The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 61

Chapter 61

"Thanks, Willow," I menured.

If it weren't for Willow stepping into my life and truly caring about me, I could have ended up being a different person. After saving all ny finished artwork, I finally turned off the computer.

As soon as Willow woke up, she raced to my bedroom door and knocked. "Mommy!" y face."

Topened the door, and she excitedly said, "I'm going to brush my teeth and wash my

"Go for it," I replied, stepping out and closing the door behind me. "Just come straight downstairs after, I'll be waiting for you." "Okay, I'll be right there "Willow's feet pattered as she dashed to her room. I couldn't help but chuckle at her excitement. "Make sure you brush your teeth really well, even if you're in a rush!"

"Got it!" Willow replied.

When I got to the living room, Zane was already sitting there. He looked at me and said casually, "I'll be pretty busy these next few days."

what he meant. "So I'll take care of

can still find time for that," Zane replied. No matter how hectic things got, be always made sure to take Willow to and from school. " But

can grab a

a loss for

but ask, "Did I

could bring your work stuff and

save a lot of commuting time and give me more hours to work on my

upstairs and pack my

the living room, Willow had come downstairs, too. She was wearing a lovely little dress. Girls her age were all about princess stories, so they tended to have similar tastes and loved layered, frilly princess dresses. Willow spotted me watching her and ran over to

a thumbs-up.

hem of her dress and curtsied like

herself was charming for her age. I crouched down, cupped her face, and kissed her. Not to be outdone, she held onto my

looked envious. "Willow, can I get a kiss,

adored Zane, too. She walked over and kissed

picked her up, his eyes shining with affection.

her chest proudly. "Of course I