Worth Every Risk

by Laine, Terri E.

  After I hang up with them, I call Fletcher and Cassidy. My call with them is equally as shocking. Cassidy cries and says they’ll all be tested, even the baby. “You never know. Any of us could be a match.”

  “Thanks, Cass. It only has to be fifty percent.”

  They also wonder about us coming back to the States. “The care here is good, and unless something happens, we’ll stay here. My season ends in a month so we’ll see.”

  After we end the call, Andi and I exchange stories.

  “Between both of our families, hopefully we’ll find a match,” I say.

  Then Andi surprises me with the news about her birth parents. She breaks down and cries, which tears me up. “Andi, it’s going to be fine.”

  “But that could’ve been another chance for Violet.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll have enough, and then if we get pregnant, that will be our other option.”

  “Oh, Chase. I’m so scared.” My arms wind around her as her body trembles.

  Tipping her chin up with my finger, I say, “Andi, everything is going to be fine. Remember, we’re Team Wilde. We’ve got this.”

  Her eyes bore into mine and I wish I felt as positive as I sound.

  “Right. Team Wilde.”

  We hug each other, and I’m not quite sure which one of us is stronger. “Let’s go to bed. I have an early morning tomorrow. I need to be on the field an hour before everyone else since I missed the last two days.”

  Andi gives me the nod and we head up to bed. The next morning, she’s still asleep when I get up. I don’t want to disturb my sleeping beauty, so I ease out from under the covers and tiptoe my way to the bathroom. I’m dressed and almost to the door when her voice catches me off guard.

  “Trying to leave without a goodbye kiss?”

  “No, I wanted to let you sleep.” I go to the bed and let her outstretched arms wrap around me. “I wish I didn’t have to go. You make it too hard on a guy.”

  “Those are my intentions. That way you’ll miss me more.”

  “I always miss you. Now I really do have to go or I’ll be late.”

  “Go get ’em, Wilde.”

  I give her nipple a quick pinch and she lets out a squeak. “See you tonight. Call me if you need me.”

  “I will.”

  Practice is long and difficult. Since I was gone, I go at it especially hard. Even one of the coaches takes note.

  “Are you trying to kill yourself?” he asks.

  I only want to work the demons out, but I don’t tell him that. “No, just making up for lost time.”

  “Just make sure you don’t injure yourself. That’s the last thing we need.” His sour expression tells me he’s not exactly happy.

  “Noted,” I yell back to him.

  When practice is over, the coach calls me into his office.

  “Chase, fill me in on what’s happening with your daughter.”

  It’s only fair he knows, so I take the time to give him a rundown of what’s happening.

  “She started treatment today. If everything goes as planned, then she should be good. If it doesn’t, then she’ll need a bone marrow transplant.”

  “I see. And what does that entail?”

  I glance at the ceiling. I don’t want to open this can of worms yet. “We don’t really know yet because we are being optimistic on this first round of treatment.”

  “I see. Then keep me posted on her progress. And if there’s anything you need from us, please let us know.”

  “Thanks.”

  I head to the showers, and afterward I’m on the way home to find out how Violet’s first day went. As I’m pulling into the driveway, the front door opens and Andi is on the porch holding the little tyke in her arms. I hope this is a good sign.

  “Dada, here.” Her tiny arms reach out for me. Dropping my bag on the porch, I take her from Andi.

  “How’s my girl today?”

  She lays her head on my chest and holds out her arm. There’s an elastic wrap on it where I imagine they gave her the injection.

  “What’s this?”

  “Boo-boo.”

  Glancing at Andi, she shakes her head.

  “A boo-boo?”

  “Yah. Kiss.”

  I kiss her arm and ask, “Is it better?”

  She bobs her head, which is still pressed against my chest. “Yah.”

  Andi grabs my bag and we walk inside the house. “It smells wonderful in here,” I say.

  “Lasagna.”

  “Mmm.”

  “Lazana,” Violet murmurs.

