Page 12 of Grady

“We’ll give you a small bag to take home. Once he eats well enough, his coat will get better too.”

Savannah stood. “Will you let me know if anyone claims him?”

“Someone here will call you in three days. I’m hoping you can keep him because he looks like he’d get a better home with you. I’d take him if you couldn’t.”

“I can see Sam now if you take another dog home, Tess.” Dr. Russell laughed.

“What can I say? He knows there’s a chance every day that I could bring another one home.”

“Good thing that man loves you,” Dr. Russell said.

“I should go. I want to run to The Feed Store, then to work. Bentley is going to spend the day with me in my shop.”

“Where is your shop?”

“On Main Street. It’s Timeless Treasures.”

“The antique store? Oh! I love antiques. I will definitely be stopping by.” Dr. Russell smiled.

“I’d love to have you both stop in. Uh, do I pay out front?”

“Yes, but just for the rabies shot. We never charge for scanning an animal for a microchip. Have a wonderful day.”

Both vets walked out of the room, and Savannah led Bentley to the counter to pay for his shot. When she reached the lobby, she told the young woman at the desk, she’d wait for the call, then walked out toward her car.

After stopping at the Feed Store, she parked in back of her building, went in the back door, and opened up for the day. The snow had been plowed off the street and the sidewalks were clear, but she knew it would still be a slow day. She couldn’t wait for tourist season to start again.

****

Grady cursed under his breath as he cleaned out the horse stalls. It was his assigned task for the day, and he didn’t mind it too much. At least he was out of the cold and not freezing his ass off.

“Who are you swearing at?” A voice called out from behind him.

Grady turned to see his boss, Warren Coleman, standing in the doorway.

“Me,” Grady replied with a sigh. “I just realized my mother’s birthday is next week, and I have no idea what to get her.”

“I understand that struggle. Did you ask her what she wanted?” Warren asked with a grin.

“Yeah, and I’m sure you can guess her response.”

“She doesn’t want anything, right?”

“Bingo.” Grady removed his sweaty gloves and stuffed them into his back pocket. “I’m at a loss.”

“What does she like? You know, Shay’s shop has some amazing pieces.”

“Blown glass, right?”

“Yeah, so you could get her a figurine, vase, or bowl,” Warren suggested with a shrug. “Or if she’s into antiques, there’s Minnie’s old place. Shay said it had a lot of great pieces.”

“I think my mom does like antiques. I just don’t know what she already has.”

“Ask your dad for advice. He might be able to help you out.”

“I’ll do that. Thanks for the suggestion, Warren.”

“No problem. I always struggle with buying gifts for my own mother and Peyton.”

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