Chapter 9 Xander looked at Mom's back as she turned and kept working with that resolute posture of hers . It finally made him realize he had completely lost her . Mom's business flourished . With her hard work and good cooking skills , she saved enough money to rent a small storefront on a street not far from the orphanage . A red sign with yellow characters was hung up- " Jelly's Stew Shop . " The tiny shop had just a few tables , and a huge iron pot always simmered on the stove , stewing all sorts of meats . The rich aroma filled the whole street , and business was booming . Smiles appeared more often on Mom's face , and she looked more energetic . She was no longer the pale and melancholic " Ms. Dawson " from the McNeils , but the lively owner " Ms. Jessica " . With a steady income and a home , Mom gathered her courage again and submitted another adoption application to the orphanage . In the orphanage , the person in charge looked at the papers and frowned , seemingly troubled . " Ms. Dawson , we understand your situation , and we sympathize . But ... you're a single woman without a partner . Although you have income now , your livelihood still raises concerns about stability . Adopting a child is a serious responsibility ... " Mom felt her heart jump to her throat , and her hands twisted together nervously . Just then , Georgia happened to walk in . She glanced at the papers , then looked toward the office window . I was leaning against the windowsill , looking inside eagerly and longingly with my face pressed against the glass . Georgia was silent for a moment . Then , she walked to the window , opened it , and gently asked me , " Kiddo , do you want to go with her ? " She pointed at Mom inside the room . I immediately stood up straight , and my face bloomed with a smile brighter than the sun . I answered loudly , " I do , Ms. West ! I really do ! And also , Ms. West , my name's not Kiddo ! " I puffed out my chest and said proudly , " My name is Sally Dawson ! It's the name Mom gave me ! " Georgia looked at the pure light shining in my eyes and the undisguised attachment , then at Mom inside the room , whose gaze was nervous yet full of hope . She sighed , then smiled and turned to the person in charge . " The child's feelings and her name are the best proof . Process the paperwork for her . " The comments came pouring in once more . 1/2 +25 Bonus Chapter 9 " Woohoo ! Adoption successful ! " " Let's celebrate ! Celebrations ! " " Ms. West is a good person ! May she live a peaceful life forever ! " " Jelly's Stew Shop ! The mother and daughter are finally happy ! This is the best ! " On the day the adoption papers were officially stamped and approved , Mom held my hand tightly as we walked out of the orphanage gate . The warm sunlight shone down on us . "Mom ! Let's go home ! " I cheered as I skipped happily . " Yeah ! Home ! " Mom smiled with red - rimmed eyes , nodding firmly . " What are we eating today ? Cabbage rolls ? Roast chicken ? Or is it gumbo ? " I asked excitedly . " Whatever you want to eat , I'll make it for you ! " " Then ... Gumbo ! I've been craving it for so long ! " " Alright ! In this house , Sal gets the final say ! " Mom said happily . From then on , Jelly's Stew Shop was always filled with the cheerful sounds of the mother - daughter duo's Southern accents . I finally lived a happy life where I had stews every day and Mom's love in every moment . The viewers ' comments also seemed to show their celebrations for us . " Throwing flowers for your happiness ! May you both be happy forever ! " " Long live the stew ! Long live a mother's love ! " " The Southern brat and her stew shop mother are locked together forever ! I swallowed the key that frees them ! " " The perfect ending ! May peace be upon Jelly year after year ! " Continue Reading 2/2