Chapter 90：He kissed her

Though Ryan was sweating because of the summer heat, he was content to have his favorite blanket wrapped around him.

Leo was so relieved he found them that he had to fight back his tears. He wasn't one to cry but the desperate fear of not finding them was catching up to him. As soon as she saw him, she jumped up and ran over to him. He quickly got off the horse and held them tightly to him.

Jessica, I was beginning to think I wasn't going to find you. His voice choked, preventing him from saying anything else. She felt wonderful. He kissed her on the top of her head and rested his cheek against her hair. He heard her softly crying as she clung to him and Ryan.

I was going in circles. I thought I kept passing the same tree so I made a marker and passed it three times before I gave up. I thought I lost Ryan. I've never been so scared in my entire life.

Do you think you were scared? I thought I lost both of you. I love you, Jessica. He reluctantly pulled away from her and saw that Ryan was awake. And I love you. He widely smiled and ruffled the boy's hair. Have you ridden a horse before?

A couple of times, she replied. This saddle will only seat one person, so I want you to ride him. I'll carry Ryan. Do you know how to get out of here? He took out the compass Geoffrey had given him.

The town is a mile in that direction. You managed to get far from the stagecoach, which is why the police and I didn't find you for so long. I'm going to take you and Ryan home and then I'll let the police know that you two are safe. She looked exhausted. She let him take Ryan and she got on the horse.

This isn't a sidesaddle. He suddenly understood her hesitation. It wasn't proper for a woman in a dress to ride on a regular saddle.

Once we're in town, you should get off and walk with me. It'll be good to get home. His heart constricted as he wondered what she had gone through. Will you tell me what happened? As he led them to town, she did as he requested.

***

Though Harrison Grant Sr. was put in jail for arranging his competitors' bankruptcies, Leo was unable to reclaim his wealth. In one day, he went from being one of the wealthiest people in town to being one of the poorest.

Mr. Grant put your belongings to the other side of his parlor, and it was closer to where he started the fire. Leo sighed. I don't know how I'm going to tell Jessica that we lost everything. It was only seven in the morning, so Jessica and Ryan were still asleep.