Little Lost Things

by Eleanor Chance

  It was Wes’ turn to smile. “Mara’s in custody. Don’t worry, Grace, it’s over.”

  “You caught her?” When he nodded, Grace threw her arms around him and squeezed so tight that Wes was surprised at how strong she was. “I knew you would,” she said.

  Wes gently freed himself and looked her in the eye. “You’re the hero, not me. But what were you thinking of going after her on your own? She had a gun, you know.”

  Grace’s eyes widened. “I had to get to her and make her tell me where she was holding Johnny. Nothing else mattered. Turns out, Johnny was right here.”

  Wes stepped close to the bed and held out his hand. “You must be Johnny. I’m Wes. You can’t imagine how happy I am to meet you.”

  * * *

  The past twelve hours had been incredible and kept getting better by the minute. Johnny had smiled so much his face hurt.

  After his mom found him the night before, she called his dad with the news, and he got to the hospital in record time. He’d been so overwhelmed at seeing Johnny that he couldn’t speak for two minutes. They both bawled like babies and made fun of each other for it.

  They were only able to talk for five minutes before the doctor came in to tell his parents they would have to sleep in the family lounge down the hall. They begged him to bend the rules under the circumstances, but he stood firm. Johnny needed his rest.

  Even though Johnny hated seeing his parents go, he was comforted to know they’d be close if he needed them. He felt even better that the hospital had posted a security guard outside his door. He knew he didn’t need to be afraid of Mara anymore since Agent Wes had locked her up, but having the guard there made him feel safer.

  His parents and the doctor had come in as soon as Luke finished taking Johnny’s vitals in the morning. The doc announced that they were moving him to the step-down unit so he could have more visitors, and his parents could stay the night in his room if he wanted them to. His mom said she was staying whether he wanted her to or not. Johnny laughed but was happy to know that some things never changed.

  Moving to his new room had tired Johnny out, but he was still thrilled when Steph, Uncle Adam, and Auntie Alec showed up as soon as he finished lunch. Steph and Auntie Alec each hugged him so many times that he finally had to beg them to stop. When they’d been there for just over an hour, his mom stood and announced that it was time for everyone to leave.

  “We just got here,” Alec said. “I was planning to stay for the rest of the day. Adam and I even came in separate cars.”

  “Johnny has another visitor coming and they need time alone. You stay long as you want once he’s home,” Grace said.

  “Who’s coming?” Johnny asked.

  “You’ll see,” was all his mom would say.

  His sister, aunt, and uncle all hugged him again before reluctantly agreeing to leave. After they left, his dad said, “I have an errand to run, so I’m going to head out for a bit, too. I’ll be back soon with a surprise.” He kissed Johnny’s head and waved as he left.

  “What’s going on, Mom? You’re not keeping secrets from me again, are you?”

  “Never,” Grace said. “Someone is coming that you need to meet.”

  As she said the words, a man with short brown hair peeked his head in and tapped on the open door. “Can I come in?” he asked.

  Johnny’s mom went to the man and led him to Johnny’s bedside. “Johnny, this is Craig Stuart, your biological father.”

  Johnny stared at the man with his mouth gaping. Craig was the last person he’d expected to come walking through his door. He didn’t know how to act or what to say.

  Craig stepped closer and said, “I’ve dreamed of this day for so long. It’s wonderful to see you again, Johnny.”

  Craig held out his hand, but Johnny said, “It’s all right if you want to hug me. Everyone else is.”

  Craig’s eyes welled up as he leaned down to wrap his arms around his son. Johnny gingerly lifted his arms to return the hug. He thought it would be awkward with this stranger, but it felt familiar to him.

  “Thank you,” Craig whispered and wiped his face as he sat in the chair that Grace offered him.

  “You should know that I read about you on the internet. Not personal stuff, just news stories about you.” He glanced at his mom, not sure if he should ask the question that had haunted him since he read Alec’s book. When she nodded, he said, “How come you didn’t want me when you found out that I was alive? Why did you give me back to my mom?”

  Craig looked Johnny in the eye. “I don’t want you to ever think that I didn’t love or want you. It makes me sad to know that you’ve thought that for even a minute. It was never about me wanting you. It was…complicated.”

