The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 450

However, Howard beat Suzy to it, already holding Penelope in his arms. He smiled at Suzy and said, "I've got this. You take a break." Suzy went along and said sincerely, "Thanks."

"Anytime."

Everyone headed back to the living room for dinner. The dining table was a little cramped for all of us, so we ended up splitting into two tables.

Penelope and Willow sat together at one of the tables, talking nonstop as soon as they started eating. Every once in a while, they'd pause and ask questions if something didn't quite make sense. The house was buzzing with life.

I really liked this vibe. When I was living at Steven's, he hardly had time for me. Even after Zachary was born, Steven would only leave him with me when he was a handful.

Once Zachary got a bit older and could feed himself, Steven would take him out for nice dinners in the evenings, leaving me alone to sit in the living room.

Back then, I never imagined I'd have so much talking and laughter in my life. It felt amazing. I finally had someone to hang out with.

After dinner, Willow came running over, her eyes lighting up as she said, "Mommy!"

fingers through her hair

tag?" she asked, practically bouncing

I nodded. "Of course!"

convince Suzy. And since Suzy was a mother who adored

both of us with helpless smiles. The house was packed, and there were plenty of people around who'd be happy to hang out with the kids. So, we headed out

he was making silly faces, running around, and teasing the kids playfully. He had this

to avoid him. Whenever he tagged Willow or Penelope, I'd hurry over

hit me just how easy it was to make kids happy. They were so easily entertained and

keep going. Willow and Penelope still wanted to keep playing, but then the

her early 40s and wore glasses. Her hair was all neat, and

Zane. "So, which two girls want to learn how

were still at the age where teachers made them nervous. They were scared of how

onto the

at

what Leah was saying later, Leah might snap at her.