Chapter Twenty-One

That Sunday night, Jessie went to bed early. Her parents weren’t back from Lincoln and didn’t know the great news. But she was just too sleepy to wait for them.

Monday morning she got ready for school and went down to the kitchen.

Her mother was waiting. So was her dad. They hugged her until she could barely breathe.

“Jessie,” said her dad. “We’re bursting our buttons with pride.”

Wow. That’s a lot coming from Daddy. “Thanks, Daddy and Mom. How’d you find out?”

She looked at Phillip sitting at the table in his booster chair. He was signing something. She had to think.

She pointed at herself, patted her heart, pointed at him and said, “I love you too.”

“Detective Olson called and told Mrs. Winter last night. She told us. We want all the details.”

Jessie told them the story of finding the baby. “When I found the baby bracelet, I came right home to tell you, Daddy. Then, I saw your note—about you being out of town. I knew we had to go to the police fast.”

“Of course. You did the right thing,” said her father.

Phillip said, “You did the right thing.”

“I think we have an echo,” said Jessie’s mom.

Everyone laughed.

* * *

On Tuesday morning at breakfast, Jessie’s mother said, “Anna and Ben Novak asked me if you and Tina and Bryce could come to their house today after school.”

“I can. I’ll talk to Tina and Bryce,” Jessie said. Phillip was still in his footy pajamas. She lifted him into his booster seat and pushed him to the table. “Phillip, where’d you learn to sign ‘I love you’?” asked Jessie.

“Mama,” he answered. He patted his heart and pointed at his mother.

Mrs. Hanson signed back. “It’s nice, isn’t it?” she said. “I’m learning it from Tina’s mom. Phillip can talk to the twins that way. They love doing it.”

“We used some signs ourselves while we were trying to find the baby,” said Jessie. “They come in handy.

Mom, are you thinking about what I asked about Buster?” Jessie was eating her cereal.

“I talked to your dad. Careful what you say in front of you-know-who.” She cut Phillip’s toast into triangles.

“We’re still thinking about it.”

After school Bryce and Tina came to Jessie’s house and they walked up the street to the Novaks’.

Ben Novak opened the door. “Come in. Come in. Here they are, Anna. Our Forever Heroes!”

Anna Novak entered the living room carrying Andel. She handed the baby to Ben and hugged Jessie and Tina and Bryce all together. She was crying. “We’ll never be able to really thank you enough. You are the most wonderful young people. I hope Andel grows up to be just like you three.”

“We’re so relieved,” said Jessie. “May we see the baby?”

Ben handed the baby to Jessie.

“Look at him, Bryce and Tina,” Jessie said. “Isn’t he beautiful?” Everyone fussed over the baby. She handed Andel back to his father.

“We have something for you, Jessie,” Anna said. She handed her a small white box.

“What’s this?” said Jessie. She lifted the lid of the box and removed a layer of cotton. Nestled inside was the blue baby bracelet. It was clean and shiny and the letters spelled NOVAK. “Oh, I can’t take this.”

“Yes, you take it,” said Ben. “Put it somewhere where you’ll see it every day. Then, if you’re ever feeling low, you’ll see it and be reminded that you are someone very special.”

“Thank you,” said Jessie. “I’ll do that!”

When Jessie got home, her mom had her coat and boots on and Phillip was bundled up in his blue snowsuit.

“Going somewhere?” said Jessie

“Keep your coat on,” said her mother. “You’re going too. It’s a surprise.”

In the car, her mom drove through the streets, almost free of snow. They pulled up to a house Jessie had never noticed before. “Where are we?” Jessie asked.

“Where are we?” Phillip asked from the back seat.

“You’ll see,” said her mom. “Can you unstrap Phillip?”

They went to the porch and rang the bell.

Jessie was surprised to see Mrs. Cole open the door.

“Hi, Jessie,” said the woman. “Please come in.”

“This is Phillip, Norma,” said Jessie’s mom.

“Hi, Phillip,” said Mrs. Cole. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Do you two know each other, Mom?” asked Jessie.

“Well, we just met yesterday. Dad and I came here to visit Buster.”

“Do you mean we get to keep him?” asked Jessie.

“If you still want to,” said her mother. “We thought he was very sweet. And he needs a home. His owners will be going to prison for a long time.”

Mrs. Cole came back into the room holding Buster. Jessie hardly recognized him. He’d had a bath and a trim and was still shaggy but adorable. Mrs. Cole set him on the floor and the dog ran to Jessie.

“Buster. Remember me?” whispered Jessie. She sat on the floor and put the dog in her lap. He wagged his tail and licked her nose.

Phillip sat on the floor beside them. “Hi, Buster,” he whispered. The dog climbed into Phillip’s lap and licked his hand. Phillip petted the dog and looked up at his mother. “Can we keep him, Mama?” he said.

“Yes you can,” said his mother. “He’s coming home with us.”