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

thought he was finished when he surprised her by saying, "T'll take Zachary to school on

perked up right away. "You

way." Steven shot back without missing a beat. "I'm done with her, so why would I want

suddenly want to take Zachary?" Jessica

when Steven suddenly offered to take Zachary, it was no

"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 me, then whatever happens next is on her."

and a fruit platter, though I was the one who washed the fruit. Zane had the job of cutt She

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

his laptop to the living room Maybe he

Worried that I might strain my throat, she kindly held a piece of watermelon to my lips.

took a bite, giving her a

welcome," Willow

Time slipped aw