The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 45

Chapter

45

I

After we sat down, the waiter handed us the menu to take our orders.

pizza, describing the toppings on each one.

She nodded eagerly. "Yummy."

After going through the options, I asked her, "Which one do you want to try?"

Willow blinked and replied, "I want them all."

menu back to Zane and let him decide. Zane surely doted on Willow. He turned to the waiter and said, "One of each,

replied

waiter left, Willow leaned into me and chattered excitedly, "Mommy, guess what?1 overheard my classmates talking about Zachary. He has been

at the school gate until after 9:00 pm every day." Kids couldn't hold back their thoughts.

be so dumb? He had such a great mommy, but he didn't appreciate it and chose a bad one instead." "Willow." I

why should we waste time on people who don't matter? Let's cherish the present and enjoy every

gave me a big kiss. "From now on, I'll only

me intently. After a moment, he

for a while before answering hesitantly, "Um. I care

could tell she was just saying it, but he didn't mind. His usually

went through. But now, whether it was good or bad, she was willing to speakup. It was clear she was getting better, wasn't she? "Mommy." Zachary woke up from hunger. He knocked on Jessica's door. "I'm hungry, can you make me

impatiently, "Wait a little

voice grew softer. Jessica had become so mean. She wasn't

over, and handed him her phone. "Order takeout

a low voice, "But delivery takes