The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Willow pouted but compromised nonetheless. "We'll braid our hair first, then head to the playground afterward if we have time." I smiled. "All right."

Willow took her seat at the table and stared at the bunny-shaped pudding in amazement. She turned the plate to inspect the pudding from all angles, exclaiming, "It looks exactly like that one at the counter!" Penelope removed the clear lid from the plate and gently tapped the pudding with the back of her spoon. It jiggled, making the pudding bunny look like it was bouncing in place. It was adorable; I'd admit that much. Thrilled by this, Penelope showed Willow the same trick. The latter's mouth parted into a perfect "O" as she mused, "Wow!"

Penelope asked, "Is something wrong?"noveldrama

Willow seemed disappointed as she said, "I can't bear to eat it..."

Penelope glanced at Willow, then at her own pudding. "Me, neither."

I ruffled Willow's hair affectionately and suggested, "Why don't you start with your burger and fries?"

"Okay!" Willow and Penelope dug into their meals immediately, though they couldn't keep their eyes off the pudding. I tried not to laugh as I shook my head.

I picked up my burger and stared at it dubiously. Kids seemed to love burgers, but how good were they? Curiosity prompted me to take a bite. Sure enough, the flavors didn't quite meet my expectations.

I looked at Willow and saw her ravenously chowing down on her burger, just like Penelope. Perhaps my palate was different from theirs.

When the kids finished their food, Willow eyed the pudding wistfully again and muttered, "I'll just have a bite..." She took her spoon, gently sliced it through the pudding, and then ate it. She closed her eyes. "It's delicious!" Encouraged by Willow, Penelope braced herself to cut through the pudding and take a bite. She gave Willow a wide-eyed look as she said, "It's yummy!"

They polished off the pudding.

Afterward, I took a comb from my purse and told Willow, "Come here so I can style your hair."

Willow threw herself into my

embrace and turned her back to me

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a second later. I combed her hair back, then braided and twisted it until she looked like a mini princess. The hairstyle accentuated her cherubic face, and my heart could have melted at how endearing she looked.

Upon seeing this, Penelope approached me and said, "Can you do mine, too?"

Judging by Penelope's request, Willow was confident that she looked good. She walked over to the mirror and admired her reflection, her eyes glittering. She was beautiful.

I combed Penelope's bangs back

and determined her face shape before giving her a more subtle, feminine Hairstyle. When she looked in the mirror and saw a different version of herself, she was stunned speechless.

The kids began admiring themselves in the mirror.

"Shall we take a picture?" I offered, holding up my phone.

"Yes, please!" Willow and Penelope answered.

Amused by their enthusiasm, Suzy interjected, "Come here, Penelope. I'll take your picture."

"All right," Penelope said after some consideration.

I held up my phone and made sure the camera focused on Willow. At first, I believed Willow's innocent

beauty might not translate well onet

camera, but I was surprised to find that the pictures turned out well. It helped that she pulled off several poses to make the photos look more animated.

Zane picked up his phone and began snapping pictures of Willow, too. He then posted them on his social media with a simple caption.