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?"

get ahead in my studies! Then I could ask Penelope

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

unfazed. "That's fine. Just keep Saturdays and

really serious about this, I'll make it happen. Should I call the tutors now

I'm heading to

gave her a wave. "Go

sat down beside me. "Kids these days are easy

a look. "She's still in kindergarten. Don't you think arranging all these classes for her is a

At least this way, she'll learn

be at work during that time, what if we ask Dorothy and Milton

hadn't thought that far ahead. "I'll talk to them about

adjustments once Willow's interests became clearer. After

ready for bed when he heard Zane knock on the door. He

need you and Dorothy to help keep an eye on her while we're

brightened. "No problem. We'll make

need anything extra. I'll