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?"

"Daddy, what if you hired a tutor for me this summer? I could get ahead in my studies! Then I could ask Penelope to join me. Mrs. Summers wouldn't turn that down!" Willow exclaimed.

Though he'd gotten the answer he was after, Zane pressed a bit further. "But that would mean less time for fun."

Willow patted her chest, unfazed. "That's fine. Just keep Saturdays and Sundays free for me."

"If you're really serious about this, I'll make it happen. Should I call the tutors now to set up your summer classes?" Zane asked, sounding playfully reluctant.

Willow grinned. "Yes! I'm heading to bed!"

Zane gave her a wave. "Go ahead."

She bounded upstairs. Zane sat down beside me. "Kids these days are easy to persuade."

I gave him a look. "She's still in kindergarten. Don't you think arranging all these classes for her is a bit much?"

"It's better than letting her waste the whole summer. At least this way, she'll learn something and have fun with a friend."

"Since we'll be at work during that time, what if we ask Dorothy and Milton to keep an eye on them at home?" I suggested.

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

He arranged tutors for core subjects and a few exploratory hobbies, planning to make adjustments once Willow's interests became clearer. After that, he went to see Dorothy and Milton.

Milton was ready for bed when he heard Zane knock on the door. He opened it. "Everything alright?" he asked.

Zane explained Willow's plan. "When the time comes, we'll need you and Dorothy to help keep an eye on her while we're at the office."

Milton's face brightened. "No problem. We'll make sure she's well taken care of."

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

Milton agreed without hesitation. "Alright."

The resources Zane had arranged for Willow were

generous-opportunities far beyond what Milton could provide. It was only natural that he accepted Zane's support.

...

When Gary and Julia showed up at Casper's place, he had just gotten back from

work.

Surprised but polite, he asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

Julia's stomach rumbled loudly. Her face turned red, and she said, "Not yet."

Despite still holding a grudge over the Jessica incident, Casper couldn't bring himself to turn Julia and Gary away. They were, after all, the ones who had brought him into the world and raised him. noveldrama