The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Willow giddily Laughed. She placed her arms around my neck, leaned closer to my face, and spoke proudly. "You're the best, Mommy!" I hopped her tightly to reciprocate, "You're the best, too, Willow!"

Willow broke free from my embrace, held my hand, and led me upstairs in a hurry just then. "Come on, Mommy! I can't wait for bath time!"

There was a bathtub in Willow's bathroom. She wanted a bath today, so I paid close attention to the water temperature while filling the

tub.

Meanwhile, Willow brought out her bath toys, like rubber ducks and other toys. She then placed them all in the tub before picking out a set of pajamas. Once she finished doing that, the faintest beads of sweat formed on her forehead.

Yet, her eyes still twinkled with excitement. The tub was also filled by then. Willow obediently sat with her back against the side of the bathtub and looked up at me.

It was strange. I didn't do much for Willow. In fact, I only put in half the effort it took to care for Zachary,

on and liked me a lot. She made me feel

with

sat beside

was hesitant to ask for my company when we first met. She feared I would say no to her. So, she always

stuttered while voicing

was no longer afraid of asking me to do things Willow animatedly asked, "Could you help blow-dry

rested my arm against the tub's

didn't play the tub anymore after hearing that. She speedily cleaned herself before

help wash her hair.

turned on the shower head and covered Willow's eyes,

sparkled at me as if she were trying to imprint this moment into

reached for a towel, lightly dried her hair, and placed another fresh towel over her shoulders.

hair in the medium setting. That said, I knew it was still hot for a child, so I had to pay close attention to the temperature and

grew wider. She kept smiling until I put the hairdryer away. Then, she rushed into

have mommy."