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,

liked me a lot. She made me feel

with my current life because

suddenly said. I sat beside the bathtub and

we first met. She feared I would say no to her. So, she always her

stuttered while voicing

and didn't mind pampering her. She was no longer

my arm against the tub's edges and smilingly replied, "But

after hearing that. She speedily cleaned herself before getting me to

help wash her hair.

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

the meantime, Willow peacefully lay against the side of the tub. Her eyes sparkled at me as if she were trying to imprint this

finished washing Willow's hair, I reached for a towel, lightly dried her hair, and placed another fresh towel over her shoulders. Finally, I turned on the

said, I knew it was still hot for a child, so I had to pay close attention to the temperature

smiling until I put the hairdryer away. Then, she rushed into my arms for a hug.

have mommy."