Trust Again Read online

Ellie giggled. “Yes and that is exactly why we should leave.”

  He sighed. “Okay, let’s go.”

  Jacob locked his door and walked with her to his truck.

  She climbed inside and smiled. “Where do you want to go?”

  Jacob shrugged. “I guess where everyone in this town goes when they don’t want to be alone.”

  “The diner?”

  “Yep.”

  ***

  The next day, Jacob looked at the blueprint and then at the pile of lumber, shingles and nails next to him. She was going to love this. It had been a busy morning for him. First thing he’d done was paid for the lot he was standing on. He was going to build a home here. No more daydreaming about what it would be like. He was making it happen. And he intended to share this home with Ellie. They were meant for each other. Now he just had to convince her of that. First step of his plan was to build a playhouse in the exact replica of the house he wanted to build for them.

  As he lifted his hammer, his cell rang. “Hello?”

  “Mr. Jacob Jones?” An unfamiliar woman’s voice asked in a serious tone.

  He narrowed his eyes. “That’s me.”

  “This is child services. We have your nephew.”

  Jacob dropped the phone in the dirt and then picked it back up. “My what?”

  “Your nephew, sir. Regretfully, your sister has passed away, so we have Milo in our custody until the proper paperwork is filled out. How soon can you come to Chicago?”

  His forehead crinkled. “I don’t have a sister.”

  “Is this Jacob Jones the son of Claire Jones?”

  “Yes.” His head pounded like a hammer.

  “Then you do, indeed, have a sister.”

  He stumbled on a brick. “You’re going to have to better explain what is going on, because before this phone call, I had no idea I even had a sister, let alone a nephew.”

  The lady cleared her throat. “I wasn’t aware. Mr. Jones, maybe it is better if we talk about this is person.”

  Jacob leaned on the stack of wood. “No, I need to know now.”

  “Very well. Your sister, Jolie, committed suicide two days ago. She had postpartum depression. She left a letter and listed your mother Claire Jones as the next of kin, whom we found to be deceased. That would make you, Jacob Jones, son of Claire Jones, Milo’s guardian, unless you want to give up your rights to the state.”

  Sweat beaded up on Jacob’s head. “Can this be proven?”

  “Yes. We would perform a DNA test before the boy is handed over to you. Also, the proper paperwork would need to be filed.”

  He swallowed the lump in his throat. No way was this happening. “How old is he?”

  “Nine months.”

  Jacob couldn’t speak. He couldn’t even think. The words sister, suicide, nephew and adoption were echoing and spinning around in his head. “Yeah, I’m going to need some time to process this.”

  “I understand, Mr. Jones.”

  Jacob didn’t hear the number or address the lady spoke, nor did he remember her hanging up when he looked at the phone in his hand five minutes later.

  ***

  “Hey, Ellie, can I leave about ten minutes early today?” Payton asked after she’d stocked the last of the boxes.

  Ellie shut the register. “Sure. No problem.”

  Payton grabbed her purse from behind the counter. “Thanks, I need to stop by the post office before they close.”

  She nodded. “Okay, see you tomorrow.” Ellie watched her employee walk out the door. After a few minutes of staring into an empty store, she opened up the jelly bean bin and took a few. She chewed the fruity candy, looking around at her place. Business had been even better than expected. In fact, she may even need to hire another person if it kept being this steady. As she was closing up, the ringing phone grabbed her attention.

  She picked up the receiver. “Oliver’s Toys and Treats.”

  Silence.

  “Hello?”

  Heavy breathing.

  Ellie’s heart raced and she slammed the phone down. She tried to swallow, but couldn’t. Fear crept into her mind. What if it was Bryce? Could he have found her? She forced herself to calm down. No, he couldn’t have. After a few deep breaths and thoughts of Jacob, her heart rate returned to normal.

  ***

  “This is unreal, man.”

  Jacob sighed. “You’re tellin’ me.”

  “Take it from me, you need to tell Ellie.” Ryan placed his hand on Jacob’s shoulder. “Sooner rather than later. Just look at what keeping the truth almost cost me with Maisie.”

