Worth the Risk

by Karen Erickson

  “Well, you are engaged to Hunter Worth, are you not?” the man asked.

  “What?” she practically shrieked. The nurse winced, and Gracie clamped her lips shut, embarrassment by her mini outburst.

  “I was informed by Alexander Worth that you are his future sister-in-law.” The man shifted on his feet and wrung his hands together. “We allowed him to overstep a few boundaries because we believed he is a family member of yours. Future family member, I should say.”

  She stared at the man in disbelief. Future family member? This was all so…surreal.

  “He is most definitely not her future family member.” Grandma stood in the doorway, her expression fierce. “These Worth boys have overstepped themselves for the last time. I refuse to let Gracie leave this hospital.”

  “Oh dear,” the nurse whispered.

  Grandma slowly walked into the room, approaching Gracie’s bed. “That Hunter Worth hates me and now he’s trying to take you away from me, Gracie.”

  “He would never…”

  “Oh yes, he would,” Grandma interrupted. “He told me so earlier. After all these years we’ve been apart, he’s trying to break us up. And I can’t believe you’d let him do it so easily. Don’t you love me?”

  Gracie set down the pen. Why couldn’t anything be easy? And why did her grandma have to say such ridiculous things? This was the sort of thing she’d dreaded when she thought about searching for any of her long-lost family. And now it had all come true. “He doesn’t want to drive us apart, Grandma. He’s not like that. He’s a firm believer in family.”

  Grandma snorted. “So he claims.”

  “He wouldn’t lie,” Gracie said softly. She grabbed the pen once more and signed her name on the line, then leaned back while the nurse found the next page for her signature. “I know Hunter. He would never do that to me.”

  “Why didn’t you tell him about the baby, Gracie?”

  Gracie jerked her head up. Why did she have to go and bring that up in front of strangers? She really was taking this too far. “Can’t we talk about all of this later?”

  “No, we absolutely cannot. If we wait any longer, you’ll be gone and I’ll never see you again.”

  “Now you’re just being dramatic.”

  “He knows about the baby. In fact, he even denied it was his.”

  A chill shivered down Gracie’s spine. “How did he find out?”

  Her grandma lifted her chin. “Never you mind that. You need to focus on the fact that he doesn’t believe it’s his baby. You need to rid yourself of him. He’s no good for you.”

  “I can’t believe he would ever say that.” Gracie signed the final piece of paper, and the hospital staffers made a quick exit. Not that she blamed them. This was erupting into full-on family drama that even she didn’t want to deal with. “Why are you interfering in my life and trying to stir things up?”

  “I’m trying to protect you from an overbearing man who will take great pleasure in bossing you around for the rest of your days, if you let him.”

  Why did the idea of Hunter “bossing her around” fill her with warmth, not dread? Maybe it was the “rest of her days” part that held even more appeal. Besides, she always gave as good as she got when it came to Hunter. “He’s not like that, despite what you think.”

  “Then he has you perfectly snowed.” Grandma sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out to pat Gracie’s arm. “Don’t become so easily influenced by others, Gracie, especially smooth-talking men. Stand strong and be yourself.” She shook her head, made a soft tsking noise. “The same thing happened to your mom, you know.”

  “What are you talking about? What happened to my mother?” Suspicion crept over Gracie, leaving her chilled to the very bone.

  “Why, a handsome older man came into her life not too long after you were born and took her and you away from me. After all that we’d gone through, I finally had everything in order. You and Angie living with me, three generations in one house, it was going to be perfect. But then he came along.” Grandma screwed up her mouth so tight, her lips practically disappeared. “I tried my best to keep her here. I tried to keep you with me too, but she wouldn’t allow it. She believed all the sweet lies that man told her and ran away with him. Look where she ended up.” Her grandma sniffed, her eyes watery with unshed tears. “I hate to see the same thing happen to you, Gracie.”

