Chapter Eight
Monday morning, Savannah opened the door to her shop, entered, then headed toward her office. She was tired, but happy. The weekend with Grady had been wonderful. She was getting in so deep. But she wasn’t scared. She knew she wanted Grady in her life, but even though he said he wanted to see where this could go between them, she wasn’t sure if he would stick around.
As she put her purse in the file cabinet, she heard the door open and knew that Maggie had arrived.
“Vanna?”
“I’m in the office, Maggie.”
“Good morning,” Maggie said when she stood in the doorway.
“Put your purse in here, then I’ll lock it. I think it’s going to be a busy day.”
“The sidewalks are crowded already.” Maggie smiled. “Did you have a good weekend?”
“I did. Grady came back and we spent the weekend together.” Savannah sighed.
“Then why that sigh?”
“I just don’t know how he feels. We’re great together, and he’s a wonderful man, but I also know he never wants to settle down.”
“Never? Are you sure?”
“Honestly, no. He had said he’d never been interested in settling down, but he liked me, and went on to say it was our first date, but he wanted there to be more.” Savannah shrugged. “Then he said, how about we see if this goes anywhere.”
“Sounds to me like he’s willing to try. So, give it a try. Do you feel comfortable around him?”
Savannah frowned. “Of course, I do. That’s a weird question, Maggie.”
Maggie shook her head. “Not to me, it isn’t, but that’s a story for another time. As long as he’s a good man, see where it goes.”
Savannah continued to stare at her, but Maggie wouldn’t meet her eyes. Something had happened to her and one day she hoped Maggie trusted her enough to tell her.
“I suppose that’s all I can do.”
“You said you were divorced. Did you have any children?” Maggie asked.
“Our four month old son died from SIDS. I’m divorced because my ex blamed me for his death—” She stopped and shook her head when Maggie gasped. “It was horrible, but I’m past it now. Well, not really past it, I’ve learned to live with it. I know it wasn’t my fault.”
“Of course, it wasn’t. I’m so sorry for your loss, but sorrier you were married to a man who could do that when you were going through such pain. I hate men sometimes.”
“So, what led to your divorce?”
“Well, besides the fact that he treated me like a punching bag, he forced me into marriage. His name is Frederick, but I hate even saying it. When we first met, he was working as a banker. I went to the bank with my father one day when he was trying to save his home from foreclosure. As we sat across from Frederick, he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of me. It made me feel uncomfortable. And then when he told my dad there was nothing he could do to help us, I knew my dad had lost all hope. In desperation, I offered anything to save our home. Little did I know what kind of person Frederick truly was. He said he would only help if I agreed to marry him and he would erase our debt.”
Savannah gasped in shock. “Oh, my God, what a pig.”
“You can say that again. My father immediately stood up and told him to go to hell.”
“Good for him.”
“But I convinced my dad to accept Frederick’s offer. Looking back now, I know it was a mistake, but at the time my father was devastated about losing the house that held so many memories for him and my late mother. He bought it for her twenty years ago before she passed away from cancer. Losing it would have been too much for him to bear. So, I felt like I didn’t have a choice. After Frederick lost his job at the bank, which I still don’t know why, he decided to open a car dealership. His father owns a beautiful ranch but Frederick hated it and couldn’t wait for his father to die so he could sell it. God, I hate that man.”
“What did he do to you?”
Maggie took a deep breath before continuing. “He raped me on our wedding night and there was nothing I could do about it because I knew he’d make mine and my father’s life miserable. He even broke my jaw at one point. He wanted children but I lied and said I couldn’t have them. But the truth is, there was no way I was going to bring a child into the world with such a horrible man.” Maggie let out a heavy sigh. “I know it’s not right to hate anyone, but I truly despise him.”
Savannah gasped in shock. “Oh my God, I am so sorry. What happened to him?”
“He’s in jail now. He got arrested for stealing horses from his father’s ranch and the Montana Department of Livestock caught him.”
“That’s unbelievable, and he stole from his own father?”
“Yes, that’s the kind of man he is. But luckily, my ex-father-in-law Fred Hancock was a wonderful man and like a father to me. He didn’t know about what Frederick did to me until recently when he found out about his arrest for stealing the horses.”
“That must have been tough for you.”
“I never want to see Frederick again in this lifetime. But knowing that he won’t be in prison forever makes me anxious.”
“Wow, when did this happen?”
