Guarding Hearts (Living Again #3)

by L. L. Collins

  It took all Ellis had not to lose his temper. Were these people actually in the business of protecting kids?

  “Of course, everything has changed now that Ms. Wright has passed away,” the attorney spoke up. “We would love to see Mason go to a loving home. As you know, he’s not likely to be adopted out of the system at his age, so in our opinion, if he has a family member willing to take him, that would be the best possible outcome for him.”

  Ellis wanted to shout. He took back everything he just thought about them. They were on his side! The judge looked at the Guardian ad Litem.

  “You’ve spent quite a bit of time with Mason,” the judge said to him. “Can you give us your recommendations?”

  The Guardian ad Litem looked over at Ellis, his eyes soft and reassuring. “Yes, Your Honor. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Wright during the investigation into his home life. Since then, I’ve seen him several times a week. He’s a delightful young boy. He loves football, he’s a great student, and has a perfect record. He’s never been in trouble for talking, much less anything else.

  He’s talked often about the father he knew existed but didn’t understand why he wasn’t around. His mother had only said that he couldn’t be with them, so he grew up naturally curious about him, of course. After his mother passed, we talked more in depth about what he thought about his father wanting to take custody of him. Your Honor, you know that Mason is a teenager, and that often has its own share of difficulties. But, when I told him that his father was petitioning the court to get custody of him and move him to Tennessee, he started crying. He said he had wanted to meet his dad all his life, and prayed every day that he would find him and want him.”

  Ellis tried to contain himself, he really did. But the emotion that had been building in him ever since he had gotten the call about Mandy couldn’t be contained anymore. A sob escaped, and he covered his mouth, trying not to completely break down. Tears coursed down his cheeks. His son wanted him. Sammi rubbed his arm, tears running down her own face. Carl held onto his shoulder with his strong grip, keeping him from completely collapsing.

  The judge looked at him sympathetically. “Mr. Warner, I see you have quite a support system here. I’ve reviewed your file, the reason your parental rights were revoked in the first place, and what you’ve done with your life since then. I know you came prepared to have these character witnesses testify, but I don’t think that’s necessary. It sounds like you took what happened to you as a young child and adult and turned it into something positive. You’re an upstanding citizen, protecting others and risking your life for perfect strangers. I believe you’re the perfect person to show your son how you can overcome anything and become a success. I have every confidence that you’re ready to be this boy’s parent. I have to warn you, though. As happy as Mason might be that you’re part of his life, he will have some adjustments. You’re planning to move to Tennessee with him, correct?”

  Ellis nodded, trying to find his voice over the enormous lump in his throat. “Y-yes, Your Honor. My girlfriend and I are living there.”

  He looked at Sammi and then back at him. “Okay. Well I would like CPS to set you up with some resources there to help him adjust. He will need counseling at a minimum, by himself and with you and Ms. Kerrigan.”

  “Yes sir,” Ellis agreed. “We’ll do whatever we can to make it easier for him.”

  The judge looked back at CPS. “So the recommendation is unanimous. Ellis Warner’s parental rights will be reinstated, and the minor child Mason Wright will be given to his father as soon as the paperwork can be filed for him to be able to take him to Tennessee. Mr. Warner, Mason is in the back room and we will allow you to go back there to meet him, but you can’t take him with you just yet. After we get the paperwork all done, Ms. Bailey will arrange to get him to you.”

  Steven looked back at Ellis, then spoke. “Yes, Your Honor. We appreciate the time for Mr. Warner to see his son. Is it possible for them to have an hour?”

  The judge smiled at Ellis. “Yes, that’s great. Ms. Bailey, let Mr. Warner see his son for one hour, then take Mason back to your office and wait for the paperwork.”

  “Yes, Your Honor,” she said.

  “Mr. Warner, it’s not often I see happy endings to these type of cases. Don’t beat yourself up about what you haven’t been able to do in the past. That boy needs you, and he’s still got a lot of growing up to do. These are the most important years for a boy to have his father.”

