The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 58

Chapter 58

Zane passed the book he was holding to the cashier.

I held Willow's books and her hand, standing nearby as we waited. "You know, it just hit me that I haven't given Willow anything since I met her. So these books are my gift for her."

Zane didn't say a word. After paying, he took the books from my hands and headed to the car. Even though Willow couldn't read yet, she was curious about what was inside the books. She excitedly urged, "Daddy, let's go home and read!"

"Sure." Once we buckled our seatbelts, Zane quickly started the car and drove off.

Steven had grabbed the books the kids needed from a different bookstore. As he headed to his parents' place, a thought crossed his mind, and he turned to look at Jessica

Jessica noticed his gaze and raised an eyebrow. "What's going on? Is something up?"

"You said Annalise takes that little girl to kindergarten every day now, right?" Steven asked, deep in thought.

Jessica nodded. "Yeah."

looked away. "Got

he was finished when he surprised her by saying, "T'll take

right away. "You

done with her, so why would I

do you suddenly want to

and fro school. So when Steven suddenly offered to take Zachary, it was no surprise that

take a deep breath. "I can't just stand by and watch her go down the wrong path, right?" Jessica stayed silent. Steven added, "But if I try to help her and she ignores

ahead. When we got home, Willow set up a bunch of snacks and a fruit platter, though I was the

and sat where Willow pointed. She snuggled beside me, pulled out a picture book, and asked me to

his laptop to the living room Maybe he couldn't

happily munchied away and listened. Worried that I might strain my throat, she kindly held a piece of watermelon to my lips.

smiled and took a bite, giving her

welcome," Willow replied

Time slipped aw