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?"

ahead in my

was after, Zane pressed a bit further. "But that

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

the tutors now to set

grinned. "Yes! I'm

gave her a

down beside me. "Kids these days are easy to

kindergarten. Don't you think arranging all these classes for her is a bit

whole summer. At least this way,

that time, what if we ask Dorothy and Milton to keep an

far ahead. "I'll talk to them

exploratory hobbies, planning to make adjustments once Willow's interests

for bed when he heard Zane knock on the

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

problem. We'll make sure she's well taken

Just let me know if you need anything extra. I'll make sure it's ready," Zane