“This is just the beginning,” Christopher said softly, his voice filled with pride. “There’s so much more to look forward to.”
EPILOGUE
One Month Later
One month had passed since the dramatic rescue of Ernest and Edwin. Things had slowly returned to normal.
The boys were slowly regaining their sense of security and joy. The progress they had made was remarkable.
After breakfast, Frances found Christopher alone. The children were playing in the courtyard. After what had happened, both of them made sure to never let them out of their sight.
“They’re doing so well,” Frances murmured, a soft smile playing on her lips. “It’s wonderful to see them so happy again.”
“You should give yourself credit,” Christopher pointed out. “I see how much love and affection you have poured into them, trying to make them feel safe again.”
“And you as well.” She smiled. “I notice how you go out of your way to spend time with them each day.”
“I feel like they are practically my own children,” Christopher admitted. “How could I not?”
Frances paused at that. It was something that she had thought about a great deal this last month.
“Christopher, I’ve been thinking about something important. About the boys.”
“What is it?”
Frances took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “We’ve talked about how much they mean to us, how much we love them. And I’ve been wondering if we should take the next step and adopt them officially. Make them a permanent part of our family, legally.”
“Adopt them?” Christopher seemed surprised, but it was a welcome suggestion.
“Yes. They’ve lost so much already, and I want to give them the security and certainty of knowing that they’re truly ours. I think it would mean the world to them to know they have a permanent home and parents who love them unconditionally,” she explained.
She observed his reaction carefully. After all, this would be a big step. But one that she felt was right.
And even though the conversation was serious, she knew that Christopher would not dismiss her without reason.
He was silent for a moment, seeming lost in his thoughts.
She began to worry slightly. Was he going to refuse? Did he have reason to? What would the children think if they knew?
She scrambled to explain herself. “It’s just that I think it is the right thing to do now… I mean, they are young now, and if they start accepting us as their parents, it will be easier for them growing up… I just think…”
Christopher touched her shoulders gently, trying to calm her down. “Frances.”
She stopped rambling immediately, freezing under the intensity of his gaze.
“I’ve been thinking about it too,” he admitted finally, his voice soft but firm.
“Have you?” Her voice was brimming with emotion.
Christopher nodded. “They’re already like sons to me. Making it official… it feels like the right thing to do.”
Frances’s heart swelled with relief. “I was hoping that you would say that, but I had been so scared to broach the subject, after everything that happened.”
Christopher squeezed her hands gently. “Why do you feel scared? You know that I can never turn you down.”
She blushed at his words. “Just the responsibility of it all. It is a big step,” she pointed out.
“I think it is the right one. Tomorrow, I shall contact my lawyer and draft whatever contracts are needed,” he declared in a determined voice.