  It all made sense now. Her grandmother’s overprotective nature, all the worry and the nagging probably drove Gracie’s mother out of the house. Not that it was her grandma’s fault, what eventually happened to her mom, but she’d contributed to the drama.

  Gracie refused to be pushed around. She wanted her grandma in her life, but if she wasn’t going to approve of Gracie’s choices, then she could function perfectly well without her. She’d done so already most of her life. The family connection was important to her, but not if it damaged her relationship with Hunter.

  “Oh, Grandma. That’s not happening to me. My mom was just a kid and didn’t know any better. I’ve known Hunter for quite a while and I know what sort of man he is. I—I think I’m in love with him.” The realization made her dizzy with happiness.

  “Well, I doubt very much he’s in love with you.”

  There went the happiness. Gracie was afraid she said that out of spite, nothing more. “Why do you dislike him so much?”

  “Because he wants nothing more than to take you away from me! After all these years of wondering where you were, I finally get you back here and now he’s whisking you away again. Most likely for good, if he gets his way.”

  “It’s not like that. I think he only wants the best for me. He’s rather—overprotective.” She smiled, thinking of all he’d done to ensure she received the very best in medical care. And how much Alex must’ve done as well. She’d never felt so protected.

  So loved.

  “So am I, I’ll have you know,” Grandma said with a huff.

  Gracie smiled gently. “And you’re both clashing over that, over me, which is the last thing I want to happen. I’d love it if we could all get along.”

  “I don’t know if I can do that—get along with that, that thief.”

  That her grandma called Hunter a thief was secretly amusing. He abhorred any sort of stealing, especially after what happened with the former marketing vice president of Worth Luxury. The betrayal still stung. “He doesn’t want to steal me. If you’re nice to him, he’ll be nice to you.”

  Grandma lifted her chin. “I don’t want you to go.”

  “I know you don’t, but I’m going. It’s already been decided.”

  “Don’t you hate that you didn’t have a choice in the matter? That he just up and did this without consulting you first?’

  “He did it because he cares too much. This is his way of showing it.” He wasn’t much for flowery words, she knew this. Hunter was much more of an action type of man. And his actions were definitely speaking louder than his words. “He only wants the best for me.”

  Realization dawned, and her heart squeezed. They say a near-death experience changes a person. Helps them see what’s truly important in life.

  “I want the best for you too.” Grandma drew a deep breath. “But I don’t know if I trust him. He seems shady.”

  “Grandma, I’m afraid you’d find any man who shows interest in me shady,” Gracie chastised gently.

  “You’ve got that right. But if he makes you happy, then you will have my—reluctant—approval. Someday.”

  Gracie laughed and shook her head, relief coursing through her. “That’s all I can ask for.”

  “And that’s all I can give. For now. I don’t want to lose you, dear. I just found you.”

  “You’re not going to lose me. Thank you, Grandma,” Gracie said softly. “That means a lot to me, your approval.”

  “Can I give you a hug? Or are you in too much pain?”

  Gracie opened her arms slowly, and her grandma gave her a delicate hug, patting her on the shoulder.
“If he’s as dedicated to you as you claim he is, then you’ll be in good hands.”

  “I know I will.” Tears filled her eyes, and she blinked hard to stop them. Nerves jumped in her stomach, and she tried to push them away. She was embarking on a new chapter in her life. Welcoming the love and care of a man, bringing a baby into this world…a baby.

  Gracie smiled and pressed her face against her grandma’s springy hair. She couldn’t wait to get started.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Hunter hesitated outside the doorway of Gracie’s hospital room, a sudden bout of nervousness making him stop. He hadn’t seen her in over twenty-four hours. After the chaos of getting her out of the hospital in Ithaca and then the transfer to Lenox Hill, there’d been no time. He knew she was in good care and in good spirits, the hospital staff having advised him of her condition when he’d arrived earlier.

  Now that he was this close to her, why was it so hard to make those last steps?

  Her grandmother had somehow found him just before he left Cayuga. Her demeanor stiff, her voice firm, she’d reluctantly declared her conditional approval of him for her granddaughter.

