Missing Grace

by S. L. Scott

  How did Hunter have this? Both the police and the nurse at Chicago Memorial told her nothing of value was found on her body or even near her body at the scene. The police had been baffled that everything had vanished—presumably stolen.

  Just like her identity.

  Just like her past.

  Just like her life.

  They’d called me Miss Parker. When they came to the hospital a while after the accident, they called me Miss Parker.

  How?

  Closing her eyes, she remembered being confused when she woke up. She was in no state to know what was happening or to raise questions. Years. She lost years of her life because she blindly accepted what she was told, what she was given, and trusted the wrong person. Here in her very own hand, found in the apartment she shared with Hunter, was evidence providing a key to her past. A very significant key, which had been taken from her. Hidden.

  Ben. He wasn’t just someone who reminded her of her past. He was her past, all of it. She knew right then that he was the one she loved when she lost herself.

  Turning to put the ring back in the box, she reached for the paper that had been wrapped around the box. When she had tossed it aside, it landed face up. Unfolding it, her heart stopped, but the tears continued to fall. When opened, the eight-and-a-half by eleven-inch flyer added to her nightmare.

  Missing

  Jane held it in front of her body, reading it line for line. She recognized the photo from one she saw on Ben’s computer. She looked healthy, vibrant, and happy, just a few years younger. It must have been a recent photo at the time of her accident. But the wording was what changed everything for her. Below her picture was written:

  Grace Stevens

  Missing on May 13th

  If you have any information, please call her fiancé Ben at (206) 555-5683.

  The paper was thick and heavy. When her fingers spread the papers, there were five flyers. Five? Why did Hunter have five flyers? Maybe he had shown them to people. But they were all torn at the top in a similar fashion and it dawned on her immediately. He had ripped these down. Ben told her he had posted flyers at every hospital. These must have been at Chicago Memorial. “No!” she cried in anger, dropping to her knees.

  He knew.

  He knew who she was.

  Hunter had neatly and purposely hidden the truth. He was at the scene of her accident, but finding her ring and all these flyers put so many doubts in her head. Hunter hadn’t told her the truth. She didn’t have anything at the hospital when she woke up: no identity, no purse, or belongings. No ring. No memory. Hunter had known the truth the whole time and had not said a thing. He’d known she was engaged yet he deceived her. He had called her Jane. Hunter knew everything. Was that why he wanted them married before she searched for the truth? She was so confused. So incredibly angry. Three years of her life . . . stolen.

  Jane looked up again, staring blankly at the flyer. Starbucks and the heart. For some reason, the coffee chain came to mind. The scene of the crime, but with everything else racing around her mind, she pushed that random clue to the side.

  She was going to Seattle and this wiped away any notions of guilt she may have had. Their relationship was built on a lie. She locked the suitcase and dragged it to the door. She looked around the apartment to see if there was anything she needed to take with her. The apartment was beautiful and sophisticated, but stark. Sometimes it reminded her of a hospital. The irony wasn’t lost on her. That’s not me. No, she needed nothing from this place.

  What she realized she couldn’t see when she looked around the apartment? Love.

  After slipping off the ridiculously expensive ring from her left ring finger, a weight lifted from her. She placed it on her nightstand, hoping it would be the first thing Hunter saw when he arrived later.

  Jane tucked the box with Ben’s ring and the flyers safely inside her purse. “Goodbye, Jane Parker. Goodbye forever.”

  18

  Grace Stevens

  Grace rushed to the airport and right into Ben’s arms. Her tear-streaked face pressed to his chest, and her grip was like a vise around him. She saw him—in her memories. It was him. The love she felt came rushing back at a startling pace just like the memory of him asking her to marry him. He loved her and she knew it. She felt it. His arms held her tightly to him and his gentle strokes on her back soothed her aching soul. When her crazed thoughts calmed, she said, “So much has happened.”

  “What is it? Are you all right?”

