The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 722

Otis was excited at the thought of taking down Annalise. He even considered Jessica's offer to work together. It didn't seem like such a bad idea, after all.

However, he reckoned he should look into Jessica's background before agreeing to team up with her. He didn't want to risk falling for an elaborate lie and getting played for a fool.

With that in mind, he called a friend and said, "Look into Jessica Shardlow for me."

"You got it."

…

After the candles were extinguished, the family split the cake. We ate the cake and had a casual conversation in the living room. Not long after, Milton and Dorothy retired to their bedroom.

Willow, on the other hand, insisted that Zane and I stayed up to watch television with her. She lay her head in my lap and grinned as she said, "It's been so long since I had you and Daddy to myself!"

Zane flicked her nose affectionately. "That's rich coming from you! You were so preoccupied with your grandparents that you barely had any time for us!"

Willow chuckled sheepishly. "I was hoping you and Mommy would have more quality time. Instead of blaming me, why don't you thank me instead?"

"Our Willow is so grown up," Zane mused. "Thank you, Willow."

Somehow, Zane's heartfelt appreciation made Willow flush. "You're welcome."

She lay in my lap and watched television. A sudden thought must have crossed her mind, for she bolted upright suddenly and stared at me intently. "Does this mean you'll be my real Mommy from now on?"

I went still at the question, and it took me a while to understand what Willow meant by "real mommy"—the marriage certificate meant Zane and I were lawfully wedded.