone after Onyx first, then once he was down, the rest of the pack would have come for Grady. He shuddered at the thought. He never wanted to be in such a dangerous position again.

Later that evening, he sat in his recliner, staring at the flames wrapping around the wood in the fireplace. He couldn’t stop thinking about what would have happened if those wolves had caught them.

He’d be dead for sure. He was just glad that Onyx didn’t get spooked and dump his ass in the snow. The horse knew the wolves were after them, but he didn’t panic because Grady kept touching him and reassuring him. That horse knew Grady would protect him at all costs. He’d had the horse since it was born. The minute Onyx arrived; Grady claimed him. He’d spend days with him so he’d know that Grady would never harm him. Even the mare let him close to her baby and mares were very protective of their foals, but the colt loved and trusted him.

When his cellphone buzzed from the coffee table, he sat up, reached for it and saw Maverick’s number.

“Hey,” he answered.

“Are you alright?”

“You heard, huh?”

“Yes. That sounded way too close, Grady.”

“Hell, I think I could feel their breath as they chased us. I never want to experience that again in this lifetime.”

“I’m sure. Jeff was really shaken. He could barely get the words out.”

“If they hadn’t heard the shot, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Those wolves scattered for a few seconds but then came after us again.”

“Damn. I’m glad you’re alright though.”

“Yeah, me too. I was just thinking how glad I am that Onyx is a calm horse.”

“Hell, that horse would fight those wolves for you, but another horse might have panicked, reared up, and dumped you.”

“I was thinking the same thing.” Grady blew out a breath. “I appreciate you calling.”

“I was out to dinner with Parker, but Jeff let me know when I stopped at the barn before heading home. Scared the hell out of me.”

“You? How do you think I felt? My heart’s still racing.”

“I hope you gave that horse extra oats.”

Grady grinned. “I did, and he got an apple.”

Maverick chuckled. “He deserved it. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. I’m glad you’re alright.”

“Thanks, me too. I’ll see you in the morning.” Grady hung up.

He got up from the chair, put the screen in front of the fireplace, then headed to bed. He just hoped he could sleep after a day like today.