  He’d swooped her up in a hug so quickly she’d squealed and told him to stop. While the nurse escorted her back to her room, he’d spoken with hospital personnel, inquiring as to the seriousness of her condition. And then promptly offered to pay for any medical expenses she still needed, including surgery.

  The woman may have rubbed him the wrong way, but he wanted to do right by Gracie. And that meant doing right by her grandmother.

  “I know you’re out there.” Her soft voice called to him. “What are you, too scared to see me?”

  Chuckling, he walked inside the room, marveling at the difference compared to the rooms at the other hospital. Gracie’s private room was warm and cozy, a single lamp burning on the table next to her bed, casting her in a golden glow. The bandage on her head was smaller, the bruises on her face turning colors and she still had a horrible gash on her cheekbone.

  Her hair was tamer, she wore a pale yellow robe and there was a light in her eyes he didn’t believe he’d ever seen before.

  “Hi.” He stopped at the foot of her bed, wishing he had the courage to come closer to her.

  “Hi.” She smiled and glanced around the room. “Nice digs, don’t you think?”

  “You’re comfortable?”

  “Oh yes, and the doctor is wonderful. And very handsome.” Her smile grew.

  Hunter scowled. “What do you mean, handsome?”

  “Dark hair, blue eyes.” She tapped her index finger against her pursed lips. “He reminds me of you, as a matter of fact.”

  That did it. “I’ll request a female doctor for you first thing in the morning.”

  “You definitely can’t take a joke.” She laughed. “Come sit down.”

  He made to sit in the chair by the bed, but she patted the empty space next to her on the mattress, right by her hip. “Closer.”

  Hesitantly he sat beside her, the warmth of her body seeping into him. Her scent, her smile, the brush of her arm against his sent his mind reeling.

  He’d almost lost this. And he wasn’t about to let her go again.

  “How did you know I was outside your room?”

  “I could smell you.” Her smile gentled. “You have a very distinct scent, Hunter Worth.”

  “So do you.” Arousal coursed through him, unbelievable as it was. She was recovering from surgery with bruises, scrapes and a broken wrist, yet he still wanted her more than anything. “I’ve missed it. I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you too.” She dropped her gaze, staring at the blanket that was neatly tucked around her. “I have something to tell you.”

  He knew what her confession was, but still, anticipation buzzed through him. “What is it?”

  “I know you already know.” She plucked at an imaginary thread on the blanket. “My grandma said she told you.”

  “I want to hear it from you.” He grabbed hold of her good hand, taking it in his. “Tell me, Gracie.”

  She lifted her gaze and met his. “I’m pregnant. I—I don’t know exactly when it happened, but we’re going to have a baby together, Hunter.” She paused. “Are you okay with that?”

  Reaching out with his other hand, he brushed a few stray hairs away from her forehead, so very thankful to be touching her like this once more. “Are you okay with it?”

  “I asked you first.”

  He smiled. “You want me to be honest?”

  Her eyes went wide, luminous as she nodded furiously. “More than anything.”

  “I’m more than okay with it.” Carefully he leaned in, brushed her lips with his once. Twice. “I’m happy. Fucking excited.”

  She laughed and kissed him again. “You’ll need to learn to watch your language. You can’t say such things in front of your baby.”

  “Are you excited, Gracie?”

  “I’m nervous.” She clutched at his hand and he gave her a reassuring kiss. “I don’t know anything about babies.”

  “Me either. But we can learn.” This kiss he deepened, teasing her tongue with his own. “Together,” he whispered when they broke apart.

  “Oh, Hunter, this is like a dream come true,” she sighed.

  “Are you kidding me? My sweet princess was in a wreck that nearly killed her. How is that like a dream come true?”

  “Fine, getting there wasn’t a dream come true, but it is now.” She tugged her hand out of his and pushed his shoulder so he had no choice to back away from her. “I keep pushing you away emotionally and I’m sorry for that. I wasn’t—ready for everything you had to offer. It overwhelmed me.”

