The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 443

Steven stayed rooted to the spot, watching Annalise disappear from view. He was only making things harder for her because of Jessica, and it was just pushing Annalise further away. But he'd have no reason to see her if he didn't do that. Steven felt completely lost. How was he supposed to get close to Annalise without making her angry?

The car pulled up to the kindergarten just as Willow was finishing class. The second she saw me, she grabbed Penelope's hand and ran over, shouting, "Mommy, I missed you so much!"

I bent down, scooped Willow up, and said softly, "I missed you, too."

She snuggled into my arms, giggling with joy.

Penelope darted over to Suzy, already looking for attention.

Willow fixed her gaze on Penelope. Zane caught on to what Willow was thinking and calmly asked, "Didn't you two want to know how toy planes flew the other day? I got a teacher to come by and give you a little lesson."

He turned to Penelope. "Do you want to come over tonight and join us?"

Penelope looked at Suzy, her face lighting up. "Mommy, is that okay?"

with a warm smile.

was thrilled.

home, she couldn't stop talking about her day at school. Penelope sat beside me. She chimed

lively with just

the school entrance, watching them drive off, feeling strangely

spent time with Willow, but they already seemed like family. The

about how Jessica was better than Annalise-he'd probably be

Willow like she was his little sister. Tears welled up in

and said to Harry,

Harry hesitated. "Your Grandma

be alone if you're away and probably think you're not

paused for a

head home,"

car, someone knocked on the window. Zachary glanced over and saw Steven standing

rolled down the window and asked,