  He nodded. He felt like he was in a dream. Out of all the scenarios he had played in his head, this one wasn’t one of them. He figured he would’ve had to fight tooth and nail to get the chance to be a dad to Mason.

  “Court is adjourned. Good luck to your family, Mr. Warner.”

  As soon as the judge disappeared into his chamber, Ellis turned to Sammi and buried his head in her neck, sobs wracking his body. “Oh my god,” he cried. “I can’t believe that just happened.” She rubbed his back as Carl came and took them both in his arms.

  “Thank God,” Carl said, squeezing them both. “Mason gets to come home. I’m so proud of you, Ellis.”

  He lifted his head, his cheeks stained with tears, and saw the same thing on Sammi’s face. She took his face in her hands and smiled through her tears. “I can’t wait to see him. You did it, Ellis. You’re a dad again.”

  “Mr. Warner?” the caseworker said from behind them. “Are you ready to go meet Mason?”

  He nodded, turning to follow her. It felt like a flock of geese just took flight in his stomach. He was going to see his son for the first time in thirteen years. He couldn’t even imagine what he was about to see. Did Mason still look like him, like he did as an infant, or had he changed?

  The walk to the door felt like an eternity. He could still hear Sammi sniffling next to him. Alison stopped and turned back to him before she opened the door. “I’m very happy for you and Mason,” she said, smiling. He smiled back, his throat too thick with emotion for him to answer. Behind that door was his son, his life, the only person on this earth that had his blood running through his veins. He couldn’t wait to make him Mason Warner as soon as he could.

  The door opened and the caseworker stepped aside. His breath caught as he saw the most beautiful boy he had ever laid eyes on. Mason stood, his eyes fixed on his. He was his exact replica. He stood only about six inches shorter than Ellis with the same hair and eyes. Mason smiled, closing the distance between them in seconds.

  “Dad!” he cried out, wrapping his body around his. “I can’t believe it! You look just like me!”

  Ellis wanted to speak, to tell him how thankful he was that he wanted him to take care of him, that he loved him, anything, but all he could do hold his son as tight as he could. His body shook with the sobs that he had held in for thirteen years. The last time he had held him, he had been an infant that fit in his arms. Now, he was a big, handsome teenager, who just so happened to also be crying in his arms. His son was crying for him, just like he had done as a baby when he wanted to be held.

  He heard Sammi taking pictures, and he was grateful. This was a moment he knew he’d never forget, but having proof of every detail was something he would forever be thankful for. He knew Carl was in here somewhere, too, but he couldn’t focus on anything but the boy in his arms. Here in this room was everyone that mattered to him. His family.

  He had no idea how much time had passed before he and Mason loosened their grip on each other, but at some point they stepped back and looked at one another again. He thought that this might be awkward, but it was anything but.

  “Mason, this is my girlfriend…”

  “Samantha Kerrigan,” Mason interrupted, his eyes big as saucers. He obviously hadn’t seen her when she walked in with him, but he certainly saw her now. Of course he was a fan. What wasn’t there to be a fan of?

  Sammi walked up and hugged him. “Yes. I’m Samantha, though your dad likes to call me Sammi.”

  Mason’s eyes darted to him,
then back to her. “She’s your girlfriend?”

  Ellis laughed, realizing the kid was totally star struck. “She is. I take it you’re a fan?”

  Mason blushed, realizing he was still staring at her. “Yes, I’m sorry. I love your music.”

  “Thanks, Mason. I’m glad to hear that. Don’t be sorry. Your dad has been waiting for this moment your entire life. It’s amazing to see you together, and you’re right. You do look just like him.”

  Mason looked back at Ellis and looked him up and down. “We look like we could be brothers.”

  Ellis nodded, knowing that was probably true. Since he had been so young when he had him, he didn’t seem like his dad. “Yes, we do. But I was there the day you were born, and many days after.” Ellis paused. “This is Carl Richards. He’s been the only father figure I’ve ever known. He took me in when I had no one.”

  Carl stepped forward and shook Mason’s hand. “You had no one?” Mason asked.

