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."

Zane and let him decide. Zane surely doted on Willow. He turned to the waiter and said,

replied

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

the school gate until after 9:00 pm every day." Kids

but he didn't appreciate it and chose a bad one instead." "Willow." I

understand why I was asking, but she nodded. I continued, "So why should we waste time on people who don't matter? Let's cherish the present and

and gave me a big kiss. "From now

quietly listening, finally looked up and observed me intently. After a moment, he teased Willow, "So, does that mean you won't care

while before answering hesitantly, "Um. I care about Daddy,

he didn't mind. His

It was clear she was getting better, wasn't she? "Mommy."

impatiently, "Wait a little

past 8:00 am." Zachary's voice grew softer. Jessica had become so mean. She

walked over, and handed him her phone. "Order takeout if you want

retorted in a low voice, "But delivery