  “That’s right. Daddy’s favorite.”

  I walk into the living room where a video is playing and put Violet down on the couch, but she’s not having any of that. So I sit down and pull her on top of me. That seems to make her happier.

  Andi sits next to us and says, “This is how she’s been all day. Much clingier than usual.”

  “She must not feel well.”

  “No fever, though, so she just must feel off.”

  “What are the side effects?”

  “You don’t even want to know. The list is endless.”

  “Great,” I groan. I smooth Violet’s curls as she snuggles against me.

  “You thirsty?” Andi asks.

  “Yeah, I could use some water, please.” I don’t add how starved I am.

  She brings back a huge glass of ice water and adds, “We’re going to eat in about fifteen minutes. Is that okay?”

  “It’s great because I could eat a horse.”

  “Dada eat horse.” Violet giggles. In turn, we all laugh. That’s a relief.

  After I guzzle the water, I ask Andi about the day.

  “The treatment only took about an hour. They did an infusion and Violet was pretty good. They said depending on how many she’ll need, they may switch to the injection. But to start with, they did this kind. If she responds well, we may do another one next week, and then set up some kind of a schedule. They talked about putting in a port.”

  “What’s that?”

  “It’s a surgical procedure where they put in a permanent line so they don’t have to stick an IV into her every week. I would be in favor of this.”

  “Where would it be?” I ask.

  “On her chest.”

  This horrifies me, and Andi can tell because she pats my arm and says, “It’s barely noticeable and is so much better for the patient, Chase. This way, she wouldn’t have to get stabbed by a needle every time she goes to the doctor. It was awful holding her today. I hated it.”

  “I hadn’t thought of that. I hate you had to do that.” My eyes drop to her tiny arm and that bandage that’s wrapped around it. No wonder she wanted me to kiss it.

  “And she’ll have to get this every week?”

  “Maybe even more.” Andi’s face tells it all.

  “Then there’s no question about it. We’ll do it.”

  “Tell me about practice.”

  After I fill her in, she checks on the lasagna and pulls it out of the oven to sit for a few. “It’ll be ready to cut right away.”

  “I’ve been thinking. If Violet’s treatment doesn’t work out, I think we should go back to the States for the bone marrow transplant,” I say.

  “What about your career?”

  “My season is over in a month. If she’s getting better, we’ll know by then, right?”

  “I should think so.”

  “And if not, we’ll know that too.”

  Andi nods.

  “Then if it’s what we don’t want to hear, we can go back to where our families are. We can ask the doctors here which is the best place.”

  “Yeah, about that. I’ve already been researching just in case.”

  “And?”

  “Everything points to the Children’s Hospital in Nashville.”

  “Okay, then we could live there, and that isn’t very far for either of our parents. Maybe what? Four hours?”

  “Yeah, I think so. But that still doesn�
��t answer what you’ll do. You can’t work from over there.”

  “I’ll figure that out. I can take a year off, or I may not even need it if the timing is right. And if it’s not, then I’ll do what needs to be done. But never forget that she’s my first priority.”

  “And I can always go back to work if need be.”

  “Andi, money won’t ever be an issue. I’ve been very wise with what I’ve made, making some very good investments. We’ll never have to worry about that, even if I don’t ever work another day in my life. So put your mind at ease.”

  “How much … never mind. It’s not my business.”

  “Everything about me is your business. I’ll show you later if you want. But don’t worry about the money.”

  The three of us eat dinner and afterward we watch more TV with Violet until she drifts to sleep in my arms. I stare at my beautiful daughter and know it won’t be possible for her not to beat this terrible affliction. She is a Wilde, and Wildes are strong and tough. We are made of hearty stock. I know without a doubt that Violet is going to win, hands down.

  But for once in my life, I’m wrong—dead wrong. And this time, the stakes are much higher than a game or even a championship. This time it is winner takes all, and loser … loser doesn’t even have any air left to breathe.