  “Tell me. I want to know everything.”

  It was Craig’s turn to glance at Grace. When she nodded again, he said, “I need to start at the beginning. Your mother’s name was Samantha, and she was the most amazing person I’ve ever known. I still miss her and think of her every day.”

  Craig’s lip trembled, so he stopped and took a breath before going on. Johnny’s eyes were riveted on his father. He’d waited his whole life to know the story of where he came from and who his parents were. He was relieved to know they loved each other.

  “Your mom was the one who pushed us to have a baby, and it took a long time for you to come along. Sometimes we worried it would never happen. We were both thrilled when it did.”

  He stopped again, and Johnny was tempted to beg him to get on with it, but he kept quiet. He understood why talking about it was hard for Craig.

  “Something went wrong when your mom went into labor. Grace can explain it to you later, but they had to do an emergency delivery. The doctors did a Cesarean and whisked you off to the nursery before I even got to hold you. Your mom hemorrhaged. The doctors couldn’t stop it. Mara and her husband stole you from the nursery while I held your mother’s hand as she slipped away from us. She died without ever seeing your face. It was the worst day of my life. I lost your mom and you.”

  Johnny didn’t try to hide his tears as he silently watched Craig. He heard his mom sniffle from her chair in the corner.

  “That’s so horrible. How did you go on living after something like that? You lost your whole family in one day.”

  “This gets to the explanation of why I didn’t keep you when I found out you were alive. My best friend had a sister named Kristen. We’d never been close, but she was there for me after I lost you and Sam. I wouldn’t have survived that time without her. We fell in love, or at least I did, and we got married. We found out she was expecting at the same time I found out you were alive. We brought you home, but Kristen is a selfish person and didn’t want to share her love between you and our son.”

  “That’s harsh,” Johnny said. “I kind of don’t blame her, though. I know I’m not easy to take care of.”

  “It was more than that. I think Kristen would have rejected you if you were perfectly healthy. You were miserable and homesick when we took you away from Grace, too. She was the only mother you’d ever known, and you cried for her day and night. Kristen threatened to leave if I kept you. I had a terrible choice to make, but I made the one that was best for you, and I don’t regret it. No one could have raised you or loved you better than Grace and Ryan.”

  Johnny smiled at his mom. “I agree. Thanks for explaining. I know it wasn’t easy.”

  “I’m glad I got to tell you. When you disappeared, I was afraid I’d never get the chance.”

  “Does Kristen still feel the same way? Does she mind that you’re here?”

  “Kristen did us all a favor and ran off after your brother was born. My new wife is Melanie, and she’s dying to meet you.”

  “So, I have a brother?” Johnny asked.

  “Two brothers, Sam and Charlie, and a sister named Laurel. I’ve told them everything about you. We’re all hoping you’ll allow us to be a part of your life, Johnny. I should have done this years ago, but I hope it
’s not too late.”

  “It would be incredible. I have a whole other family. That’s freaking amazing.”

  “Come to stay with us this summer if your parents agree to let you out of their sight.”

  “Of course,” Grace said. “But first we have to get him well and home. Then we’ll make plans for summer.”

  Craig stood and squeezed Johnny’s hand. “Melanie is on her way from Albuquerque. We’ll visit in a few days when you’re stronger. I love you, Johnny. Thanks for understanding.”

  “Love you, too.” He paused before he said Dad. “What should I call you? Dad doesn’t feel right. Ryan’s my dad.”

  “We’ll have to work on that but pick whatever feels right to you.”

  “I’ll let you know,” Johnny said and smiled when his second father waved on the way out.

  * * *

  Grace picked up the copy of Alec’s book that Alec had brought in for her and carried it to Johnny. She showed him the cover before holding it out to him. He hesitated before reaching for it but took it and laid it on the blanket without looking at it.

  Grace pulled her chair close to the bed and sat facing Johnny. “You and I need to have a talk. I know seeing that book must stir up some terrible memories, but you need to read it. I resisted when Alec gave it to me, just before you disappeared, but your dad eventually convinced me to read it. I’m glad I did. Remembering the obstacles we overcame when you were a baby kept my hope alive.”

