The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Willow sniffled and said, "I just feel that you probably want to be Zachary's mommy again..."

Surprised, I asked, "What makes you think that?"

Willow stopped sobbing. "Because you gave birth to him."

That was when it hit me. Willow still felt insecure about this matter. Though we were close, any changes with Zachary made her nervous. She was afraid I would leave her.

While I thought about how to reassure her, Willow continued, "I know it's hard not having a mommy. But I feel so selfish for stealing someone else's mom."

Her voice trembled. "But I love Mommy so much. I don't want to give you back to him."

"You know what? It's alright to be a little selfish." I took her small hand as I spoke.

I told her gently, "You don't have to sacrifice your own happiness just because someone else is having a hard time."

Willow looked at me, confused.

I said with a smile, "I left Zachary because he hurt me. Whatever kind of person he becomes now doesn't change that.

"I'm your mommy because you love me and are good to me. That's why I want to be with you."

Willow asked eagerly, "So, you won't leave me?"

Her joy was contagious. "Never."

She jumped up and bounced on the bed excitedly before showering me with hugs and kisses. "Yay! I love you, Mommy!"

I hugged her back, laughing and saying, "I love you, too."

Once she calmed down, I returned to the story. Though she seemed to want to say more, sleep won out, and she drifted off peacefully.

...

Closing her door, I found Zane waiting outside.

We had fallen into this pattern lately.

If he wanted to talk, he would

near Willow's room after she waite

swho

asleep.

I followed him to the balcony and casually asked, "What's up?"

Leaning against the railing, he looked

Coght at me. "We've paid yout

the

Check if you've received

it

wno

I checked my text messages. The bank notification was right at the top.

I stared at the amount, dumbfounded. "A hundred grand?"

Zane smiled at my shock. "Is that not enough?"

I looked up at him. "It's way too much!"

He chuckled. "Well, then..."

He glanced away. "Since we pay so well, can we count on you if we need your artwork in the future?"

"Of course!" I was not about to pass up extra income like this. But...

"But just pay me the regular rate next time."

Zane did not say no. "Not greedy, are you?"

"Between my salary and freelance

work," I said, gazing at the stars we

make more than most already. And

now that you're giving me even more income, I'm content."

I turned to face him. "Really."

"I believe you." Zane met my gaze. "I have more good news."

Ever since becoming Willow's mom, I seemed to be blessed every day. I asked casually, "What is it?"

"I've started a comic publishing company, and we're almost fully staffed."

Hearing that, I stepped closer and looked at him. "Are you serious?"

His tone was earnest. "Absolutely."