  “You just pushed me away now,” he pointed out.

  She shook her head. “You know what I mean. I just—want to tell you that I’m ready.”

  He cocked a brow. “Ready for what?”

  “Ready for you.” Her voice lowered. “Ready for us,” she whispered.

  He drew her back into his arms and held her close, clasped his hand across the back of her head. She pressed her face against his neck, her hot breath sending shivers all over his skin. “I love you, Gracie,” he murmured against her hair.

  “I love you too.” She snuggled as close as she could get. “I can’t wait to get out of this hospital.”

  “I can’t wait to get you out of here either.” He kissed her again. He couldn’t stop kissing her, especially now that he felt free to do it.

  He’d told a woman that he loved her. And he hadn’t choked and died when he said it, either.

  Christ, Alex had been right. He’d fallen, and he’d fallen hard. Gracie was without a doubt the woman for him.

  And he would never let her forget it.

  Gracie breathed deep, inhaling Hunter’s delicious scent as he held her gently while she lay in the hospital bed. It felt so good to be in his arms, in his life. Permanently. How foolish she’d been, pushing him away, always too scared to face her feelings, face what she meant to him. A sense of peace settled over her, suffusing her blood, making her skin tingle.

  She had her second chance. She was healing, a baby grew inside of her and the man she loved said he loved her back.

  Life couldn’t get much sweeter than this.

  “As soon as you’re released from the hospital, I want you to marry me,” he whispered close to her ear. “I want to start our life together as soon as possible.”

  Butterflies beat a restless rhythm in her belly. Marriage? Already? What if he was moving too fast? What if he changed his mind? “You don’t have to make the offer if you’re not ready yet, Hunter…”

  “Woman, you make me insane.” He cupped her chin with firm fingers and forced her head up. Their gazes locked and the intensity she saw in his eyes took her breath away. “When I say I want to start our life together as soon as possible, I mean it.”

  “But it’s so soon.” She smiled weakly.

  “You’re really going to make me do this, aren�
�t you?” He withdrew from her and went down on his left knee on the floor. Grasping her hand in his, his expression became solemn. “Gracie Hayes, I love you so much my heart feels like it’s going to burst. Would you put me out of my misery and do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Tears slid down her cheeks. She didn’t bother wiping them away. “Yes. Oh yes, I’ll marry you, Hunter.”

  He reached into the front pocket of his jeans and fished around a bit, pulling out a dark blue velvet box. She couldn’t breathe; all the air lodged in her throat and she started to tremble.

  Popping open the box, he revealed a brilliant, round diamond solitaire that was so big it looked downright fake. “I bought this earlier, before I came to the hospital. I might’ve been presumptuous, but I couldn’t help it.”

  She giggled like a schoolgirl. That this handsome man had been too excited and had to run out and buy her an engagement ring thrilled her right down to her toes. “It’s so big,” she breathed, never taking her eyes of the sparkling diamond.

  He took it out of the box and reached for her right hand.

  “Wrong hand,” she protested and carefully stuck out her left hand, cast and all.

  “I didn’t want to hurt you.” He smiled sheepishly and slid the ring onto her fourth finger. It fit perfectly, though it looked a little odd next to her cast.

  “It’s beautiful.” She studied it in the light, the dazzling sparkle of the diamond mesmerizing. “I love it.”

  “I love you.” He rose up and kissed her, stealing her breath. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you too.” She wished she wasn’t injured. Wished that Hunter could sweep her into his arms and carry her to his bed where he would make love to her all night long.

  But that would come with time. And she had the joy of looking forward to many nights just like she imagined.

  Pressing his forehead to hers, he stared deep into her eyes. “Alex was right.”

  She frowned. “Alex? What did he say?”

  “He said he knew once I found the right woman, I would fall hard. And he would relish that day and say he told me so.” He chuckled. “The absolute last thing I want to hear from him is I told you so.”