Chapter 88

Steven crouched so that he was at eye-level with Zachary, smiling as he explained, "Mommy Jessie said she was in a bad mood a few days ago because of the baby and ended up neglecting you. "She's thought about her actions since and realized she was wrong. Do you think you can forgive her, Zachary?" Zachary looked up at Jessica and saw the warm smile she was flashing him. She then asked, "Can you give me another chance, Zachary?" He looked down. He wanted to say no, but he knew Steven was speaking up on Jessica's behalf and glossing over her behavior. In other words, Steven wanted them to make up. If Zachary refused to give Jessica a second chance, Steven would blame him for being stubborn and force him into forgiving her. He might be young, but he certainly wasn't stupid. He said with a nod, "Okay." Jessica reached for Zachary's hand and asked, "I'll get you a present! What would you like?" She sounded bright and cheerful, as if she had never picked on Zachary. Seeing this, Zachar