The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 108

Willow sniffled and said, "I just feel that you probably want to be Zachary's mommy again..."

Surprised, I asked, "What makes you think that?"

Willow stopped sobbing. "Because you gave birth to him."

That was when it hit me. Willow still felt insecure about this matter. Though we were close, any changes with Zachary made her nervous. She was afraid I would leave her.

While I thought about how to reassure her, Willow continued, "I know it's hard not having a mommy. But I feel so selfish for stealing someone else's mom."

Her voice trembled. "But I love Mommy so much. I don't want to give you back to him."

"You know what? It's alright to be a little selfish." I took her small hand as I spoke.

I told her gently, "You don't have to sacrifice your own happiness just because someone else is having a hard time."

Willow looked at me, confused.

I said with a smile, "I left Zachary because he hurt me. Whatever kind of person he becomes now doesn't change that.

"I'm your mommy because you love me and are good to me. That's why I want to be with you."

Willow asked eagerly, "So, you won't leave me?"

Her joy was contagious. "Never."

before showering me with hugs and kisses. "Yay! I love

her back, laughing and saying,

seemed to want to say

...

I found

had fallen into this pattern

wanted to talk,

room after she

swho

asleep.

to the balcony and

the

me.

the

Check if you've received

it

wno

The bank

stared at the amount, dumbfounded. "A

smiled at my shock. "Is that not

at him. "It's

He chuckled. "Well, then..."

can we count