Chapter 81：You'll have to kiss me

First thing on Wednesday morning, Leo joined Jessica in Franklin's stagecoach to go to the orphanage to sign the adoption papers for Ryan. She was excited by the prospect of bringing him home. She was surprised, in a good way, that Leo had readily agreed to her request. Mrs. Tobias smiled as she finished putting together the paperwork they needed to prove they had adopted him.

Ryan adores you both. Mrs. Edwards put Ryan in Jessica's arms. Ryan smiled and wrapped his arms around her neck. Leo leaned over and kissed Jessica on the cheek, and Ryan laughed. He playfully ruffled the boy's hair. You'll have to kiss me a lot so he'll laugh more, he told her. Now I'm stuck. You know I'd do anything for Ryan, she joked.

I like him too. She was pleased to know this. He held Ryan while she sat down in the stagecoach. Then he placed the boy on her lap. I thought Franklin would be back with his new shoes by now, he commented.

I'm sure he'll be back at any moment, she replied. She wrapped the blanket around Ryan so he could be comfortable. Just as Leo was ready to sit next to her, a policeman walked up to him. He turned his attention to the officer. Jessica couldn't make out what he was saying, so she smiled at the boy in her arms.

I'm going to be your mother for now on. And Leo will be your father. He was sleepy so he barely managed to look up at her as she spoke. She kissed the top of his head. Leo turned back to her. He looked worried.

Someone broke into my uncle's firm. When? She didn't hide her shock. Late last night. I have to see what's missing from my office. Will you be alright without me?

All I have to do is take Ryan home. I'm sure I can manage that on my own. Though she tried to sound upbeat, his concerned expression over the news of the break-in made her words sound hollow to her ears. She wondered if the Grants were behind it.

After Leo left, she remained in the stagecoach. She figured that five minutes passed before the stagecoach began to move. That's odd. Why didn't Franklin greet me like he usually does? She reasoned that he heard the news and wished to get her back to the house so she could be there for any immediate updates on the break-in.

When he passed by her home, she felt a wave of cold panic wash over her. Something was wrong. She gently put the sleeping child on the floor and made her way to the door. She noticed that they were moving faster than normal, and they were quickly heading out of town.