  “That’s different. Beth was involved, and you thought it was your kid.”

  Ryan shook his head. “Not much different. A baby is still involved and could affect both your lives.”

  Jacob rubbed his face and groaned. “I don’t know what to do. How can this be happening?”

  Ryan shook his head. “Things have a funny way of happening at the least convenient times, my friend.”

  Jacob looked up to the sky. “What if she doesn’t understand whatever decision I make? I mean, I have to think about this little boy, too. If he really is my nephew. What would be best for him? I could be a single father that doesn’t know the first thing about kids.”

  Ryan tilted his head back and forth. “You may not be single for long. Aren’t things going good with Ellie?”

  “Yeah, but I can’t just expect her to be a mom to a kid that isn’t hers. I mean, I know she loves kids, but I’m sure she had an idea in her head about having her own child... not raising someone else’s.”

  “Again, not your decision to make. If you do take him, you have to leave it to Ellie to decide if she wants to be a part of that.”

  Jacob grabbed a hold of his hair and made fists. “Aren’t there a ton of loving married couples looking to adopt a baby? Would he be better off with strangers?” He sighed. “Hell, I’m a stranger. I’ve never met the kid.”

  “I’m sure you’ll do the best thing for everyone.”

  ***

  Still trying to process what he was about to do, Jacob packed his duffle bag. He wasn’t sure how long he’d have to stay in Illinois. If this little boy was his nephew and he brought him home, he’d have an instant son, not exactly the same as instant coffee. A little person would be depending on him. Not that the thought of having a child had never crossed his mind, but this was one hell of a way to become a dad.

  The thought that he could have had a sister and that she took her own life was enough to deal with in itself. He shook his head, then looked up to the ceiling. Mom, how could you have kept this from me? Why did you give her up? He knew the answer without her answering him. She’d been a young, single mom, and it was all she could do to take care of him. But why keep him and give up his sister? This was so crazy! The two people he wanted to talk to and confront, he couldn’t.

  His heart ached. He’d heard of postpartum depression but hadn’t heard of anyone committing suicide because of it. His doorbell rang, and he took a deep breath to calm himself.

  He opened the door to Ellie’s worried face.

  “What’s wrong?” She looked down at his duffle bag and back up to him, a frown forming on her lips.

  “Come in. Sit down.” He motioned over to the sofa.

  “Jacob, you’re scaring me. You sounded odd on the phone, and when you told me to come right over, I did.”

  “It’s okay. At least, I hope it will be.” He took her hands. “I got a call from someone that gave me quite a shock. I’m still trying to process it.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “But I wanted to tell you what was going on before I leave.”

  Ellie pressed her lips together. “You’re leaving?”

  ***

  Jacob wrapped his arms around her and she kissed his cheek. He was a good man. As afraid as he was, he wasn’t running from a problem… he was running to it. The tears in her eyes were not what Jacob thought. She wasn’t upset with him or the situation—she was
proud. Proud of him for doing what was right and proud of herself for finding Jacob and falling in love with the right man this time.

  “I’m so sorry, Ellie. This is not how I wanted to start our lives together.”

  Ellie shook her head. “Don’t be sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for your loss, that you’re hurting. Don’t worry about me.”

  “But I am worried about you. I can’t help it. Don’t you see that by now?”

  She closed her eyes and kissed him slow and deep. When their lips parted she smiled. “I do.” She stood up. “I’ll be here when you get back.”

  He looked at her like a confused little boy. “Here, in my apartment?”

  Ellie laughed. “No, I meant here for you Jacob. No matter what you find out in Illinois, or what you decide, I’ll be here.”

  He grinned and placed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m so happy to hear you say that.”

  ***

  When Ellie got back home she felt anxious. Jacob had been so open and honest with her, and she still had yet to tell him that she couldn’t have a child. Probably the same reason she secretly hoped Jacob would bring his nephew home. She was selfish and a horrible person. How could she think of something so tragic as a blessing? She paced around her apartment long enough to count as exercise. Unable to relax, she drew a hot bath and poured in extra bubbles. As her body sank into the warmth, she closed her eyes.

