The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2681

The young one, growing more independent by the day, seemed to dodge every attempt to reel her back in.

“I was hoping to get her to come home for tomorrow’s dinner party, but she had every excuse in the book. Thankfully, she finally agreed,” said Francis.

“Oh, you,” Imogen said with a chuckle, her voice tinged with affection. “You should count your blessings that she said yes at all. Kids will be kids, after all. They’re meant to spread their wings.”

“And let’s not forget Regina’s internship at the newspaper,” she continued, her smile widening. “The girl’s probably up to her neck in work. And she’s so modest about her connections to the Tanner family. She’s a discreet one, that girl.”

Francis took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “They’ve all grown up, haven’t they? Flown the coop. But I’ve got you, my rock. You’ve been here through it all, my dear. Don’t think Regina’s ungrateful. She’s just… tied to her biological mother’s memory.”

dinner. I see other folks’ kids settling down, and there she

sense of gratitude. “She’s lucky to have you. Don’t worry. I’ve already spoken to her. She’ll be at the Tanner Mansion on time for the dinner party tomorrow

a relief,” Imogen replied, her voice

crack a smile. Moves out as soon as she’s of age, and poor old Francis is left pining. If she gets her way, she’ll have the whole estate wrapped around her finger!”

britches, barely home three days out of the year, not like our Miss Madeline, steady as a rock and sweet-tempered. Everyone

Given how much the old man trusts you, you’ll have half the estate secured, and Miss Madeline won’t have

a mix of frustration and resolve in her breath. “Men always want what

than to engage in