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 like all my efforts would

content with my current life because of

beside the bathtub and asked,

company when we first met. She feared I would say

stuttered while voicing

finally believed I loved her and didn't mind pampering her. She was no longer afraid of asking me to

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

tub anymore after hearing that. She speedily

help wash her hair.

shower head and covered Willow's

Her eyes sparkled at me as if she were trying

for a towel, lightly dried her hair, and placed another fresh

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

hairdryer away. Then, she rushed into my arms for a hug. "It's great

have mommy."