Grant Me The Moon

by Caroline Clemmons

  Tory hurried. She had to think of both work and casual clothes. She pulled out her large suitcase and started layering in her business clothes and shoes. Next she added a couple of pair of jeans and three tops plus underwear, hosiery, socks, stockings, and walking shoes. Good heavens, this was like moving.

  The thought hit her hard. Actually, she was moving. She added her jewelry case and closed the luggage. After retrieving a smaller bag, she added makeup, hair dryer, and all the junk she used on her hair and body.

  Grandma went to the head of the stairs. “Grant, I’m packed.”

  “Coming.” She heard his boots on the treads then he went back the way he’d come.

  Grandma peeked into her room. “I’ll go on down, Tory. You take your time. I know you need more things.”

  “Would you tell Grant I’m ready for help with my luggage, too?” She groaned when she lifted the case off the bed.

  He came in and scanned the area. “So this is where you sleep? Nice room.” Hefting the suitcase, he said, “I’m glad you remembered to include the bricks and rocks.”

  She followed him down carrying her small cosmetics bag. “I know it’s heavy and I apologize. I need clothes for work and then casual after school.”

  “Tory, I was yanking your chain. I’ll take yours and Grandma’s bags to the car and then come back for you two. I don’t want to have my hands full when you’re in the open.”

  At the foot of the staircase, he picked up Grandma’s bag and carried the two out. Soon he was back. “You need to empty food that will spoil into the trash and I’ll drop it into the rubbish can.”

  Grandma headed to the kitchen. “You’ll do no such thing. I’ll take anything that might spoil to add to your refrigerator. No point throwing away good food.”

  Tory followed her grandmother, who immediately started pulling out items and setting them on the counter. Tory retrieved an ice chest from the pantry floor and put it on the counter near the fridge. “We can use this.”

  “You load and I’ll clear stuff out. Too bad you went shopping yesterday. We have a lot of perishables.”

  “Don’t forget the ice cream. It goes all grainy from freezer burn if left too long.”

  Grandma snapped, “I’m not going to forget anything. You just do your job and I’ll do mine. Then Grant will have the tough chore of lugging all this to his car.”

  By the time they’d finished, they had filled the chest and two large reusable grocery bags.

  Grant walked into the kitchen. “Wow, Tory, you buy everything they had? Looks like most of a grocery store here.”

  “Come on, strong man, you can carry this puny little amount.” She leaned toward him. “Besides, there are wheels. I’ll help by carrying the bags.”

  “No, you open the door for me again. I’ll stow this stuff and be right back. Look around and be sure you have everything you need.” He towed the ice chest behind him and carried the sacks.

  Grandma grabbed her address book by the phone. “I might need to call someone and not have the number.”

  “You’d better call Rose and tell her we’ll be gone a few days. She’ll watch the house for you, but you don’t want her coming over here.”

  “I’ll call her right now.” Grandma dialed the landline and Tory walked into the living room to watch Grant’s progress.

  He was striding up the walk. “You ready?”

  “Yes, Grandma is on the phone telling Rose Webb not to come over here but to keep an eye on the house.”

  Grandma bustled into the room. “Here I am. Rose was shocked to learn about the threat but said she wouldn’t spread the word unless we told her to do so. I figure the fewer people who know, the fewer explanations we’ll have to make later.”

  Grant hurried them both to his Navigator. Tory climbed onto the front seat while he buckled in Grandma. Soon they were on their way.

  Grandma was contemplative. Tory wondered what her grandmother was thinking. For herself, she was frightened and suppressed a shiver. She hadn’t done anything to anyone so why make threats against her or her grandmother?

  Perhaps killing Dr. Lawson had pushed the murderer over the edge psychologically. Or, maybe the killer was already there. Tory wished the threat was over and the person in custody.

  When they arrived at Grayson Ranch, Grant slowed at the cattle guard as he turned onto the ranch road. Immediately, Tory felt safer, sensed a little of the tension sliding away. Plenty was left, but here she and Grandma would be surrounded by men who knew how to defend themselves and others.