  Her life played before her eyes in slow motion. So many mistakes, so many moments wasted. If she had just had the courage to leave the first time Bryce slapped her. She sat up in the tub, her shoulders shaking with sobs. The hot water had turned lukewarm. Cold, she hugged her knees to her chest.

  Five minutes later, she forced herself to get out of the water and dry off. No matter what Jacob decided, she would be okay with it.

  ***

  After Ellie came out of the stock room, Payton handed her the phone. “It’s Jacob.”

  “Thanks.” She took the phone, anxious to hear from the man she hadn’t spoken to since yesterday. “Hello?”

  “I miss you.”

  She smiled and walked to the far corner behind the candy counter. “I miss you. How is it going? Have you seen him yet?

  “I did. He’s so cute. Looks like me as a baby.”

  “Have you decided what you are going to do if he is your nephew?” She held her breath, waiting for his answer.

  “I have.” There was a brief pause. “Would it change things with us if I were a single parent?”

  Ellie grinned. “Oh, I don’t know. It may make me like you even more.” Customers walked into the store. Payton walked over to them. “You’re a good man, Jacob.”

  “I’ll be back in a couple days.”

  “Call me when you get back.” Ellie disconnected and grabbed a handful of jelly beans. Taking this relationship slow might no longer be an option.

  Ellie turned around when the shop door opened. She smiled when she saw it was her dad.

  After looking around, he walked over. “This place looks wonderful.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  He eyed the colorful display between them. “I only wish I would have thought to add candy a long time ago.”

  “It’s working. The store is thriving. I’m even hiring on another full-time person.”

  He smiled. “I’m so proud of you.” He pointed to the chocolate bars. “Do I get a discount?”

  Ellie tilted her head back and laughed. “How does free sound?”

  “Sounds like a deal.” He unwrapped a candy bar. “Are you handing out Halloween candy tonight?”

  “I hadn’t really thought about it. Are you?”

  “Of course. Why don’t you come with me? I saved the pumpkin seeds. It’ll be like old times.” He winked. Halloween had never been a scary holiday in the Oliver household. Ellie would dress up as a princess or ballerina and hand out candy to all the kids dressed up as ghosts, witches or vampires. Her dad would bake pumpkin seeds and tell her fairy tales instead of horror stories. She loved her holidays with him and was glad to be back home.

  Ellie smiled. “I’d like that.”

  Chapter Nine

  Crazy Indiana weather. A lightning storm in early November? Ellie shook her head as she locked the door to the shop. Rain clouds grew darker by the second with the sky lighting up in the far distance. She’d started parking in back ever since business had picked up. Her umbrella was in the trunk of her car… now she was going to get soaked. A couple of large rain drops plopped on her nose before she turned the corner. A loud boom of thunder vibrated through her chest, making her jump. She walked faster to her car.

  “Ellie!” the voice of her nightmares commanded.

  Her heart stopped and she froze. Bryce stepped out of the shadow of the building. The tiny hairs on her neck stood up. Run! Her body disobeyed her brain. Bryce reached out and grabbed her arm. She wanted to throw up.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” he spat.

  Her body trembled like she’d been thrown into a freezer. “Leave me alone!”

  An evil smile was the last thing she saw before she turned her head to scream for help. “It took me a while to find you. But you had to have known that I would.”

  Rain pounded down, soaking them both. Bryce’s fierce black hair clung to his forehead.

  She tried to pinch herself awake from this nightmare. “How did you find me?”

  He looked at her like he was a wild animal she was his prey. “It wasn’t that hard. You once told me your dad had a toy store. All it took was some calls around. I mean, how many Oliver’s Toy Stores are out there?” He paused as if counting in his head, then laughed. “There are two. One in Maine and one in Indiana.”

