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. She'd be

thrilled. "That's

her day

lively with just the two of

school entrance, watching

but they already seemed like family. The more he thought about it, the more

him into meeting dessica-constantly going on about how Jessica was better than Annalise-he'd probably be living with Annalise at the

she was his little sister. Tears welled up in his eyes as jealousy gnawed

car and said to Harry,

Harry hesitated. "Your Grandma

home. It's her first day there. She'll be alone if you're away and probably think you're not

for a moment. That made

head home," he

on the window. Zachary glanced over and saw Steven standing outside. A wave of anger hit him, but he pushed

window and