The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 48

Chapter

48

Zachary couldn't figure it out. He had a vague feeling that everything had changed since Annalise's and Steven's divorce.

Feeling down, he went back to his room and grabbed his tablet. As soon as he opened his Instagram, he saw that Jessica had posted something He clicked in to take a look.

It was a photo of Jessica holding Cody, both of them beaming with joy. They were clearly having a great time at the amusement park.

Tears welled up in Zachary's eyes again. He wanted to screenshot the photo and send it to Steven, but before he could, the photo disappeared

y with work that he rarely had time to take Willow out to play.

The amusement park was packed with kids. Zane had been so busy w

When she saw all the different rides and attractions, her eyes lit up. She grabbed my hand and eagerly bounced around, looking at everything

She finally chose a small playground and turned to Zane. "Daddy, I want to play here!"

tickets, and 1 accompanied

spend as much time with her as possible. He followed us in as

Willow still wasn't comfortable talking to others, she loved having me by her side in public. It made her feel like everyone would know she had a mommy now "Mommy!" Willow said, clearly wanting to

snuggled into my arms and said, "You can just wait here. I'll go play

was trying to be considerate,

the slide. We had one at home, but playing in a crowded place seemed to bring her extra

her from

and gave me a quick loss on the cheek. "Mommy,

have so much fun. So,

and

Willow ran off again..

word to me..."

turned to

gaze away from Willow and added, "I'm

Annalise, it couldn't possibly be

she has been clinging to me more," explained. Zane didn't quite

I asked, although my attention remained on

Nearby, some other kids seemed eager to play with her. They gathered around, saying something to her that I couldn't quite hear. Willow's smile vanished in an instant. She didn't respond to them and continued playing on her own. She still

could understand how Zane must have felt. The little girl who used to be closest to him was suddenly bonding

tried to