Her Texas New Year's Wish

by Michelle Major

  She wanted to strangle her brother for putting these doubts into her mother’s head. Barbara had always been protective, but she’d become even more of a worrier after Jake’s accident. The severity of his injuries and the fear of losing him had rocked their small family to its core. Grace knew her mother’s fear had seeped into her consciousness, as well. It had made Grace hesitant about taking chances, and now that she was finally getting a shot at a real career at the Hotel Fortune, she wasn’t going to let unfounded rumors derail her.

  “I thought they were all related in some way.”

  Grace opened her eyes to see her mother studying Wiley’s bouquet.

  “Distantly,” she agreed. “But Callum and his siblings weren’t close to their cousins growing up. From everything I’ve learned working for the hotel, they moved here from Florida with the intent to establish themselves without significant ties to the rest of the Fortune family. No one is out to get them. Why would they be?”

  “These are pretty,” her mother said absently. “Calla lilies are your favorite.”

  “I know.” Warmth infused Grace’s chest once more as she thought about the fact that Wiley had somehow known her preference in flowers. “Mom, tell me you believe what I’m saying. I’m not in danger working at the hotel.”

  “I believe the Fortunes mean well,” her mother conceded. “At first, I was skeptical of the scope of their plan for the town. It felt like a bit of an invasion to those of us who grew up here and were happy with things the way they were.”

  “The town was dying, Mom.”

  “That’s going a little far.”

  “But it’s true. The Fortunes have attracted new residents and visitors from all over Texas and the surrounding states. Already-established local businesses have benefited, as well. Even the mayor agrees.” Ellie Fortune Hernandez, the town’s popular young mayor, had expressed doubts about Callum’s plan at the start but had quickly come to be one of the Fortune family’s staunchest supporters, in no small part thanks to falling in love with and ultimately marrying Steven. “And Mariana is helping with the hotel’s signature restaurant. Everyone in town loves her for all those years she ran her famous market. If she’s behind the project, we know it’s in the town’s best interest.”

  Her mother held up her hands, palms out. “Okay, Gracie. No need to take out a billboard to advertise all of the wonderful things the Fortunes have done in Rambling Rose. I’m glad for the town to benefit from their efforts, but my main concern is you. It’s all well and good for some new-to-town family to have success, but not if my baby is at risk because of it.”

  Grace blew out a frustrated breath. “I’m not at risk. And I’m going back to work as soon as the doctor tells me I can. This injury won’t jeopardize my future.”

  “I heard Wiley say your position is secure.”

  “My current position,” Grace clarified. “He has no control over the GM role, and he already hinted that Jillian was making a play for it. If she takes over my responsibilities while I’m out as well as handling her own, she could make a strong case for why she’s the best candidate.”

  “There are plenty of places to work that don’t involve the Fortunes,” her mother said, even though they both knew that wasn’t true. At least not places in Rambling Rose that offered Grace the opportunities she craved.

  “Mom, I’m happy to be back here.” She loved Rambling Rose but hated that she’d returned on the heels of her life imploding. It was why she was so determined to earn the GM position. “But I can only stay if I can make a future for myself. I feel like the Hotel Fortune is my best chance for that. My only chance right now. I need you to support me and to make sure Dad and Jake do, too.”

  Her mother sniffed. “Good luck with that.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of.” Grace leaned forward and touched her cast, blinking away tears. “Please, Mom. I know you’re worried, but this is important to me. After I found out about Craig cheating and resigned from Cowboy Country, it felt like I’d never have another chance to prove myself. I don’t regret coming home from college after Jake’s accident, but my life veered off path after that. I want a course correction. I need it.”

  “Oh, Gracie.” Her mother lowered herself to the edge of the bed and put her arms around Grace’s shoulders. “You know I support you. Your dad and your brother, too, in their own way. We all just want what’s best for you.”

  Sloppy tears flowed down Grace’s cheeks, and she didn’t try to stop them. She’d tried for the past twenty-four hours to put on a brave face, but so much felt out of her control.

  After a minute, she pulled back. She hated that her mother was crying, as well. There had been so many tears during Jake’s recovery. Grace didn’t want to be the cause of any more. “I don’t know what’s best,” she admitted. “But I do know what feels right, and the hotel is a big part of that for me.” She wiped the cuff of her flannel shirt across her mom’s cheeks, earning a watery smile. “I trust the Fortunes, especially Wiley. I can’t explain it, but there’s something about him.”

  “Well, he’s quite handsome.” Barbara skimmed her thumbs over Grace’s cheeks. “He has a very cute butt.”

  “Mom.” Grace laughed. “That’s pretty bold.”

  “I might be middle-aged, but I’m not dead.”

  Grace hugged her mom again, then blew out a shuddery breath. “It’s more than how he looks. It’s how he looks at me. Like I’m special.”

  “You are special. But—”

  “I know nothing will come of it,” Grace said quickly, embarrassed that she admitted so much to her mom. “He was only in town for the birthday party, and I understand he’s checking on me because he’s an attorney and he’s worried about the family’s liability. That’s how lawyers are.”