“It was about six months ago when he got arrested. We were married for three awful years before I finally left with the help of some friends. The first time he hit me, I was too terrified to leave because he threatened to harm me and my father. And I believed him. But eventually, I found the courage to escape when my friend and her husband offered their support. He had been arrested three years earlier for his violence toward me, and that’s when I decided to leave. I mostly stayed in hiding, afraid of what he would do if he found me. Fred was the only good thing that came out of our marriage, and he had no idea about his son’s cruel treatment toward me. But I know that if Frederick ever gets out of jail, he will come looking for me because I helped put him there.”
“How did you do that?”
“I confided in Livestock Agent Luke McCallister and told him everything about Frederick. He had a terrible gambling problem and would do anything to get money, even stealing his own father’s livestock and selling it.” Maggie smiled proudly. “Luke arrested him, and it made my dad and I very happy.”
“That’s great news. What about your father now?”
Maggie’s lip trembled. “He passed away three months ago.”
“I’m so sorry. You two were close.”
“We were. I miss him every day, but at least he’s with my mom now, and I know they’re happy. I sold his house because of too many painful memories.” Maggie shrugged.
“Are you seeing anyone now?”
“No, but it’s not because of how my ex treated me. I know not all men are like him.”
“That’s good to hear. Men like him are cowards who think hitting a woman makes them tough.”
“There is someone I’m interested in, but he doesn’t seem to notice me.” Maggie sighed.
“Who is it?”
“Rafe Marshall. He manages Fred’s ranch, and let me tell you, that man is smoking hot. And he can’t stand Frederick either. I remember one time when Frederick tried to talk down to me in the barn, and Rafe called him out on it.”
“Good for him. Is he good-looking?”
“Good-looking doesn’t even begin to describe it. He’s tall, like Grady, and I think he’s about forty-three years old. His hair is jet black with a touch of gray in his sideburns and stubble. And his eyes are like blueberries with long eyelashes that I wish I had. Plus, he always has a sexy five o’clock shadow. He’s just gorgeous, but whenever I visit Fred, Rafe rarely talks to me.”
“Well, you need to make your interest known to him.”
“I’m too nervous around him. And oh, my God, his body is incredible. I saw him last Saturday in the barn without a shirt on, and I had to hold back from drooling all over myself. God, I really need some good sex.”
Savannah laughed. “Nothing beats amazing sex,” she declared with a sly smile.
Maggie shook her head. “My ex was terrible at sex. I wish I had never married him, but at the time, I felt like I didn’t have a choice.”
“I can understand that. I really can.” Savannah nodded sympathetically.
“I’m going to get a cup of coffee, then we can open.” Maggie smiled.
“Hey, how about I run to The Everyday Grind and get us coffee? I’d love a hazelnut latte.” Savannah suggested.
“That sounds good. Get me the same. Let me give you money.” Maggie turned to head toward the office.
“I’ll get it. It’s on you next time.” Savannah winked playfully before entering her office and grabbing her purse. She headed out the door with a decisive stride. “I won’t be long.”
As Savannah made her way to the coffee shop, she couldn’t help but smile at the bustling activity around her. The streets were alive with people mingling and enjoying the beautiful day already. It was going to be a great day.
She pushed open the door of The Everyday Grind and was greeted by the familiar chime of the bell above and the scent of brewing coffee. Her gaze landed on Celine behind the counter, and she couldn’t help but grin.
“Hi, Vanna,” Celine said cheerfully.
“Celine, it’s so good to see you. How are you and Killian?” Savannah asked.
“We’re wonderful. What can I get you today?” Celine replied with a friendly smile.
After placing her order, Savannah handed Celine some cash and placed the change in a jar on the counter. She picked up the two steaming cups of coffee and headed back out, promising to catch up with Celine for lunch soon.
As she walked back to the shop, Savannah couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched. She glanced around nervously, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Shaking her head at her own paranoia, she told herself it was just a busy day and there were a lot of people around. But as she entered the shop and closed the door behind her, she took one last look around and thought she saw Grady go past the shop in his truck, but she was sure that wasn’t what made her feel she was being watched.
When she entered the shop, she frowned at the look on Maggie’s face.
“Is something wrong?”
“Uh, no, of course, not.” Maggie wouldn’t meet her eyes.
Savannah didn’t believe her and narrowed her eyes. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“Was Grady here?”
“No. Why would you ask that?”
“I thought I saw him go by in his truck.”
Maggie shook her head. “Well, he wasn’t here.”
Savannah frowned but maybe she was wrong. With a shrug, she got back to work.
****
The morning sun filtered through the skylights in the ceiling of the barn, casting a warm golden glow across the dusty floor. Grady stepped inside and made his way down the aisle, his boots thudding against the cement floor. He looked toward the door when he heard it open and saw Maverick entering the barn at the other end, and a wide grin spread across his face.
