The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Willow stared at me, her expression blank. After a long pause, she asked, "Is that really possible?"

I nodded. "Absolutely. You can spend time with Penelope as long as you like."

Willow jumped to her feet, her face lighting up with a grin. "Yes!"

Earlier, Zane had been pulled away by an urgent work matter. He'd just wrapped up the call when he caught part of our conversation. An idea came to him right away.

"If you try to invite Penelope out every day this summer, she might not have the time," he said.

Willow's smile faded. "What should I do, then?"

Zane nudged her gently. "Can you think of a reason to spend time with her that would help you both grow? Something Mrs. Summers couldn't possibly say no to?"

Willow caught on, her face brightening again. "Studying?"

Zane played it cool. "Oh?"

a tutor for me this summer? I could get ahead in my studies! Then I could ask Penelope to join me. Mrs. Summers wouldn't turn that

he'd gotten the answer he was after, Zane pressed a bit further. "But

fine. Just keep Saturdays

serious about this, I'll make it happen. Should I call the tutors now to set up your summer classes?" Zane asked,

grinned. "Yes! I'm

a wave.

down beside me. "Kids these

you think arranging all these

letting her waste the whole summer. At least this

we'll be at work during that time, what if we ask Dorothy

that far ahead. "I'll talk to them about

few exploratory hobbies, planning to make adjustments once Willow's interests became clearer. After that, he went to see

bed when he heard Zane knock on the door. He

time comes, we'll need you and Dorothy to help keep an eye on her while we're at

make

you need anything extra. I'll make