The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel 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?"

"Of course," Suzy replied with a warm smile. She'd be going home with Howard anyway.

Willow was thrilled. "That's awesome!"

I carried Willow into the car, and on the way home, she couldn't stop talking about her day at school. Penelope sat beside me. She chimed in whenever Willow paused for a breath.

It was already pretty lively with just the two of them.

Zachary stood at the school entrance, watching them drive off, feeling strangely off-balance.