Page 13 of Grady

“I feel lucky that I only have to worry about my mom.”

“You never know, there could be a special woman in your future,” Warren teased.

“Not interested.” Grady chuckled.

Warren shook his head. “Well, I better get going. We’re going out to dinner tonight, and I need to make some calls before the end of the day.”

“Enjoy your evening.”

“Same to you,” Warren said as he left the barn.

Grady got back to work, grateful that it was finally Friday. He planned on doing absolutely nothing tonight, but tomorrow night he might go to Dewey’s. It had been a while since he last went there. He just hoped it didn’t snow.

As he headed toward the back of the barn to get in his truck, he pulled out his phone from his pocket and called Maverick.

“Hey, wanna go to Dewey’s tomorrow night?”

“Hell yeah.”

“Don’t you need to ask for permission?” Grady tried not to laugh.

Maverick let out an exasperated sigh. “Very funny. No, I don’t need permission. In fact, Parker will be there anyway. It’s their monthly girls’ night out it will be nice to get out, so I won’t be bored at home.”

“You’re driving.”

Maverick groaned through the phone. “Fine. I’ll only have a beer or two.”

“I’ll drive next time.”

“Deal. I’ll pick you up around seven-thirty tomorrow evening.”

“I’ll be ready. See ya then.” Grady hung up.

He was exhausted and ready to head home. Most days endedfor him around five or six, and he and Maverick had weekends off. The other two foremen took Tuesdays and Wednesdays off. They both lived off the property with their wives, but he and Maverick still lived in their cabins, only now, Parker lived with Maverick. Parker was a good woman, and Grady was happy for his friend, but he was content living alone, and he was determined it stayed that way.

****

Savannah sat in her antique shop, browsing a website for rare finds. Her phone rang, revealing it was the animal hospital on the line.

“Oh boy,” she muttered under her breath before answering the call with a hesitant “Hello?”

“Ms. Collins? This is Dr. Russell. I wanted to inform you that no one has claimed Bentley, so it seems he’s officially your dog.”

Savannah smiled. “Oh, my goodness! That makes me so happy. I’ve grown quite attached to him.”

“I could tell, and I’m glad you saved him. He’s going to be a big boy for sure.”

Savannah chuckled. “I’ll have to prepare for that. He’s been coming to work with me at the shop and loves greeting anyone who walks in.”

“We’re grateful you’ve taken him in. Please keep him up to date on his shots and he’ll have a long life ahead of him.”

“Don’t worry, I promise to take care of him. Thank you so much.”

After ending the call, she made her way to where Bentley was lying on the floor, basking in the warmth of a sunbeam. She knelt beside him and affectionately patted his head, and his tail thumped on the floor.

“Looks like you get to stay with me, Bentley. I couldn’t be happier.”

Bentley sat up and placed his paw on her leg, inching closer toward her.

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