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Willow’s truck was waiting for her.

She tossed her bag onto the passenger seat and climbed behind the wheel. Moments later, she pulled out of Second Chance Ranch without a photographer in sight. Still, she wasn't taking any chances. Instead of following the GPS straight to the JP Ranch, she took the route Willow had given her, checking her mirrors for any sign someone had figured out the switch and doubled back.

But mile after mile passed without another vehicle keeping pace. They’d actually pulled it off. A smile spread across her face as her concern faded and anticipation took its place. Grady was waiting for her.

She lowered the window a few inches, letting the cool evening air rush into the cab as the Wyoming landscape stretched around her.

For the first time in over a week, she’d have him all to herself.

And she planned to make the most of every minute.

Chapter Thirty-One

Grady stood with Jeremiah and Dale outside the cottage, his overnight bag in one hand.

“Thanks for doing all this for me... for us.”

“You’re welcome, cuz.” Jeremiah unlocked the door. “Figured you two deserved more than five minutes together without somebody interrupting.”

“Yeah. It’ll be nice.”

Dale slapped him on the shoulder. “Have to admit, I’ve never seen you this taken with someone before. I wish I’d had the chance to meet Leah. From everything I’ve heard, she was an incredible woman. But you deserve to be happy, Grady—it’s been a long time. And Amanda seems good for you.”

He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Unfortunately, it’s only temporary. She’ll be going back to L.A. in a few weeks.”

“Then enjoy the time you’ve got. And remember, not everything is written in stone.”

Grady understood what Dale meant, but he and Amanda came from two different worlds, and neither intended to leave their own. There wasn't much point in dwelling on that tonight, though. He'd take Dale's advice and enjoy whatever time they had left.

The cottage couldn’t have been in a better spot for what they needed. It was far enough from the main residence and bunkhouse that no one there would see or hear anything, and the road was even farther away. Unless someone had a reason to come out this way, he and Amanda would have complete privacy.

Inside, he set his overnight bag in the bedroom, then checked the kitchen. Fen’s arranged dinner was waiting, along with wine, beer, water, and enough snacks to last them well into tomorrow.

A folded card propped against the wine bottle caught his attention. He recognized Willow’s handwriting.

You’re welcome. Behave yourselves. Or don’t. We’re not your parents.

From your Romantic-Ops Squad,

Willow, Nathan, Dale, Jeremiah, & Fen

A laugh slipped out before he set it back on the counter. “You people need hobbies.”

“Fen and Willow need hobbies,” Dale countered. “The rest of us mind our own business unless someone wants our help.”

The three of them laughed because it was true.

With nothing else to do until Amanda arrived, Grady walked Jeremiah and Dale to the door. The latter managed one last suggestive grin before following his husband outside. “Have fun. Lots and lots of fun.”

He rolled his eyes. “Good night, Dale.”

The cowboy’s laughter carried across the yard as the two men headed toward the main house.

Asshole.

Once they were gone, the anticipation Grady had kept under control all afternoon became a hell of a lot harder to ignore. Amanda should be on her way, assuming Fen and Willow's plan had worked.

He checked his phone but found no message from her. That was probably a good sign. If everything had gone as intended, she'd be driving and wouldn't text him. Even so, he checked the time again a few minutes later. Waiting had never been his strong suit, and tonight was proving worse than usual.