  Ellie swallowed. She didn’t remember telling him that. It must have been before he started hurting her. She’d blocked a lot out. She had to get away. She tried to break free of his grasp. He slapped her. Blood trickled down her chin. She licked her lip and tasted the familiar metallic liquid.

  A lightning bolt shot through the sky, making them both turn to look. Loud thunder shook the ground, startling them both. She got free from him and ran, but he was faster.

  His hand grabbed her hair. She screamed as he pulled out a knife. The ground felt as though she was spinning. He dragged her by her hair over to a rusty black van she didn’t recognize, scraping her clothes and skin in the process. The cold rain made her shiver even more. He still had a hold of her hair when he opened the van door. She kicked and screamed. He grabbed her leg and she kicked his hand. He hit her head with his fist and tossed her inside like a rag doll.

  It took her a few seconds to come back from that punch. The van started moving. She unlocked the door and jumped out of the back. When she landed on the pavement her whole body ached. The van screeched to a stop and Bryce came running at her with the knife.

  “If I can’t have you, no one can!” Holding the knife up in the air in the pouring rain, he looked like the crazed lunatic he was. A white bolt of lightning shot down from the darkened sky and struck the metal weapon. He fell on top of her and started convulsing.

  “Okay, Milo, guess what? We’re going to be okay, kid.” Jacob glanced over at the chunky baby with big, blue-green eyes and dark blond hair. The first time the child services lady placed Milo in his arms, he knew there was no way he was returning home without him. The baby was terrified and cried the whole time he held him. Jacob was patient and spoke softly to the little boy.

  Three days later, when the DNA tests came back confirming Milo was his nephew, he was almost relieved. It wouldn’t be easy, but it never was.

  The baby sucked on his finger and looked at Jacob.

  “It’s okay that I don’t know what I’m doing. Most parents don’t.” Jacob laughed.

  Milo took his finger out of his mouth and babbled about something then said, “Ma Ma.”

  Jacob pulled into his driveway. “Say Da Da.”

  Milo shook his head. “Ma, ma, ma.”

  He pulle
d into the parking lot. Nervous, Jacob carefully unbuckled his son from his car seat. Though Milo wasn’t officially his son until the paperwork was finalized, he was already his baby boy. He lifted Milo into his arms and the baby pointed to the sky and laughed. “Ma Ma.”

  A peaceful feeling came over him, and Jacob knew his mom and sister were looking down on them.

  Jacob opened his door and the phone rang. Sitting down with the baby on his sofa, he answered it. His heart sank when Ellie’s dad told him what happened. Anger and sadness gripped his heart. “I’ll be right there.”

  ***

  After dropping Milo off with Ryan and Maisie, Jacob hurried to County. When he walked down the sterile hall to her room, his heart threatened to pound out of his chest. Even though her dad had said she was okay, the thought of that monster hurting his sweet Ellie crushed him.

  He rushed past the nurse to room 124. There sat Ellie staring blankly out the window at the drizzling rain. She turned when he stepped into her room. Her lip was swollen and stitched up so her smile was strained.

  “Jacob. Don’t look like that. I’m okay.” A tiny laugh tumbled out. “I’ve been through worse. You should see the other guy.”

  He walked over to her and kissed her head. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you.”

  “You had something important to take care of.” She took his hand. “Did you get everything figured out?” She paused. “Wait, where is Milo?”

  “He’s with Ryan and Maisie. We can talk about that later. Your dad told me some of what happened.”

  Ellie nodded. “Bryce found me. Deep down I knew he would. He’s in intensive care. The lightning bolt stopped his heart.” She frowned. “But they brought him back.”

  Jacob sat down next to her and embraced her. For a few minutes he said nothing. No one would ever hurt this sweet woman again. “If he pulls through, he’ll go to jail. We’ll make sure of that.”

  Ellie nodded and squeezed his hand. “They are going to release me if my CT comes back okay.”

  “Are you in pain?” Jacob frowned.

  Pain. Numb would be more suitable. “Not much. They gave me some meds before they stitched up my lip and head.”