  Thirty-Seven

  Andi

  When Chase slips in beside me, I’m deliriously happy and not just because I feel the long, hard length of him pressed against my back. Violet is responding to the treatment. Her energy level is up and she hasn’t had a fever since.

  Chase spoons in behind me and nuzzles my neck as his hand glides up my thigh to my hip.

  “Are you awake?” he whispers, his words fanning my hair.

  Though I’d awoken to the sounds of him entering the bedroom, a silly giggle escapes me. It’s late and I don’t care as his fingers squeeze my side before traveling down and then up my sleep shirt to find my center. I suck in air.

  “I need you. It’s been a long day without you,” he says.

  I nod because I always need him. He lifts my leg and guides his cock to my entrance. I stifle a moan as he pushes inside me.

  “Damn, you’re always wet and ready for me.”

  I moan out an agreement. It’s true. Just knowing he’s near, my body responds.

  His thrusts are fast and hard, taking me higher each time. He works his magic touch on my clit with precision. It won’t be long as he pumps in and out of me.

  “Touch yourself,” he commands.

  His hand disappears to glide up my stomach. I use my hand where his was to keep up the pressure.

  “I’m close,” I beg.

  He cups my breast and pinches my nipple. I bite my tongue to hold back a cry. It would be loud and might wake the neighborhood.

  His mouth is at my pulse point, sucking as he squeezes my tit and tweaks my nipple.

  “I’m going to come so hard there’s no way you’re not going to get pregnant.”

  That’s enough to send me over the edge and moaning out his name.

  “Damn, baby, that’s it. Your pussy is fisting me so tight right now, I can’t hang on.”

  He rolls me toward him some to sink deeper as he pulses inside me. It spurs on my orgasm to last that much longer. Then he’s still and we are both breathing hard.

  “I shouldn’t have woken you,” he says.

  I shake my head. “That’s worth waking up for.”

  I don’t ask why he’s late. I trust him completely.

  “How was Violet today?” he asks.

  “Great. She’s like a different child in a good way.”

  He nods as he moves us back to our sides, but doesn’t pull out his softened cock. He’s long and thick enough to not slip out. And I like the feeling of him there and enjoy these quiet moments. Soon, his breathing changes. He’s fallen asleep and I have to smile. It’s so damn wonderful to have him possessively wrapped around me even with his hand still holding one breast. Just as quickly, I follow him into dreamland. It’s not a wonder, as I would follow him anywhere.

  A tap on my nose wakes me. Chase is gone. Since Violet’s gotten better, he’s gone to practice early and comes home late. I don’t complain because I know he’ll be there for me in a second if I need him.

  I open my eyes and find Violet with a pink substance all over her face. I sit up and bend down to examine it. It smells fruity.

  Laughing, I say, “What have you gotten into?”

  “Yogie,” she says, all proud of herself.

  I glance at the time. It’s past nine in the morning and I groan. I’ve overslept. I should’ve set an alarm. Violet decided to get herself breakfast and had gotten a yogurt.

  “Let’s clean you up and fix you a proper breakfast. How about pancakes?”

  She nods and we do, making a mess of the kitchen while we prepare. But I don’t care. I love how happy she is. It’s so great how fast kids bounce back from illnesses as if they were never there.

  That afternoon, my bestie video calls.

  “Hey,” she says somberly.

  I tell her all about Violet. I look over to where my baby sings and dances to the cartoon character on the TV.

  “Everything’s great. She’s responding well.”

  “I’m still getting tested,” Beth says.

  “God, I miss you. I hope you can come out again for your vacation.”

  “Me too. But so many people have quit in the last month, you wouldn’t believe.”

  I feel guilty. “I wish I could come back.”

  “No, you don’t.” She laughs. “You’re in Italy for goodness’ sake.”

  “How’s Joshua?” I tease.

  She may have pushed him toward me, but I know my friend secretly crushes on the guy. He is hot. I can’t blame her.

