The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 261

Back home, Willow gathered the entire family to join her in her daily physical exercises. Afterward, she pulled Penelope, along with her grandparents, upstairs to continue their playtime.

This left only Zane, Suzy, and me in the living room. Suzy glanced upstairs, her expression soft. "I initially thought Willow needed Penelope's help to get better, but who could've imagined she'd recover on her own?"

"Exactly," I agreed, equally amazed. "Kids improve much faster than we expect."

Suzy chuckled. "So true. Look at Penelope. When she lived with Liam, she was like a timid little quail, constantly walking on eggshells. But after just a few days with me, she's already returning to her lively self."

Her voice was filled with love as she spoke of Penelope. "If I'd known that switching to a less stressful job would make her life easier, I would've quit my old job ages ago."

I could sense Suzy's guilt as a mother and gently patted her shoulder. "It's never too late to make changes."

"You're right," Suzy agreed.

At this moment, Zane chimed in, "How about we celebrate Willow's and Penelope's improvements tonight? Dinner at Silver Crescent Hotel?"

Suzy and I immediately agreed to the idea.

Zane stood up. "I'll make the reservation."

…

The hotel wasn't far from the villa. When we arrived, the server led us to a private dining room, where the food was soon served. Though Zane hadn't ordered too much, it was enough to feed all seven of us.

At the center of the table was a massive cake.

The two little girls gasped in delight, their eyes wide. "Wow!"