The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1029

“Alright, it won’t happen again.” Anastasia kept her eyes on Herman’s hand, worry flickering beneath her calm. “If Rowan finds out this was all Autumn’s doing, you know how he is—he’ll lose it. Something bad could happen.”

“There’s definitely a chance.” Herman got her, as always. “Let’s head over to the clinic now.”

A wave of warmth washed over Anastasia. No matter what, Herman always had her back. He understood her better than anyone.

She grinned, giving him a playful nudge. “Babe, seriously, you were never worried someone else might steal me away?”

“Not even a little.” Herman was nothing if not confident. “Guys like me? One in a million. No runner-up.”

Anastasia burst out laughing. “Listen to you! My taste wasn’t always this sharp, you know. I used to pick all the wrong ones. What if I’d missed out on you? What if I just couldn’t see how great you were?”

“Then it’d be my fault, 100%.” Herman replied without missing a beat, full of that charming survival instinct. “I clearly wasn’t doing enough.”

She blinked, then smiled, voice softer. “Honestly, Herman, there was a time I wasn’t so sure about us either. I kept wondering about you and Sandy Morton—those months you two spent in Willowbrook, I couldn’t even bring myself to think about it.”

They shared a quiet understanding. Still, Anastasia needed to get it out; once a thought’s there, it needs saying.

“I get it.” Herman said, steering with one hand, his voice warm and low. “Back when I lost my memory, I wasn’t so sure of myself either.”

It was the first time she’d heard him admit that. She reached over, ruffling his hair with a laugh. “Well, you’re stuck with me now—forever.”

They talked it through, clearing out all the old shadows, until only warmth was left.

He squeezed her hand just a little tighter. “Next life, and the one after that, my shoulder’s still yours.”

Anastasia teased, “And the life after that after that? Planning to swap me out?”

Herman grinned. “That time, you’ll be the man and I’ll be your girl.”

Anastasia’s eyes went wide. “Herman! Didn’t know you had dreams of being a woman.”

He just shrugged, perfectly cool. “Why not? Then I could be the one to have our kids.”

Anastasia cracked up, her heart light and full. She smiled so much her eyes disappeared. She was honestly touched.

People acted like having kids was just what women did, nothing special about it. But men would never get it—having a baby was a brush with death and coming back.

While they talked, they pulled up outside the clinic.

Herman parked and killed the engine, and they climbed out.

It was late. The clinic was closed up tight, lights off, but Rowan’s car was right at the door, headlights still burning. He must’ve been in such a rush he forgot to turn them off.

He was obviously keeping them out.

Since they were here, he figured Rowan should know.

Rowan didn’t even flinch, like he’d expected it.

His fists clenched, his jaw tight, holding something back. “Thanks for letting me know.”

“Yeah.” Herman tugged Anastasia away.

Anastasia’s mind spun with questions. Rowan’s reaction felt all wrong.

She shot Herman a look, but he shook his head slightly—leave it for now.

After they left, Rowan closed the door behind them and walked back to Hanna’s room.