“Morning,” Grady called out.
“Morning, Grady. What’s on the agenda for today?” Maverick replied.
“I need to ride up and check on the new fence.”
“Going alone?”
“I might take one of the men with me. I don’t think the wolves are still around.”
“You never know. Be damn careful.”
Grady saluted him playfully. “Yes, sir.”
“It’s too early to be a smartass, Henderson,” Maverick scolded with a smirk.
Grady chuckled. “I’m still thinking about the weekend.”
Maverick folded his arms. “Well, since I didn’t see you yesterday, I’ll ask now. Did you see Savannah?”
“Yep.”
“Glad to hear it. She’s a nice person. Parker likes her.”
“And that makes her a good person?” Grady raised an eyebrow.
Maverick grinned. “Yes. She’s a good judge of character. Though she likes you, so she’s not perfect.”
Grady laughed. “You could be right.”
“Parker is still talking about going on that chopper.” Maverick shook his head in amusement.
Grady started past him, slapping him on the shoulder before saying, “She has more balls than you do. I’m fixing Savannah dinner tonight. It’s her birthday.”
“Tell her happy birthday for us.”
“Will do. I’ll talk to you later.”
Grady walked toward the bunkhouse, opened the door and stepped inside. Only a few of the men were there. Most were already out working.
“Where’s Jeff?” he asked.
“In the feed barn. Beckett Feed is delivering soon,” one of the hands said.
“Alright.” He looked at the men. “Jud, could you head over there and wait for the delivery, and tell Jeff I want to see him in the main barn, please?”
“Yes, sir.” Jud walked out the door with Grady following him, but Grady entered the barn to saddle his horse.
A few minutes later, as he tossed the saddle on Onyx’s back, Jeff walked toward him.
“Something up, boss?”
“I’m going up to check the new fence. I’d appreciate it if you’d go along.”
“Sure. I’ll get my horse and meet you here.”
“Thanks, Jeff.”
“Yes, sir.”
Once he and Jeff rode to the west pasture, Grady couldn’t stop glancing around. Those wolves could still be out there… waiting. Even though it was late May, they could still be looking for food. He noticed Jeff looking around too.
When they arrived at the fence, they rode along it, Jeff following Grady to make sure he didn’t miss anything.
“It’s a nice day,” Jeff said.
“Yeah, it is. We’ll be in for hot weather soon.”
“I’m ready for that. I hate the cold.”
“As Warren says, ranching is a bitch anytime of the year. Sweat your ass off in the summer or freeze your balls off in the winter.” Grady shrugged. “I love it all though.”
“I do too. I just don’t like being out in the cold and after seeing those wolves last month…” Jeff shook his head. “I don’t know how your horse didn’t panic.”
“He was way calmer than I was,” Grady said. “I thought for sure; I was a goner.”
“If you’d been riding any other horse, you might have been. Horses can smell the wolves; they don’t need to see them. Onyx knew they were there.”
“Yeah, I could see his muscles twitching. He was aware of the danger.”
“He’s a damn good horse.”
Grady patted the horse’s neck. “Yes, he is.”
“I think this electrical fence will keep them out. I hope so anyway,” Jeff said.
“Me too. Jeff? Are you still seeing Cindy?” Grady glanced over his shoulder to see Jeff grinning. “I take it by that shit-eating grin, you are.”
“I am. Man, I think I’m in love.”
Grady chuckled. “Does that scare you?”
“When I first thought my feelings for her were getting stronger, it terrified me, but the thought of not being with her, terrified me more.”
“She seems nice. I’m glad you’re happy.”
“Thanks, Grady. Are you still seeing that woman who owns the antique shop?”
“Yes. I like her.”
“What’s her name?”
“Savannah, but just about everyone calls her Vanna.”
“Why didn’t she go on the cattle drive?”
“She couldn’t close her shop for two weeks. She had just hired a new employee at the time. She said she’d go next year.”
“Whoa! You think you’ll still be seeing her next year?” Jeff asked in a shocked tone.
Grady reined Onyx in, turned in the saddle to look at him.
“I hope so. Why?”
“You, Grady Henderson, who never stays very long in a relationship, is talking about the… future ?”
“You know I can fire your ass, right?” Grady chuckled when Jeff laughed.
When they turned to head back toward the barn, Grady scanned the area and saw nothing. Ever since that day, he worried that he’d run into the wolves again. Just because it was getting warmer, didn’t mean they wouldn’t attack man or beast. Especially if pups were involved. It wasn’t just mama bears that would do anything to protect their babies.