  A part of her hoped her mother would argue, but Barbara nodded. “Smart girl. Keep your wits about you when it comes to men who seem too good to be true. I remember how fast you fell for Craig.”

  Grace frowned, not sure how to explain that her connection to Wiley felt different from anything she’d experienced before. Why bother? Chances were she’d never see him again, anyway. She pressed her fingers to her chest and tried to rub away the sudden pinch.

  “Will you help me convince Dad and Jake not to make trouble with the Fortunes?”

  Barbara looked away for a long moment but finally nodded. “I’m not quite convinced, but you deserve happiness. As long as you follow the doctor’s orders and don’t push yourself too much, I’ll support you.”

  Grace smiled. “Thank you, Mom. I promise I’ll take care.”

  Chapter Four

  Wiley sat at the empty Roja bar the following evening, sipping a scotch as he stared out the patio doors to the rubble of the collapsed balcony. Callum’s crew would begin cleanup and new construction tomorrow morning. Although the mess was both an eyesore and, more importantly, a reminder of the accident, they’d had to wait until the insurance adjuster and building inspector gave them the go-ahead.

  Unfortunately, the inspector’s report had been both better and worse than any of them could have imagined. Better because the man verified that the accident hadn’t been a result of shoddy workmanship. Worse because his finding indicated that the support beams had possibly been tampered with, rendering them structurally unsafe and likely the cause of the collapse.

  “Mind if I join you?” Nicole asked as she approached from the restaurant’s kitchen. She wore a white chef’s coat and dark pants, her mass of thick hair pulled back into a tight bun. The restaurant had been open on select weekends but wouldn’t expand its hours until the following month when the hotel officially opened. Nicole spent as much time on-site as their brothers, working on Roja’s menu and training the staff. Sometimes it still shocked Wiley to see his baby sisters functioning as capable adults. He’d left for college when the triplets were still in middle school. While he’d been h
ome for vacations and holidays, he hadn’t paid much attention to the fact that Nicole, Ashley and Megan had grown up while he was away living his life.

  “It’s your liquor,” he told her, gesturing to the bottle.

  She scrunched up her nose. “I’m going to have a glass of wine.”

  “I’ll take a glass of what Wiley’s offering.” Callum appeared in the doorway, his brows drawn together and stress lines bracketing either side of his mouth.

  Wiley imagined he looked just as tense. Nicole did, as well. They hadn’t shared the news of potential sabotage with anyone outside the family yet, but it was only a matter of time until the information leaked. Wiley wasn’t sure what made him angrier, the idea that Grace had been hurt by some unknown adversary or that other employees at the hotel might still be at risk.

  “We don’t have enemies,” Callum said as if reading Wiley’s thoughts. He took a seat on the plush leather bar stool next to Wiley, and Nicole handed him a glass. “I know the deputy raised questions based on the report, but it isn’t true.”

  He poured himself a generous amount of scotch, then refilled Wiley’s glass.

  “Are you sure?” Wiley demanded.

  “What other explanation could there be?” Nicole added as she came around the bar and sat on Wiley’s other side.

  “I don’t know,” Callum admitted. Wiley understood how much it took for his capable brother to say those words out loud.

  “You told me that people around here weren’t thrilled with your plans for the hotel.” Wiley sipped the scotch, the dark liquor doing very little to warm him.

  “We handled it.” Callum nodded like he was trying to convince all of them. “Kane was instrumental in helping smooth things over. We got input from a whole cross section of the community and implemented their ideas into the design. As far as we’ve heard since then, everyone is behind the project. People understand that the hotel will benefit local businesses across the board, not just the ones we own.”

  Nicole twirled her wineglass between two fingers. “Do either of you think it was strange that the officer asked about the situation with Gerald Robinson and his ex-wife?”

  “The evil ex-wife,” Callum muttered.

  “Charlotte,” Wiley said. “I didn’t know the details, so I did a little digging this afternoon and called Dad to see what he remembered about her case.”

  “Dad and I were together at the wedding when Charlotte tried to kidnap one of the guests.” Callum drew in a deep breath. “That woman was definitely trouble.”

  Wiley wiped a droplet of condensation from the rim of his glass. “It wasn’t just the attempted kidnapping. Charlotte burned down Gerald’s house and caused all kinds of trouble. She was off the rails.”

  “But she’s in a psychiatric hospital now,” Callum said.

  “And why would she want to harm any of us?” Nicole asked. “Dad isn’t even close to his half brothers, and we have very little contact with that branch of the family. The Austin Fortunes I’ve met are nice, but it’s a stretch to think anyone from their world has a grudge against us.”

  Wiley nodded. “I agree, but it would be nice if discovering the culprit could be cut-and-dried or if we could say for certain that whatever happened with the beams was a onetime accident. At this point, the idea that someone wants to sabotage us and not knowing who or why isn’t doing much for my peace of mind.”

  “Imagine how the rest of us feel,” Callum said. “You’re upset, and you don’t have anything at stake in this venture. If we don’t get a handle on what might be happening, I could lose everything.”

  Wiley’s blood pressure spiked at his brother’s words. He knew Callum was right in a business sense, but Wiley did have something to lose. Someone, anyway.

