Page 87 of Grady

“Do I look like a fool to you?” Vic asked Lena, with a hint of playfulness. “Don’t answer that.”

Their playful banter sparked laughter throughout the room.Grady and his father began carrying their luggage inside while Lena and Savannah sat at the table, sipping iced tea.

“This place is breathtaking, Lena. I love log homes.”

“Well, it’s a good thing Grady has one then,” Lena replied with a smile.

Savannah grinned and said, “I would live with him in a cave if I had to.”

Lena laughed and remarked, “Now that right there is true love.”

Savannah nodded and added, “He’s my world. I truly love your son, Lena.”

“I can see that, and I can also see that he loves you,” Lena responded with a sigh. “We never thought he’d settle down. He was dead set against it, but I knew all he needed was the right woman; and that woman is you.”

“He can be quite stubborn at times though,” Savannah said.

“That trait runs in the family. His father is just as hardheaded,” Lena replied while folding her arms on the table. “But you stick to your guns, Vanna. I have to do the same with Vic. He may be stubborn, but I am even more so and he knows it.”

“I believe it,” Savannah said with a laugh.

“Men may think they rule the world, but an old joke says when God created man,shewas only joking,” Lena quipped.

“Or maybe she saved the best for last,” Savannah joked back.

They shared a knowing laugh until the men walked into the kitchen. Both men stopped in their tracks upon seeing the women’s’ expressions but the women continued to smile.

“I’m not even going to ask, son,” Vic said with a shake of his head. “Let’s go out to the back deck. We’ll grill some steaks for dinner.”

Vic headed out the back door while Grady stood still, staring at Savannah. When she batted her eyelashes at him, he finallyshook his head and followed his father outside, much to the amusement of the women.

****

As Grady and Savannah sat on the back deck alone, he reached for her hand and kissed her palm.

“My parents really like you,” he said, as he looked at her and grinned. “I do too.”

Savannah laughed. “I like you too, hardhead.”

“You’recalling me hardhead? You?” He shook his head. “Please.”

“Okay, I can be a little—”

“Try again.”

She laughed. “Okay, a lot, but I have nothing on you, Grady Henderson.”

“Well, that just means we’ll argue and think of the fun we’ll have making up.”

“Is sex all you think about?”

“When it comes to you? Absolutely.”

“I appreciate the honesty, but there could come a time where you might make me so mad, I won’t want to make up.” She stared at him.

“Please be joking.”

Savannah laughed. “I am. I love making up with you.”

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