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.

...

martial arts coach, Howard Lardon, arrived early. When we pulled up to the mansion, we found him-who was rather unfamiliar-standing awkwardly in the courtyard. Zane casually asked Richard, "Why didn't you take him to the living

"I asked

get home around this time. If you arrive early next time, please wait inside,

not just being

looked at Willow, who tugged gently at my

down and asked, "What

my ear,

So, I explained, "Our daughter is kind of

understanding.

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

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

"Sorry.

"It's okay."

feelings. Of course a little girl like

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

She nodded hard.

will we train?" I