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,

me feel like all my efforts would be reciprocated and were

very much content with my

Willow suddenly said. I sat beside the bathtub and asked, "What is

we first met. She feared I would say no

stuttered while voicing

didn't mind pampering her. She was no longer afraid of asking me to

the tub's edges and smilingly replied,

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

help wash her hair.

on the shower head and covered Willow's eyes, not

sparkled at me as if she were trying to imprint this

her hair, and placed another

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

smile grew wider. She kept smiling until I put the hairdryer away. Then, she rushed into my arms for a hug. "It's

have mommy."