  As they pulled to a stop in front of the house, Wayne and Brad came onto the porch and Elvis followed, his tail wagging his entire body.

  Grant opened his door. “Hey, Brad, come help me carry stuff.”

  Tory opened her door and stepped onto the ground. Elvis bounded out to meet her. She petted the dog. “What a good boy you are, Elvis.”

  Before she could detach herself from Elvis to assist Grandma, Wayne opened the door for her. “You ladies come inside and let Dumb and Dumber do the heavy lifting. My job is strictly supervisory and acting as host.” He walked between them and helped Grandma up the porch steps.

  Brad called, “Grandpa, you never said who’s Dumb and who’s Dumber.”

  Wayne laughed and called over his shoulder. “If you can’t figure that out, you’re Dumber.”

  Grandma frowned and looked up at Wayne. “That’s no way to talk to your grandsons. They’ll think you don’t love them.”

  Wayne opened the screen door for them and Elvis pushed inside. “Naw, they know I do. Doesn’t hurt to keep them in line now and again, though. You know raising boys isn’t like raising girls.”

  “I only had the one girl, but she had a boy and two girls. You’re right about that. Now I think about it, raising girls and boys are different, but both need lots of love and approval.”

  “Wouldn’t have turned the ranch over to them if I didn’t approve of the way they do things. Of course, Grant is the one in charge since he’s the oldest. Both of them like ranching and we’ve added on land as it became available so there’s enough for both of them.”

  Tory leaned near Grandma’s ear. “Don’t butt in the minute we get here.”

  Grandma laughed. “I was just reminded we’re your guests and I’m not to intrude on your decisions. That’s awfully hard for a plain-spoken woman like me. I’ll try but with no guarantees.”

  He smiled at Grandma. “Plain speaking is best. Now, why don’t I show you to your rooms? Sofia doesn’t work on Sundays, but I think everything is in order for you.”

  Grandma sighed. “And no stairs to climb and that’s a welcome blessing for old bones.”

  “What do you mean, old? We’re about the same age. I’m sure not old and you aren’t either.”

  Tory hugged her grandmother’s shoulders. “You’re right there. Grandma can run rings around me.”

  Grandma’s eyes sparkled. “Well, I didn’t say I was old, just my bones. The rest of me is about forty. That was a good year.”

  Wayne chuckled. “Sure was. Now we’ve put you in the master suite, Tory. This hasn’t been used except for guests since the boys’ parents passed away. We tend to have quite a few visitors, though, so don’t think you’ll find it creepy.” He opened the door to a very large room with its own bath and sitting area.

  Tory walked into the suite. “This is gorgeous. Are you sure Grandma shouldn’t stay here with me?”

  “No, her room is right down the hall. She’ll have her own ensuite bath too. My daughter-in-law thought that was important so most bedrooms have one.”

  Before Tory could ask, Grandma did, “Most, how many bedrooms do you have?”

  “Eight counting Sofia’s apartment. We never bother her when she’s off duty unless we pay her extra to help out like we did for the party. She’s not a spring chicken any longer and needs time off work.”

  Grant came up behind his grandfather. “She hears you saying that and you’ll be in major trouble. I think
in a fight she could take you.” He set Tory’s bags in the master suite.

  Brad followed his brother. “Face it, bro, she could take all three of us. Where does this one go?”

  “That’s Grandma’s.”

  “Excuse me.” Brad scooted by and managed not to bump anyone or a wall.

  Wayne said, “Well, now that you know where you’ll be sleeping, come on to the kitchen. You’re in luck because I cooked instead of the boys. Made a big pot of stew and have cornbread muffins ready to bake. Won’t take them long.”

  Tory walked beside Grant. “The stew smells delicious.”

  Grant patted his stomach. “I’m hungry again, even though Tory fed me. Us growing boys have to eat.”

  Wayne laughed. “You keep eating like that and you’ll be growing in the wrong direction and have a lot more stomach to pat.”

  Tory asked, “May I help by setting the table?” They stepped into the kitchen. “Oh, I see you’ve beaten me to that job.”

  “I did that part,” Brad said from behind her. “Grandpa’s a slave driver and even made me peel potatoes for the stew.”

