Counting Miracles
by Nicholas Sparks
Contents
Chapter Twelve
Overview
Jasper is stabilized at the hospital with severe dehydration, a subdural hematoma, and a broken ankle requiring surgery, but regains consciousness and speaks briefly. Tanner reveals to Kaitlyn that Jasper's last name is Johnson—a potential connection to his biological father's family—and Mitch confirms Jasper has two sons. Before leaving, Tanner apologizes to Kaitlyn for his earlier dishonesty about Cameroon and thanks her for pushing him toward self-reflection, leaving her emotionally unsettled.
Summary
After receiving Tanner's phone call about finding Jasper, Kaitlyn gathers medical supplies from her office and heads toward the Uwharrie forest with Casey and Mitch. When Tanner texts that Jasper is being transported out, she redirects to the hospital. At the emergency room, she briefs Dr. Michael Betters on Jasper's medical history while they await the ambulance. When Jasper arrives, the ER team discovers severe dehydration, low body temperature, a minor subdural hematoma, a severe lateral malleolus fracture requiring surgery, and a sprained knee. Jasper is started on IV fluids, and Kaitlyn arranges for an orthopedist she trusts to handle the ankle surgery. She and Dr. Betters decide to keep Jasper at the local hospital rather than transferring him to Greensboro.
Jasper eventually regains consciousness, able to speak briefly despite pain. Kaitlyn brings Mitch and Casey in to visit, during which Jasper confirms he went to the forest looking for the white deer and had been there since Thursday morning. When Jasper asks who found him, Casey explains about Tanner. After the visit, Kaitlyn picks up lunch at Bojangles and arrives home to find Tanner and Arlo waiting on her porch.
Tanner updates the kids on how he found Jasper with Arlo's help, then speaks privately with Kaitlyn. She thanks him for saving Jasper's life and updates him professionally on Jasper's medical condition. Tanner then reveals a significant discovery: Jasper's last name is Johnson—the same surname Tanner has been searching for in his quest to find his biological father. While Jasper's age doesn't match and Tanner is looking for someone named David, Jasper may have relatives who could be leads. Kaitlyn is stunned she never connected Jasper's last name to Tanner's search.
Kaitlyn brings Mitch out, and he shares that Jasper had two sons, though he doesn't know their names, and mentions the sheriff as a possible acquaintance. Tanner asks if he can visit Jasper in the hospital once he improves, and Kaitlyn suggests waiting a day or two. Before leaving, Tanner apologizes to Kaitlyn for not being upfront about his Cameroon plans and thanks her for prompting his soul-searching about who he wants to be. Kaitlyn watches him drive away, visibly affected. Casey later presses her mother about Tanner, but Kaitlyn deflects, admitting she doesn't know if she'll see him again.
Who Appears
- KaitlynDoctor who coordinates Jasper's emergency care and processes Tanner's apology and the Johnson surname revelation.
- TannerDiscovers Jasper's last name is Johnson, connecting him to his father search; apologizes to Kaitlyn for his earlier dishonesty.
- JasperHospitalized patient who regains consciousness, confirms he was seeking the white deer, and is revealed to have two sons.
- CaseyKaitlyn's daughter who explains Tanner's identity to Jasper and later presses her mother about her feelings for Tanner.
- MitchKaitlyn's son who visits Jasper and reveals that Jasper has two sons and may know the sheriff.
- Dr. Michael BettersEmergency physician who treats Jasper and later informs Kaitlyn of his regained consciousness.
- ArloTanner's dog who waits with him at Kaitlyn's house and follows the kids inside trailing food.