  “No, I’m not, but I’m getting better by the minute.” Grace looked at the wet spot on his shirt and rubbed it. “I’m sorry.”

  Ben shook his head, confused. “What happened?”

  Looking at the large clock on the wall, she said, “We need to catch our flight. Can we talk about it later?”

  “If you prefer, but only if you’re sure you’re okay.”

  “I am. I’m with you, and that’s all I need right now.”

  He leaned back to look into her eyes, searching as if he’d find the answers he needed in them. “Grace, do you mean that?”

  Grace looked up into his sparkling green eyes and couldn’t stop the smile from playing across her mouth. “I absolutely mean that.”

  Ben kissed her forehead, and she heard him quietly say, “Thank God.” The smile on his face as he bent down and took hold of both of their cases was exactly what she needed. His happiness smoothed some of the heartache she’d been feeling. That’s the smile I’ve missed every day for three years.

  Once they got through security and settled into their seats, Grace thanked Ben for his generosity. Leaning her head back, she took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. This was happening. This was real. This was her life. The business-class seats afforded them plenty of room, but she wanted—needed—to be as close to him as she could. She subtlety leaned closer on the armrest, and watched him.

  Ben was staring out the window while her eyes traveled over his features. His profile was strong. Interestingly, that was the word she kept coming back to when she thought of him. Straight nose, a jaw that undercut so stringently that she was tempted to trace it just to feel the sharp edge. He had lifelines around the outside of his eyes that she found incredibly sexy. Life had happened to him and whether those lines were put there by laughter or pain, she found them so intriguing, hoping she was the cause of a few of the happy ones. Although when she thought back to the look of agony on his face the first time she saw him at the awards dinner, she knew he’d endured a wretched three years since her disappearance. She moved to the light stubble shading his jaw line. She knew he had shaved that morning and here it was just after six in the evening and his hair had already grown back, creating a shadow on his face. Ben Edwards was masculine in every sense of the word. It wouldn’t be wrong to use the word hot when it came to Ben.

  But there was an abundance of emotional strength that made her feel safe and loved, and she was drawn to his protectiveness. Unlike Hunter, who made her feel meek, Ben made her stronger just by his presence.

  She looked down at her finger, where the other ring had wrapped around her for nine months. Her skin felt itchy, but she was glad it was gone. Glancing once again at Ben, she had followed her heart—from the removal of the ring to being here with him. This was right. We were right. The phrase started playing like a mantra in this new life, a life that was growing steadfastly inside her.

  Grace’s heart started racing when she thought about the other ring in her purse. She briefly wondered how that one would look on her finger, knowing already it would be a perfect fit.

  After the plane took off, Grace leaned back and took stock of how her whole life had changed in a matter of a few days.

  Ben angled himself in her direction, bringing her out of her thoughts. “Do you want to talk about what happened?”

  Rolling her head to the side, a gentle smile creased her lips. She wanted to tell him everything, but at what cost to his heart? Where do they stand? What do the next few days hold for t
hem? For her? For Ben? For Hunter? She walked away from the only life she remembered and right into the unknown. Every step needed care and thought. Hunter had lied to her, had hidden her life from her. Ben had opened the door to her past, and she’d be stupid to not believe he wanted her back. She couldn’t treat this lightly. She couldn’t lead him on if they weren’t meant to be. Her heart was falling for the man, but as he had said, what about her head? “I’m coming to terms with a few hard truths. I need a little time to process what has happened.” If she went into more detail she’d get emotional and that probably wasn’t what was needed at the moment. She needed to be strong and to think clearly. For her own sanity, she knew it was better to withhold the information she discovered.

  Only for now. Grace was drained. Her heavy heart tried to hold on to the taste of hope she felt earlier, before she found the ring and the flyers, but she was struggling. “I’m sorry, is that all right?”

