The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 104

Steven was heartbroken, too. He patted Zachary's back gently. "You still have Mommy Jessie." Zachary's crying stopped abruptly.

Thinking his words had helped, Steven continued, "She'll treat you even better than Mommy did."

"No, she won't." Zachary pulled away from Steven's embrace. "Daddy..." His tone turned serious. "Please stop lying to me. I may be a kid, but I understand everything." Before Steven could respond, Cody spoke up, "Daddy, can we go home?"

Steven turned to look at him.

Cody frowned. "I'm hungry."

"Let's head back, then." Steven quickly decided. "We can't let you go hungry."

Zachary stood frozen, watching as Steven walked away holding Cody's hand.

His own dad had also become someone else's dad without him even realizing it. Since when had everything turned out this way?

Zachary could not figure it out.

...

was rather unfamiliar-standing awkwardly in the courtyard.

asked to walk around

hot outside," Zane said calmly. "We usually get home around this time. If you arrive early

not just being polite, so he asked, "When should we start the

who tugged gently at

and asked,

whispered in my ear, "I

So, I explained, "Our daughter is kind

nodded understanding.

you start with her now?" I patted Willow's shoulder. "She's been

just a kindergartener, Howard crouched down to look at Willow. He said,

apologized, "Sorry. I

"It's okay."

little girl like her would feel uncomfortable around

smiled at her and asked, "Would you like me to

She nodded hard.

we train?" I asked,