  Tory smiled at him. “Aw, poor baby. I’ll bet you’re tired from all that work.”

  He pretended to pout. “Laugh if you want to, but as the younger Grayson, I get the dirty jobs, the ones with no glory and lots of grunt work.”

  Standing at the double oven, Wayne shoved the corn muffins in to bake then looked over his shoulder. He raised an eyebrow at Brad. “Like staying out until two this morning? I doubt that was a dirty job.”

  Brad appeared embarrassed. “I didn’t say I only work, did I? I have to let off steam occasionally.”

  Grant nudged his brother. “Lot of steam under that head of hair, is there?”

  “You can make jokes but I remember you were the one coming home late a few days ago, and a week night at that.”

  Grant glanced at Tory and smiled. “Things aren’t always as they appear.”

  Tory widened her eyes and looked for a diversion. “I see a pitcher of tea. Shall I add ice to some glasses?”

  Wayne nodded. “Reckon it’s about time to do that. Glasses are above and to the right of the sink.”

  She set out five glasses and filled them with ice before pouring the tea. Then she set the glasses at each place. “Mmm, the corn muffins smell good too. I shouldn’t be hungry but I am.”

  “I hope so. I hate to cook if people don’t eat. Don’t have that trouble with these two boys, but you genteel ladies may have normal appetites.”

  Tory sensed everyone was joking to try to keep their minds off the threatening phone call. Or maybe to keep all their minds on less serious subjects. She forced herself to participate, but fear had her firmly in its grasp.

  At least she was genuinely grateful Grandma had decided to come here. Trying to sleep at her grandmother’s house would have been a vain attempt. She wasn’t certain she could sleep here. If only Grant could hold her in his arms all night, she’d feel safe. That wasn’t possible, so she’d just have to toughen up and be brave.

  Chapter Ten

  Grant enjoyed having Tory here. She’d been here for the party Friday, but this time she would be staying for a while. As much as he hated the threats, he was pleased she was here under the same roof.

  After supper they all helped clean up the kitchen.

  Grandpa brought out a double-nine set of dominoes. “Nothing good’s on television tonight, so let’s play chickenfoot.”

  Tory sat at the table while Grandpa dumped the tiles in the center. Everyone took seven and lined them up in front of himself or herself. Grant had drawn the double blank, so he started the game.

  They played through to the double nine and then Grandma rose. “I know it’s early, but this has been a strange day. I think I’ll turn in.”

  Grandpa pushed back his chair and stood. “I’ll walk you to your door, Emily.”

  Grant and Tory exchanged surprised glances.

  Brad said, “Well I’ll be damned. I think Grandpa’s sweet on her.”

  Tory smiled. “I’m sure he’s just being a gracious host.”

  Grant shook his head. “I think there’s more to it than that.” He figured that would fit in with his plans very well.

  Grandpa came back into the kitchen with a spring in his step. “It’s only half past nine o’clock. Why don’t we go another round?”

  Brad said, “One more and I’m done.”

  After that round, Tory stood. “Thank you for a delicious meal and a pleasant evening. Tomorrow is a work day for each of us. I’m turning in.”

  Grant stood and looked at his grandfather. “I’ll walk you to your door.”

  She grinned and curtsied. “Thank you, kind sir. I’d hate to get lost on the long and arduous journey or encounter a dragon.”

  At her room, he pulled her into his arms. “Don’t worry, there are ranch hands set to help watch. I’m right next door. If you get lonely, I’ll be happy to keep you company.”

  She leaned her head on his chest. “I’d love that, but our grandparents would frown on the idea. Thank you for the offer, though.”

  He figured she’d say that, but he’d held out hope she’d agree. “Okay, do I at least get a goodnight kiss?”

  “You bet you do.” She leaned up to meet his lips.

  Their gentle kiss turned torrid. When they broke apart, his breath was ragged. “You sure I can’t keep you company?”

  “Don’t make this more difficult. Goodnight, Grant.” She stepped inside and closed the door.

  Grant exhaled and went back to the kitchen.