  Johnny glanced at the book before turning his eyes back to Grace. “I’m afraid to read things I don’t want to know. For so long, I wanted to know where I came from more than anything, but that story Craig told is brutal. Maybe I’m better off clueless.”

  “No, Johnny, you aren’t. I made a terrible mistake in not telling you the truth about your past years ago. I know it will take time for us to get past what I did, but I don’t want there to be any more secrets between us. You need to know the truth of who you are, and who I am. The first part of that book is the story of my early life that I’ve kept hidden too. Your father tried for years to get me to tell you, but I was afraid to for some reason. I can’t remember why now, after all that’s happened.”

  “I’m so sorry for running out, Mom. If I hadn’t gone ballistic instead of facing my problems, this wouldn’t have happened. I can’t believe I was stupid enough to get in Mara’s car. I was just so freaked out and confused.”

  “Don’t apologize to me. You did nothing wrong. This was all on me. And Mara. Mostly Mara, but you had a right to the truth, and I lied to you. It’s unforgivable. Losing your love and trust was almost as painful as losing you physically. I’ve wondered so many times how you’d react to me when we found you. If we found you. I’m deeply grateful that you didn’t push me away when I walked into your room last night. I understand that it will take time to regain your trust, but I hope you’re willing to try.”

  “Stop it, Mom. I’m over it. I get why you didn’t tell me. You don’t have to regain my trust. You have it. Five minutes with Mara was enough to prove what an amazing mom you are. I think moms like you are rare.”

  Grace tried to thank him, but the words caught in her throat. She didn’t deserve his love or trust, but he gave them freely. It was more than she dared hope.

  “I promise never to keep anything from you. We’ll talk when you’ve finished reading the book and go forward from there. No looking behind us. I hope you know that you are my life. I’d do anything for you, even fight a deranged kidnapper.”

  “Nurse Marci said you were like a superhero. I’m proud of you, and I love you, Mom. I’ll always love you, and I can’t wait for you to take me home where I belong.”

  * * *

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  Contents

  Also by Eleanor Chance

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Cookbook Offer

  Also by Eleanor Chance

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  First and foremost, I must thank Joseph Nassise, my mentor/editor/Sensei and NYT bestselling author in his own right, for his invaluable guidance and encouragement. I can say with all honesty that this project would have died a slow, agonizing death without his help. Instead, he helped me create a story I can be proud of.

  I’d also like to thank my award-winning cover designer Tim Barber for his patient and pleasant nature, and most of all, his incredible talent. He created a cover that was just as I envisioned it.

  Next, I need to thank my wonderful sisters for their constant support and enthusiasm. They have been with me every step of the way from concept to final proofread. You are the best sisters a person could hope for, and I owe so much to you.

  Thank you to my friends, who helped me carry on to The End. I feed off your energy, and it strengthens me in times of doubt.

  Thank you to my readers. None of this would have a point without you. I appreciate your kind and enthusiastic support.

  Thanks to my sons who are my reason for being and who make me laugh on a daily basis.

  Lastly, I must thank my husband of thirty-five years who tolerates my hours-long ramblings about how much I love to write. He never gives up on me and constantly reminds me that I’ve got this. I love you and couldn’t do it without you.

  About the Author

  Eleanor remembers the thrill of learning to read at the age of five. Her passion for writing would emerge a few years later. She cherishes books that influence her writing and her life. She hopes to create the same experience for readers. She loves creating stories that celebrate everyday superheroes. Eleanor’s debut novel, Arms of Grace, was a finalist in consideration for production by Wind Dancer Films and won a silver medal in the Readers’ Favorites Awards. Arms of Grace is also a recipient of the B.R.A.G. medallion.

  Eleanor has traveled the world and lived in five countries. She resides in the Williamsburg, Virginia area with her husband, is the proud mother of four grown sons, and Nana to one amazing grand-darling.

  Copyright © 2019 by Eleanor Chance

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Published by Darlington Publishing

  Williamsburg, VA

  eBook ISBN: 978-0-9981274-6-0

  Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9981274-7-7

  Hardback ISBN: 978-0-9981274-3-9

  Library of Congress Control Number:2019906622

  Cover Design by: Dissect Designs, London

  Created with Vellum