The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 235

After finishing her basic exercises, Willow went upstairs to practice speaking, leaving only Zane and me in the living room.

Suddenly, Zane remembered the new doll in the trunk. He quickly headed toward the garage. "Let me grab the new doll and give it to her."

"We should talk to Penelope first," I explained. "If she's willing to help Willow, only then can we give her the doll."

I paused, then added, "If we just hand it over without preparing her, what will we say when Willow finds out the grandparents' dolls can talk back, but her friend's can't? How do we explain that?"

Zane considered my suggestion and nodded. "You're right. Should I hide the doll for now and take it out once Penelope agrees to play along?"

"Exactly." I paused to think before adding, "It'd be best to wait until Willow can comfortably communicate with Milton and Dorothy first."

Zane agreed, "Even if things don't go smoothly with Penelope, at least Willow will have two more people she can talk to."

I smiled. "That's exactly what I was thinking."

excitedly brought her dolls back to her room. "Grandpa, Grandma, guess what?

had to sound out each word slowly. Yet today, some

first, she doubted herself, thinking she might have made a mistake. She spelled them out loud to check, and they matched perfectly with what she remembered. "Wow!" Milton was

Willow proudly nodded. "Yep!"

chimed in,

Willow grinned. "Thank you."

in disbelief. "Most kids I know don't start learning to read until first

"Willow, you're going to be

the praise with a confident

...

to Jessica's side

the same space as her made him feel suffocated, even though he had decided to be with her and had mentally prepared

in the spacious apartment he had shared with Annalise for six years that his restless

first. "I'm really

calm voice carried a hint of subtle