  Brad laughed. “Struck out, eh? Thought you would.”

  “You can laugh but it’s not funny. I wish she’d let me stay with her in her room.”

  His grandfather finished adding the last domino to the box. “I don’t think she’s the kind who’d do so while her grandmother and I are in the same house. She’s more polite than that.”

  Grant was aghast. “What, you think letting me in her room would be rude? I don’t agree, Grandpa.”

  “Now, Grant, you’re a grown man. I wouldn’t care because I can tell she’s special to you and suspect she feels the same way. But that would be disrespectful to her grandmother and to me. We’re of the generation who didn’t acknowledge or encourage such things openly.” His smile reached his eyes and set them twinkling mischievously. “We had to sneak around.”

  Brad shook his head. “I can’t see Mrs. Stafford sneaking around. She is one of the most proper women I’ve ever met.”

  Grandpa stared at Brad. “She wasn’t born teaching school. Even though she was a mature woman when you met her, son, at one time she was a pretty young woman with spirit.”

  “You knew her then?” Grant asked.

  “We were acquainted.” He waved a hand. “I never dated her, but I knew who she was in school. She’s a year younger than I am and dated Joe Stafford. Then they both went off to college. When she returned, she was a teacher and engaged to be married and I’d married your grandmother.”

  Brad nudged Grandpa’s arm. “Like two ships that pass in the night, right? But there’s nothing keeping you from making a move now. You’re both single.”

  Grandpa bopped Brad on the head with the domino box. “Boy, I do believe you have sex on the brain. That all you ever think about?”

  “Not all, Grandpa, but I’m twenty-six. I’d be crazy if I didn’t think about it part of the time.”

  Grandpa laughed. “Guess you would at that.”

  Grant looked at his grandfather. “You did talk to the hands, right?”

  “I sure enough did. They’re taking turns on watch but they’re not going to be obvious. Plan to watch from the shadows. You can go on to sleep, both of you. I told ‘em they’d get time-and-a-half pay for the hours they spent on watch.”

  Grant was glad that was arranged. “That’s good and should keep them sharp. I hope I can sleep with all this hanging over us.”

  Brad stretched and yawned. “I
know I can. Don’t ever tell I went to bed before eleven, but I’m turning in.”

  Grandpa mimicked Brad’s yawn. “Me, too. Sofia will make breakfast, but I don’t want to be late and miss dining with the ladies. They’re lots nicer to look at than your ugly mugs.”

  Grant hoped they could soon put this problem in the past, but he yearned to keep Tory here. He figured he was daydreaming, but nobody went to jail for wishing.

  * * *

  Tory went to the teacher’s lounge for lunch. Unwilling to ask Sofia if she could make a lunch, she was still reluctant to eat in the cafeteria. The short break away from students in the middle of the day helped her attitude. So, she’d stopped at a convenience store on the way to school and purchased a sandwich, chips, and soft drink. She grabbed her grocery bag and hurried to join her friend.

  Pamela was already seated and looked up. “I hate Mondays. Like the song says, Monday’s no friend of mine.”

  Tory sat at the same small table away from a larger one filled with other teachers. She opened her sandwich, hoping it was fresh. “I have enough news to brighten your day—or at least add interest.” She shared the weekend events.

  Pamela stared at her. “You’re living there? What an opportunity. Girl, I hope you jump that handsome Grant’s bones.”

  Tory gasped and leaned forward. “With my grandmother and his grandfather in the house? Are you crazy? You know, you could come for a visit and I could introduce you to Brad.” She immediately regretted the offer. Grayson Ranch was not hers to be asking people there as her guest.

  “There’s no reason to justify me coming there.” Pamela met her gaze. “As much as I’d like to be on first name basis with that charming and handsome man, I’m not eager to get included in your threat.”

  Tory held up her hands. “You’re right. What was I thinking?” She lowered her voice, “No point adding you to the killer’s list.”

  Pamela touched her arm. “Aren’t you scared?”

  Tory took a sip of her soft drink then sighed. “Spitless. If Grant weren’t so strong and supportive, I would probably be huddled in bed with the cover over my head.”