  Ellis shook his head. “I know you probably have so many questions, and I’m here to answer them, so don’t hold back. I made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I’m so glad to get the chance to start over with you, even if I did miss most of your life so far.”

  A look crossed Mason’s face, and it hurt Ellis to see it. “My mom loved me,” he started. “But she was just sick. I still can’t believe she’s gone, but I had kind of prepared myself for that every day for the last few years. I wished so many times that you would find me and come help my mom. I can’t believe that you’re really here. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and be all alone.”

  He felt like he was punched in the stomach. “I know, Mason. I wish I would’ve known where you were all these years, and I’m sorry for all you’ve had to deal with. But I can promise you one thing. I’m going to be here for every single thing, from here on out.”

  They sat down in the chairs, all of them talking and getting to know each other. Ellis watched his son, his features and mannerisms so similar to his, and his heart felt repaired. The hole that had been in his heart since the day Mason was taken from him was patched, filled up with the unconditional love shown in his son’s eyes.

  “Sam, do you need help getting your bags to the car?” Mason called, and she smiled. It had been two months since that fateful day in the courtroom that changed all of their lives forever. When they had gotten back to Nashville with Mason, the first thing Sam did was purchase her own house, a house they could all share as a family. They had moved in not long after, and they truly felt like a real family now.

  Mason had done surprisingly well for everything he had been through. They had been to many counseling sessions since his arrival, and he was doing well with talking to them about things that bothered him. Since the transition had put him leaving New York before the school year was up, Ellis had been helping him catch up with the help of online classes.

  Right now they were headed to Florida to celebrate all of their birthdays. Ellis had surprised her with clearing her schedule so they could relax in the sun for a week. She couldn’t wait to go and catch up with all of their friends. While they tried to keep in contact, it just wasn’t possible most of the time. Sam’s twenty-fourth birthday was this week, Ellis’ big 3-0 was next week, and Mason’s was a few weeks after, so Ellis had planned a huge shindig on the beach.

  Mason appeared and grabbed one of her bags before she could even answer him. Ellis was coming home from meeting with Samuel about the security plan for her upcoming concert and then they would be on their way to the airport.

  “I don’t remember living in Florida,” Mason said as they walked together through the house. “But I know I was born in Miami and we moved to New York.”

  “I met your dad in Florida, so it will always be special to me,” Sam said. “But Sunset Beach is several hours away from Miami on the West Coast. It has the most beautiful beach. You’ll also get to meet your dad’s friends. I met them a few days after I met him, and they’re a lot of fun. They can’t wait to meet you.”

  Ellis walked in just as they reached the living room. “Ready to go?” He looked edible in a pair of grey shorts, a black v-neck tee shirt, and sunglasses hanging from the v. His eyes shone in the sunlight, making her heart accelerate. While she appreciated every part of him, she loved to look into those unique eyes of his that he had so graciously passed on to his son. He smirked at her, as if reading her thoughts.

  “Ready,” she and Mason both said at the same time.

  Sammi buckled her seatbelt, pulling out her kindle from her purse. It wasn’t often she had several hours of free time, so she planned to read while they were flying. Ellis and Mason were talking sports and football, so she didn’t feel too guilty.

  They were taking a private flight again to Florida. She felt silly every time she did it, but with the attention she got on a regular flight, Ellis insisted on it for her safety, after the disaster this past year, she wasn’t taking any chances. It was very nice to not have to worry about sitting on top of anyone else.

  “You can’t leave without the par-tay!” Lacey bounded onto the plane, and Sammi’s mouth dropped open.

  “Lacey!” She jumped up and hugged her friend, both of them squealing loudly. When she stopped freaking out, she turned to Ellis. “You did this?”

  Ellis stood and hugged Lacey briefly, then winked at her. “Of course I did, my love. It’s your birthday! You can’t celebrate without your best friend.”

  “Thank you, Ellis! That’s the best birthday surprise! I’m so glad you could escape this week, Lace.”

  “Me too,” she sighed, flopping into the seat next to Sammi. “I’m so ready to sit on a beach and drink pina colada’s rather than study the reproductive systems of cows.”

