The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 261

Back home, Willow gathered the entire family to join her in her daily physical exercises. Afterward, she pulled Penelope, along with her grandparents, upstairs to continue their playtime.

This left only Zane, Suzy, and me in the living room. Suzy glanced upstairs, her expression soft. "I initially thought Willow needed Penelope's help to get better, but who could've imagined she'd recover on her own?" "Exactly," I agreed, equally amazed. "Kids improve much faster than we expect."

Suzy chuckled. "So true. Look at Penelope. When she lived with Liam, she was like a timid little quail, constantly walking on eggshells. But after just a few days with me, she's already returning to her lively self." Her voice was filled with love as she spoke of Penelope. "If I'd known that switching to a less stressful job would make her life easier, I would've quit my old job ages ago."

I could sense Suzy's guilt as a mother and gently patted her shoulder. "It's never too late to make changes."

"You're right," Suzy agreed.

At this moment, Zane chimed in, "How about we celebrate Willow's and Penelope's improvements tonight? Dinner at Silver Crescent Hotel?"

Suzy and I immediately agreed to the idea.

Zane stood up. "I'll make the reservation."

...

us to a private dining room, where the food was soon served. Though Zane hadn't ordered too much, it was enough to feed all seven of us. At the center of the

little girls gasped in delight, their eyes

tone softened, "Go on. Make

girls gleefully blew out

hope our family will live happily together. And I hope my friend Penelope's dreams come

followed with her

for happy days with my

for Dad not to bother us anymore.

well. And lastly, I hope my friend

faces. Overwhelmed with joy, Penelope hugged Willow, and the two began jumping around the

obediently sat

the more sweet dish, like Honey-glazed pork

tenderloin. Can you get it for

Zane was happy to oblige. "Of

wink, silently