  He’d heard that Grace had been discharged yesterday after his visit. While he was happy to know she was well enough to go home, he didn’t know what to do with his strong desire to see her again. He couldn’t very well just show up at her parents’ house without a good reason.

  He also couldn’t seem to stop thinking about her. No point in explaining the attraction to his brother when Wiley still didn’t understand it himself.

  “We’re going to make sure that doesn’t happen,” he promised.

  Callum gave him a curious look. “What are you planning to do from Chicago?”

  “I’m actually thinking of staying on in Rambling Rose until the hotel opens next month.” He said the words calmly, hoping neither of his siblings would question him.

  “Wi, that would be amazing.” Nicole set her wineglass on the glossy bar top and threw her arms around him. “It will be like old times with all of us together. You’re the last holdout, you know.”

  Callum clasped his shoulder. “Are you sure?”

  “I talked to the senior partner today and confirmed that I can work remotely for a few weeks. I’ll still have to give time to my clients. We’re working on closing a huge deal with a manufacturing company, but I should be able to manage it. That way I can also help with whatever needs to be done around here.” Thinking about having a purpose made him feel calmer. “I’d like to review the employment contracts and insurance policies for the various ventures in town to make sure everything is in good shape.”

  “Sounds great,” Callum told him.

  “I’d also like to talk to some of the employees,” Wiley said.

  Nicole gasped softly. “You aren’t suggesting that someone who works for us was involved with the balcony?” She shook her head. “This is a tight community, Wiley. It’s not like the big city where people are out for themselves. Like Callum said, we got people to support the hotel. I don’t want to even consider that anyone would want to do us harm.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Wiley drained his glass and then stood. “But one of your employees was injured in that balcony collapse. Grace could have died.”

  His sister’s blue eyes filled with tears, and she glanced away. “I know.”

  “Don’t get upset.” Wiley wanted to kick himself and even more so when Callum’s fingers tightened around his scotch glass. The last thing he should be doing was making his siblings feel bad. They had the best intentions when it came to their plan for Rambling Rose. He knew that.

  “I don’t believe for a minute that anyone working for the hotel was involved,” Callum said. “Fortune Brothers Construction has never dealt with sabotage, but I know of contractors who’ve had their sites vandalized and projects derailed. Sometimes the motivation is as simple as someone looking for attention.”

  Wiley nodded. “The reporter I talked to yesterday was from the local paper, but that doesn’t mean the story won’t be picked up by news outlets in bigger cities around Texas if it’s a slow news cycle.”

  “I hate having our business out there for public consumption.” A muscle ticked in Callum’s jaw. Wiley could feel the anger and frustration radiating from both his brother and sister. He wanted to find a way to ease their anxiety, however he could manage it.

  “The paper here comes out weekly, right?”

  Nicole nodded.

  “Hopefully,” Wiley said, clasping his hands together in front of his chest, “this incident will have blown over by the time the story runs. We should come up with an event to bring some positive publicity to the hotel before the grand opening. Show the town that the Fortunes are here for the long haul and dedicated to doing what’s right for Rambling Rose.”

  Callum and Nicole both expressed their agreement with his idea. Nicole pulled out her phone. “Grace would have been our go-to for a community event. She has a way with people.”

  The understatement of the century, as far as Wiley was concerned.

  “We’ll have to ask Jillian to take the lead. I can text her tonight and then schedule a meeting with her and the other trainees tomorrow for—”

  “No.” Wiley stepped forward quic
kly and held up a hand. “We should let Grace handle this if she’s up for it.”

  He kept his features neutral as his brother and sister stared at him in disbelief.

  “You must be joking,” Callum said finally. “She was the one hurt in the accident. Why would we ask her to coordinate a publicity event in response?”

  “She called earlier today,” Nicole added, “and said that she’s staying with her parents while her leg heals. They’re encouraging her to rest and recuperate for at least a few weeks. Of course I told her that she can take all the time she needs, so I can’t very well turn around and push her to return to work right away.”

  “I know what her parents want,” Wiley said, thinking of Grace’s distress in the hospital. “But do you think she agrees? When I talked to her, she was eager to return to work.”

  “When did you talk to her?” Callum’s tone was suddenly suspicious.

  “In the hospital,” Wiley said with a wave of his hand. “You know that.” He hadn’t told anyone about his visit to her the previous day.

  “She was loopy on pain medicine.” Callum shook his head. “We can’t trust anything she said that night.”

  “We should at least ask her.” Wiley pointed at Callum. “As for why, the reason should be obvious.” And it had nothing to do with Wiley’s desire to spend more time with her, or at least that’s what he wanted to believe. “If the employee who was injured is the one representing the hotel, that shows her faith in the family and the Hotel Fortune. You can’t buy that kind of press.”

  “Good point,” Callum agreed.

  Nicole didn’t look convinced, but she nodded. “I don’t want to bother her at night. I’ll call her in the morning and ask, but I won’t pressure her.”

  “Let me talk to her,” Wiley offered with what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “Since she was such an integral part of the team before the accident, I’d love to ask if she noticed anything suspicious before Larkin’s birthday. I can mention the idea of an event and see what she thinks.”