  “Of course. It’s been a crazy week. Let’s get some rest. We have plenty of time ahead of us to talk.” He reached over and took her hand in his and rested it between them.

  They both tilted their seats back and closed their eyes.

  * * *

  Grace awoke to the sound of the captain warning of light turbulence ahead and a jolt that wrangled her fully awake. She felt her seatbelt tighten and looked to her right.

  “I was making sure you were secure,” Ben said, looking like he’d gotten caught doing something wrong.

  “Thanks,” she whispered.

  “Grace?” They both started speaking at the same time. “Ben?”

  “You go,” he said, followed by a roguish smile that made her heart swoon.

  “I was, um, I thought you could tell me more about my family.”

  “Sure.” Ben seemed relieved. Does he have more on his mind that he hasn’t shared too? “Well, uh, you’re father is a straight shooter. He hates BS and has an uncanny ability to see through a lie before you have a chance to tell it.”

  She laughed. “That is quite a skill. Guess we didn’t get away with much.”

  “Actually, we did,” he replied proudly. “And then we’d pay after the fact. But sneaking out with you to make out was worth the punishment. He’s an attorney, but sticks with small civil cases that allow him to be home at night. Ever since . . .” Ben glanced to me. “He wanted to spend more time with your mother since your disappearance. Also, his doctor identified the early signs of a potential stroke two years ago, so it’s good he’s cut back.” Grace squeezed Ben’s hand in alarm, but he was quick to reassure her. “He’s fine. Getting better every day. Your old man is built like an ox, and when he sees you, well, I know it’ll make him very happy.”

  “And my mother?” she asked, her grip on him softening.

  “She’s a trip, in a good way. She’s a part-time teacher and works at the library part-time. She lives in her books and loves the outdoors. She’s a terrible cook, but she keeps trying no matter how many times she fails. She’s feisty and opinionated, and she loves her family.” From the wistful look on his face, it was clear he loved them. He’s lost so much.

  “You know so much about her, as if she was your own mother.”

  “We’ve always been close. You’re a lot like her. Were . . . anyway, you’re her golden achievement in life and next to your father, you are everything to her.”

  “I’m a good cook,” Grace said.

  “Really?” he asked, chuckling. “ You weren’t really into cooking before. I think we’ve found our first positive to come out of this whole situation.”

  She laughed with him. “I don’t cook that much, but sometimes when I’m alone, I do.”

  “What’s your favorite dish to cook?”

  “What’s your favorite meal?”

  She watched as a grin rolled across his lips while he pondered her question. After a minute or so he said, “I’m a steak and potatoes man.”

  “That’s my specialty.”

  “Really?”

  “No, not at all, but for you I’d learn.”

  “You’re quite enchanting, Ms. Stevens.”

  “Touché, Mr. Edwards.”

  Giving her his complete attention, he asked, “What’s something else you like to do?”

  Her joy turned somber. “I like to read . . . to escape.”

  “What are you escaping, Grace?” How lost I’ve felt. How alone most days have been. How much I hated not knowing anything about myself. How I wondered if I had family who were missing me. How I didn’t quite feel like me. How love with Hunter came with a price tag. One I couldn’t afford most days.

  “Jane Parker.”

  His gaze lowered as he took in her confession. She hadn’t shared that with anyone, but it was very clear and painful in her mind. When he looked back up he asked, “What’s so wrong about Jane Parker?” She’s not Grace Stevens. She doesn’t have you.

  “Everything.”

  Taking her hand again, he brought it to his lips and kissed it like he owned it. “You were always in there. Jane Parker had aspects of you and the parts you couldn’t remember, she filled in the holes, the cracks in your soul. You’re here now because of her. It’s not Jane Parker you needed to escape.”

  Her breathing deepened, her chest rose and fell with the weight of his words. “I need to tell you something.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and waited. She swallowed hard. She shouldn’t feel nervous as she assumed Ben would like this news. “I left Hunter.”

