Page 85 of Grady

“I’m sure Kirk was embarrassed being knocked out cold; Grady’s a big guy.”

“Six foot five in his bare feet,” Savannah murmured before gasping. “Oh no, Daddy’s going out there.”

“Relax. You know your father.”

Savannah looked at her mother. “Yes, I do. That’s exactly why I’m worried. Daddy could say something trying to be funny and Grady might take it seriously.”

Fiona laughed. “Grady is much too smart for that. Come on, let’s go to the living room and let them talk.”

“But…”

“Now, Savannah.” Fiona led her out of the room.

****

Grady pushed the button to shut the hatch on the SUV and turned to see Rich staring at him. He couldn’t help but mentally sigh, knowing what was coming next.

“I thought I’d lend you a hand, Grady.”

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate the offer.”

“I know you’re polite and all, but please, call me Rich,” he said as he crossed his arms and leaned against the car.

“Okay then, Rich.” Grady mimicked his pose and flashed a grin. “Is this where you ask me what my intentions are toward your daughter?”

Rich chuckled. “That was my plan, but it’s clear that you both love each other.” He shook his head and let out a sigh. “Kirk was a real piece of work. You know about the baby, right?”

“Yes, I’m aware.”

“And how he blamed Savannah for the death?” Grady nodded. “I wanted to knock him out cold. It was bad enough what she went through, but that jackass... he put all the blame on her. Not once did he shed a tear at the funeral. I almost caused a scene but I knew it was the last thing Savannah needed. Andthen to file for divorce the very next day. He should have stood by her. It wasn’t anyone’s fault but...” He trailed off with another sigh. “I don’t know if that was his way of coping or what, but it was wrong no matter what.”

“I agree. I told her I wanted to beat him senseless for treating her like that. What kind of man does that?”

“He’s not a man at all.” Rich grinned wryly. “Savannah mentioned that you knocked him out.”

Grady chuckled. “He sucker punched me first. All I did was punch him on the chin.”

“Good for you. I’m glad Savannah has found someone new, and I have no doubt that you’ll treat her well. Neither her mother nor I want to see her get hurt again. She was devastated by Zach’s death, as any woman would be, but on top of that, her idiot husband blamed it all on her.” Rich tilted his head thoughtfully. “I don’t think you’d do something like that.”

“No, never.” Grady took a deep breath. “Mr. Banks—”

“Rich.”

“Rich. I love your daughter more than I ever thought possible and I want to ask for her hand in marriage. But before I do, I would be honored if I had your blessing.”

The two men locked eyes and Grady felt his stomach twist into knots, but when Rich broke into a grin and shook his hand, Grady let out a sigh of relief.

“I know she loves you. Just make sure you take good care of her.”

“On my life, I will. Like a friend once said, I never want to do anything that would make my fiancée leave me, and I feel the same way about Savannah.”

“Good. Now let’s get this luggage inside and enjoy our weekend together. Your secret is safe with me; there’s no way I’m telling Fiona because Savannah would find out before you even made it to the airport.”

Grady nodded and chuckled as he grabbed a suitcase and followed his future father-in-law into the house.

****

Over the next weekend, Savannah gazed at the quaint cabin where Grady’s parents were staying. Although they resided in a house in Clifton, they often traveled to their cabin in Kalispell for some rest and relaxation.

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