After entering the barn, they cooled down the horses, and Jeff went to finish chores.
Grady entered the office, turned on the computer, put that the fence was checked and the date. It was an everyday chore even if the transmitter didn’t show a section down. Better safe than sorry.
He looked at his watch to see it was still early but he knew Savannah had her shop open, so he picked up his phone and sent her a text.
Good morning. Happy birthday, darlin’.
Thank you! We’re already getting slammed, and I just unlocked the door.
I’ll see you tonight for dinner.
Can’t wait.
Grady smiled as he placed his phone on his desk. He really liked her, but then thought about what Jeff had said about still seeing her next year. Damn, was he getting in too deep? He never thought of how long he saw a woman, but it was never a year. It was usually a few dates, and he’d move on. It wasn’t that he didn’t like them, it was just that nothing seemed to click for him. He always thought it was because he didn’t want to settle down, but with Savannah, he could see a future and it scared the hell out of him. He didn’t know if he could do it.
The door opened and Maverick stepped inside the office. He tilted his head as he stared at Grady.
“Grady?”
“Yeah?”
“What’s going through your head?” Maverick asked.
“Nothing.”
“Yeah, okay.” Maverick moved to the chair and sat down across from him. “Try again.”
Grady shook his head. “I’m not sure I can do this, Maverick.”
“Do what?”
“Savannah—”
“Son of a bitch. You will break her heart. Damn it. What the fuck?”
“You know me, I’m not the settling down type.”
“You’ve been seeing her for a while and now you decide you can’t do this? On her birthday? What the hell is wrong with you?”
Grady shook his head. “I didn’t say I was ending it. I—”
“Just because you’re getting cold feet about being in a serious relationship doesn’t mean you end it. You have to think this through. Damn it, you’re in love with her whether you want to admit it or not,” Maverick snapped.
“I’m scared, damn it,” Grady shouted.
“Hell, we all get scared at the thought of falling in love. If you want to lose the best thing to ever happen to you, then go for it, but just know you’re going to devastate her. If you can’t see that she’s in love with you, then you’re an idiot. You’re the one who kept seeing her. It wasn’t like she begged you to take her out. You’ve been happier than I’ve ever seen you and now you don’t think you can do it. Fucking pussy,” Maverick said, then walked out of the office, slamming the door behind him, making Grady wince, then he heaved a big sigh.
Pushing the chair back, he stood, and walked to the door. Opening it, he saw Maverick striding down the barn’s aisle.
“Maverick,” he yelled. He watched as Maverick took a deep breath, then turned to face him, placing his hands on his hips. Grady walked toward him, then stopped within feet of him. They stared at each other.
“What?” Maverick raised an eyebrow.
Grady sighed. “You’re right. I know you’re right, but I’ve never been here before.”
“There’s a first time for all of us.” Maverick folded his arms. “Tell me this, think about never seeing her again, and tell me how that makes you feel. I’ll wait.”
Grady clenched his jaw as he glared at his friend. “It makes my gut ache.”
“Well, there you go.”
“Damn, you are a pain in my ass,” Grady snapped.
“Maybe, but I made you think. I have work to do.” Maverick turned away from him. “Do not fuck this up, Henderson.”
“Fuck you, Whitacre.” He grinned when he heard Maverick chuckle.
That evening at six-thirty, he opened the door to Savannah. He pulled her inside the house and pressed his lips to hers.
“You smell fantastic,” he said as he put his face against the crook in her neck.
“You always smell good. Speaking of smelling good, what are you cooking?”
“Lasagna. It’s my mom’s recipe.”
“It’s making my stomach growl.”
“Then let’s eat. It’s ready. Oh, wait. Come with me.” He took her hand and led her to the living room. When he flipped on the light, he heard her hiss in a breath, then she looked at him with tears rolling down her cheeks.
“Did you…” She cleared her throat. “Is that for me?”
“Well, considering it has a bow on it and it is your birthday, I would say it is yours.” He watched her walk toward the dollhouse and run her hand over it, then looked at him. “It’s my favorite one.”
“I know. I had Maggie do some detective work for me. I know how much you loved the one you had and that prick… destroyed it. You needed a new one. From me.” He walked toward her, pulled her into his arms and held her while she sobbed against his shirt.
She gazed up at him. “You, Grady Henderson, are getting so lucky tonight.”
Grady laughed and kissed her forehead. “Darlin’, I’m always lucky when you’re by my side. Let’s eat.”
He took her hand and led her to the kitchen. He was glad she was happy about the dollhouse.