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."

away.

by saying, "T'll take Zachary to school

away. "You want to

done with her, so why would I

want to take

and fro school. So when Steven suddenly offered to take Zachary, it was

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." Jessica finally eased

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

snuggled beside me, pulled out a picture book, and asked me to

brought his laptop to the living room Maybe he couldn't resist the peaceful vibe

happily munchied away and listened. Worried that I might strain my throat, she

and took a bite, giving her a big

Willow

Time slipped aw