  His eyes were fixed on hers, and she heard a harsh intake of air, before he replied, “You did?”

  “There are many reasons, but I couldn’t come here under the constraints of our current situation.” She couldn’t manage to say more and looked away. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.

  She could feel his gaze on her, but kept hers straight ahead on the inflight magazine, not wanting to make this a thing. She felt better that he knew, but her heart still grieved. She had given Hunter nearly three years of her life. But as she thought more about his betrayal, it wasn’t devastation she felt about his love, it was not being genuine and honest. It was painful she’d been denied the life where she loved fiercely. Freely. Easily.

  “So, Grace, what books do you like to read?”

  Bursting out laughing, she turned back to him, and this time she gave his hand a squeeze. “Thank you.” Ben seemed to naturally understand her, and how to relieve the pressure building inside her. It reminded her of how Emily had said they were perfect together.

  “You’re welcome.” That smile. I could lose myself in this man . . . I might be already. It was hard, but she hooked onto the subject change, moving on. “I like the classics. There’s something about those books that transcend time and predicaments that I relate to.” Grace laughed at herself, realizing how ridiculous she sounded. “I guess that’s why they call them the classics.”

  “Yes, I suppose so.” He chuckled lightly. And that’s how easy it was. She had run into his arms distressed at the airport, but after a short time in his company, she felt at peace. They didn’t let go of each other until they landed in Seattle. And she loved that.

  While waiting for their luggage, Grace asked, “Do they know about me yet?”

  “Your parents? Not yet. I’ve been unsure how to tell them and what you would want me to say. I guess I probably should have called them, but I was just unsure how to proceed.” He looked back to the luggage belt and saw her bag coming down ready to be dropped onto the carousel. “Also, I wasn’t one hundred percent sure you were coming, and I didn’t want to build them up only to disappoint them.” He left her side to grab the case then set it down next to his. “A lot of what happens this weekend depends on you and what you’re comfortable doing. I don’t want to overwhelm you again, and I certainly don’t want to force this life on you, but I have to admit I’m excited to share it with you.” He took her hands in his, and added, “I need you to trust me, and I want you to be open with me. If it’s too much just say so. Okay?”

 
“Okay.”

  “Do you think you’ll want to drive out to your folks’ place in the morning and spend the day there?”

  “Yes, I’m tired now, and that will give me a few more hours to mentally prepare. Will you call them in the morning? If you tell them tonight, they won’t sleep, and I’m sure they need their rest.”

  He agreed since it was past nine in Seattle already.

  When they walked out, they caught a cab. Grace didn’t question where they were going. She let Ben lead, and it felt natural. The taxi took them to the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Downtown Seattle and when Ben approached the check-in desk, he looked back at Grace who had stopped as if to give him privacy.

  He stepped back, and asked, “I wasn’t sure what kind of accommodations you’d be comfortable with so I reserved a suite with a living room and two separate bedrooms.”

  “Ben, that room must be very expensive. I can’t afford that and I’d really like to pay. If it’s all right with you, we could share a regular room with two beds?” She had seen Ben’s apartment in Chicago and thought it was nice despite the lack of clutter, but she could tell he might be spending beyond his means on her already, especially with the upgraded plane seats. It seemed reasonable for them to share a room considering they’ve already shared a couch.

  “Don’t feel obligated,” he replied, “I don’t mind spending money on you—”

  “I want to do this. Please.”

  Nudging her in the arm, he sent her a smile. “The selfish, greedy side of me loves the idea of sharing a smaller room with you, but I don’t want you to feel manipulated or required to do so.”

  She could see the inner debate he had going on by the lines worrying across his forehead despite the charm of his smile. “Please.” Her thoughts were laden with pressure to ease his concern—I should tell him. I should tell him the reason I left Hunter. “Ben—”

  “All right,” he replied with a smile. He looked over his shoulder at the desk clerk and then to Grace. “Thank you.”