The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Eric asked, "When's the soonest you can go over to sign those comics?"

Upon hearing this, I checked the time on my phone and realized I had to pick Willow up from school. I hesitated before asking, "I need to pick up Willow today. Can I go over tomorrow?" "Sure," Eric said obligingly, and I heaved a sigh of relief.

Zane was busy, and it took him an entire afternoon to clear his work for the day. He glanced at me and asked, "Are you going to the printing house tomorrow?"

I hummed in response as an odd feeling came over me. Zane and I had been inseparable since I moved in with him. The idea of spending time away from him made me feel hollow.

I stared at him thoughtfully. He had a lot on his plate these days, and I doubted we would have quality time for a while. I couldn't help my disappointment.

Zane seemed to sense my reluctance. He chuckled and said, "We won't miss each other as much once we're busy with work."

I considered this and found myself agreeing with him. "True. Can I have the driver drop me off at the printing house tomorrow?"

Zane wouldn't be free to chauffeur me around. He knew this too and said, "Sure." He held my hand and added tenderly, "We won't be spending much time together tomorrow, so we should make the best of today."

I had already gotten over my disappointment after listening to his sage advice. Nonetheless, I couldn't help laughing at his remark as I pointed out, "We'll still see each other at home when we get off work in the evening." "True."

As I stopped before the kindergarten entrance, I noticed that most of the children had gone home just as class ended. When I spotted Willow, I waved at her and beckoned her over.

...

When she saw me, she bounded up to me happily and said, "Mommy, we're having a stage performance the day after tomorrow. Promise me you'll come watch me!" Her eyes gleamed expectantly.

This was the first time Willow was

slated to perform in a public, large-scale production since I

became her mother. She would be

crestfallen if I failed to make it to her

show. As such, I agreed without

thinking, "I'll be there."

"I knew you wouldn't say no, Mommy!" She threw her arms around me, beaming. As I stroked her hair gently, she glanced at Zane. "You have to come, too, Daddy."

Zane couldn't bear seeing Willow upset, so he promised, "Count me in."noveldrama

Only then did Willow release me from her embrace.

Meanwhile, Penelope wordlessly stared at us, and Suzy looked conflicted as well. Upon seeing this Zane suggested helpfully, "You could take a day off and show up for your daughter's performance, too

Suzy's eyes widened in disbelief. "Can I really?"

"Of course." Zane said mildly, "You're working to afford a better life for your daughter, right? What's the point of dedicating all your time and energy to your work when you can't even spare a single day for some mother-daughter bonding time?"

Suzy broke into a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Huxley."

"Don't mention it," Zane replied pleasantly.

...

Suzy drove us home that afternoon. On the way back, Penelope and Willow sat before me and chatted, their childish voices filling the car. As I watched them, a loving smile curled my lips. Zane sat in the passenger seat and occasionally glanced over his shoulder to speak to the two little girls.

There was no cozier moment than this, I presumed.

When we got home, we went out for a jog with Howard and later trained in martial arts. Once the basic lessons were over, Willow went upstairs to wash up.

Penelope stayed with me and tugged on the hem of my shirt. "Ms. Annalise, I need to tell you something about Willow."