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.

...

up to the mansion, we found him-who was rather unfamiliar-standing awkwardly in the courtyard. Zane casually asked Richard,

"I asked to

"We usually get home around this time. If you arrive early next time, please

could tell Zane was not just being polite,

Willow, who tugged gently at my

and asked, "What

in my ear, "I want to

was still too shy to answer Howard. So, I explained, "Our daughter is kind of a special case. She doesn't like talking to

understanding. "I

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

surprised his student was just a kindergartener, Howard crouched down to look at Willow. He said, "I'm Howard Lardon. What's your

apologized, "Sorry.

"It's okay."

girl like her would feel uncomfortable around an unfamiliar adult

at her and asked, "Would you like me to stay with

She nodded hard.

train?" I asked, holding