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Not the reassuring words Gracie wanted to hear. She knew her grandma meant well, but she wasn’t necessarily being encouraging. More than anything, she wanted to be left alone.
And absorb the fact that she really was pregnant—with Hunter Worth’s baby.
Her heart raced just thinking about it.
Someone entered the room, their squeaky shoes making enough noise to startle Gracie out of her thoughts. “Ah, Mrs. Hayes, I see you woke her up.”
“I sure did. I knew I would.” Grandma sounded pleased.
“Excellent.” The nurse approached the bed, standing on the opposite side of Gracie’s grandma. She smiled down at Gracie. “How are you feeling?”
“Thirsty,” Gracie croaked.
“I’ll bring you a fresh pitcher of water in just a minute. The doctor is making his rounds now. I’ll let him know you’re awake, and he’ll stop by to see you soon. So glad you decided to rejoin us, Miss Hayes.”
Gracie nodded, exhaustion settling over her once again. It was too much, just speaking a few words and moving her head. She could hardly function.
“You need to return to your room and get back into bed, Mrs. Hayes.” The nurse lowered her voice to a conspiring whisper. “You’re not supposed to be in ICU, you know.”
“Aren’t you funny, considering you’re the one who let me in here?” Grandma sniffed and stood tall, trying her best to appear regal but failing considering the faded and tattered blue robe she wore.
“Well, I snuck you in and now I need to sneak you back out. Let’s go, Mrs. Hayes.” The nurse smiled at Gracie once more. “I’ll be right back, Miss Hayes.”
She watched the two women leave the room, her grandma turning to wave at her once before the nurse had to practically drag her out. Gracie closed her eyes the moment they exited the room, thankful for the peace and quiet.
Her mind wouldn’t remain quiet. It raced with overwhelming, terrifying thoughts. Surgery and recovery, a grandma still in the hospital who behaved as if nothing was wrong with her—the woman even insisted Gracie would be able to go home and recuperate at her house. It was all too much.
She needed to find her cell phone and make some calls. Becky would be first on her list. Her friend would know what to do and how to help her. Then maybe…
Maybe she could call Hunter. He deserved to know what happened. He’d called, and she knew he was most likely concerned. Plus, if it was really true, he was the father of their future baby.
Tears leaked out of the corners of her eyes and streamed down her cheeks. She’d really done it this time. Nearly killed herself in a reckless accident and now found herself pregnant. Wasn’t she the poster child of what not to do?
Gracie sniffed and wished for sleep again. For the first time in years, she felt like a complete failure.
She didn’t like it.
“Could you please tell me Gracie Hayes’ room number?” Hunter smiled at the nurse behind the desk, putting forth the Worth charm as best he could, but he was so damn tired, his smile wavered.
Great.
&
nbsp; The nurse glanced up at him for one millisecond before she resumed scanning the chart in front of her. “Are you a family member?”
He frowned. “No.”
“Then I’m sorry, I can’t give out that information. She’s in the Intensive Care Unit tentatively until tomorrow. Once they release her, then I can let you know where her room is.”
“I know she’s in ICU. That’s why I’m here.” Irritation filled him, and he tried to clamp it down. Acting like an ass wouldn’t help in seeing Gracie. They’d probably kick him out of the hospital. “I’m her boss. We’re concerned about her safety and health and just want to make sure she’s all right.” A slight understatement, considering he felt like he was going to die if he didn’t find out if she was okay, but he needed to keep his cool.
The nurse didn’t even bother looking up at him. “I’m sure she’d appreciate your concern, but unfortunately, I cannot give you that information.”
Biting back the curse word that wanted to fly, he turned away from the information desk, glaring at anyone who dared look at him.
Including the old woman in the blue robe who stared at him with wide, assessing eyes.
“Yoo hoo! Are you looking for my Gracie?” she called, the nurse she stood with immediately shushing her.