  A blush flames her face. “He asked me out. You’re not mad, are you?”

  I feign shock. “No way. He’s all yours.”

  “Oh, I’m being paged. No rest for the weary. I’ll call you later.”

  When we hang up, a pang of longing for Chicago hits me. I dial another number to FaceTime. It’s not long before Owen’s face pops up on the screen.

  “Hey, stranger.”

  “Hey, you.”

  There’s an awkward moment before he ends it.

  “How’s everything in Italy? How’s Violet and Chase?”

  My smile seems to take over the screen. “They’re great.”

  Then I explain everything.

  “I’m sorry, Andi. Holly and I will get tested.”

  Feeling guilty, I say, “I didn’t call you for that. I miss you guys.”

  “I know. We miss you too. But I want to help and I’m sure Holly would too.”

  “Is she around?”

  My time is all mixed up when it comes to what time it is in Chicago.

  “Yeah, do you want me to put her on?”

  “Yes, I miss her so and Violet will want to see her.” I take the iPad over to the living room. “Violet, see who’s on the screen.”

  Owen waves at her and then Holly fits into the picture.

  Violet waves and soon the two girls are talking and singing. The doorbell rings.

  “Owen, I’ll be right back.”

  The living room is in the sightline of the front door. I can hear Violet and Holly with their garbled speak. Violet is showing her a new doll she got from Chase, who spoils her rotten.

  When I open the door, I’m shocked to see Lucia there. I’d convinced the security guy he could make a quick run to grab lunch, and I halt the door opening and move to make sure she can’t see inside.

  She lifts her chin and asks, “Is Chase here?”

  “He’s not,” I say, hating that she can hear my daughter.

  The woman doesn’t deserve it. Why can’t she just walk away gracefully?

  She glances down at her belly bump, which I ignore. “I have to talk to him.”

  I move to step outside, but leave the door cracked open behind me
so I can hear Violet. Owen is talking to the girls and I know I have a few minutes.

  “Can I offer you a piece of advice?” I ask.

  She rolls her eyes. “Why? You are only jealous.”

  “Actually, I’m not. Yes, you are more beautiful than I am, which puzzles me. Why chase after a man who doesn’t want you?”

  “Because I am better than you. He should want me.”

  Her accent is thick, but I understand every word she says.

  “The thing is, men don’t marry a woman to look at. They marry a woman to live with. For whatever reason, Chase wants me. That doesn’t take away anything about you. It just means you aren’t for him. But there are probably a million men out there who would walk over crushed glass to kneel at your feet. You deserve a man like that.”

  “I deserve Chase.”

  “Look, I get it. He’s a great catch. But we both know he tells it like it is. If he finds you here with that fake baby bump around your waist—” Her eyes grow wide. “—Yes, I’m a neonatal nurse. I’ve seen lots of baby bumps, especially after women give birth. And I myself tried one on when buying maternity clothes. I know the difference. Anyway, Chase won’t be happy. And he’s done so much for you already. You’d do well to find a man that cherishes you.”

  I’m not sure if what I said did the trick or if the sound and sight of Chase’s car coming up the drive chases her away. She flees to her car, turning on the engine just as he parks. I glance back and see Violet singing into the iPad, so Owen and Holly are still there.

  Chase’s narrowed gaze follows the car as it speeds off before he heads over to me.

  “Why was she here?”

  I shrug. “She wanted to talk to you.” He blows out a breath and I see steam forming. I hold up a hand. “I handled it. I’m hopeful that’s the last we’ll see of her.”

  “I should talk to her.”

  “Don’t.” I shake my head. “You’ll encourage her. Your best bet is to ignore her. She knows how you feel. She’s just finding a way to initiate contact.”

  “Did she look pregnant?”

  “She’s not. It’s fake.”

  His jaw tightens. “Trust me. I called her on it. That’s why she left so fast. She knows she has nothing you want.”

  He kisses me then glances over my head since he’s taller than me. “Who is Violet talking to?”