  Sammi wrinkled her nose. “The reproductive systems of cows? That sounds… interesting, Lacey.” They all laughed, settling back to prepare for leaving.

  Sam and Lacey spent the two hour flight catching up, the first uninterrupted time they had had for as long as either of them could remember. Lacey enjoyed teasing Mason, and he gave it right back.

  When the door opened and they walked out on the tarmac of the private airport they flew into, Sam turned her face to the warm sun and sighed. She was so happy to be here, where she could spend time relaxing with the people she loved.

  “Hey cabana boy, where did you go?” Sam sing-songed, holding her empty glass out. Lacey giggled from the chair next to her, holding hers out as well.

  Ellis feigned impatience as he came over to refill their drinks. They were laying on the private beach of the house they rented for the week. It was a necessity at this point to have everything be as secluded as possible for her safety and sanity. He leaned over and brushed her lips with his. He smelled of suntan lotion, tasted of alcohol, and looked as hot as the sun. And he was all hers.

  “Hmm,” she murmured. He winked at her and took a sip of her drink, then leaned over and kissed her again, this time opening his mouth to share what he had just drank with her. As the cool liquid came into her mouth, followed by his tongue, she had to force herself not to take it any further.

  “Okay, okay, you two,” Lacey groaned. “It’s getting hot over here. Take that to the room for the sake of the single people around here.”

  Ellis pulled away and smiled, filling up Lacey’s drink as well. “Would you like a kiss, too?” They all laughed when Lacey smacked his chest. Sam watched as he walked back to the house with the pitcher.

  “Damn, girl,” Lacey said. “That man is fine.”

  Sammi lowered her sunglasses, giving her friend the eye. “Why, yes he is. But he’s all mine.”

  “Oh don’t I know that,” Lacey joked. “His eyes don’t move away from you any time you’re near. That boy has it bad.” The friends lay in the Florida sun, enjoying the freedom that came with not having to worry about anything.

  The beach party was tonight. He was busy making sure all the preparations were taken care of. She didn’t even know what in the world he had plann
ed, since he wouldn’t tell her, but she sure did love watching him walk around in just his board shorts all day.

  Sam stood in the master bathroom, checking her reflection in the mirror before heading down to the party. She had been relegated to the master bedroom for the last two hours so Ellis could do whatever he needed to do that he didn’t want her to see. She knew that their friends were arriving, as she could hear kids’ voices down on the beach, even over the music that was pumping from speakers placed on the sand.

  She was wearing a strapless yellow sundress, which showed off her tan from the last few days sunbathing. She had pinned her hair up with a few tendrils framing her face. She would be barefoot, since they would be in the sand the whole night. Her stomach fluttered with nerves, but she didn’t know why.

  She heard a knock on the bedroom door, and she rushed to open it. “Rachel!” Sammi hugged her tightly. “I missed you so much!” Rachel followed her in and shut the door.

  “Me too, Sam! Look at you! You look beautiful. Oh, and Happy Birthday!”

  “Thanks. How are your precious babies?”

  “Crawling,” Rachel sighed. “Each in different directions, it seems. But we love them so much. How are things with you guys? Still as hot as ever?”

  Sammi laughed. “Our men sure are intense, aren’t they?”

  “You got that right,” Rachel agreed. “But we wouldn’t want them any other way. Devin sure misses Ellis though. He won’t admit it, but I think he was more excited than me to see you guys today.”

  A pang of guilt went through Sammi at what Rachel said. If she wouldn’t have had to live in Nashville, they could be here with everyone.

  “Don’t you even give me that look,” Rachel teased. “You’re feeling guilty that you took Ellis away, right? Well don’t. When I see him or talk to him now, I can’t even believe he’s the same guy. I always thought he was a player and that was why he was so against relationships. Of course now, it makes me sad that he lived so long being so miserable. But ever since he fell in love with you, there’s a constant smile on his face. And Mason? Wow. Could that kid look any more like his dad? It’s amazing. How’s it going with him?”