The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 902

Rowan was hopelessly kind, the sort of soft-hearted that makes you want to hug him just for existing.

Hanna had tried to talk sense into him, more times than she could count. “Rowan, you’ve got to stop letting Asher walk all over you.” But every time Asher turned up needing help, Rowan just couldn’t say no.

Anastasia had looked Rowan in the eye and said, honest as could be, “Thank you for taking care of him. He’ll come to understand how much you mean. I hope you two find happiness.”

Hanna never said she liked Rowan—not in so many words. But it was there in every little thing she did for him, in every sidelong glance and gentle touch. You’d have to be blind not to notice.

Hearing Anastasia’s words, Hanna blushed and looked away, suddenly shy.

Anastasia headed out of the clinic. Herman’s car was waiting by the curb, engine humming. He’d come with her today.

She slid into the passenger seat. Herman didn’t ask what she and Rowan had talked about. Instead, he took her hand, his voice soft and warm. “How about we go out on the boat tonight? The stars look incredible over the water.”

Anastasia shook her head. “I want to go to Salstrom Manor. I miss the kids.”

Her voice was steady, almost emotionless.

It was the first time she’d left the house since everything blew up. Herman had done his best to scrub those scandalous photos from the internet, but even so, he worried whenever she was out of his sight. He insisted on being there, just in case.

Lately, nothing seemed to catch her interest—except the kids. Only thoughts of them could break through her numbness.

“Alright, Salstrom Manor it is.” Herman nodded and told the driver, “Take us to Salstrom Manor.”

…

An hour later.

Salstrom Manor.

As soon as Anastasia stepped into the yard, she heard Emmie and Nancy laughing in the back. The two little ones were playing soccer, wobbling on unsteady legs, falling onto the soft mats Katelyn had spread everywhere—just in case.

Katelyn and Pattie were standing as goalies, one on each side, grinning as they watched the girls. Suddenly, Emmie and Nancy both tumbled down, but instead of crying, they clung to the ball, each refusing to let go. The sight had Katelyn and Pattie in stitches.

Emmie, always impatient, squeaked out, “Brother!”

Nancy held on tighter, so Emmie opened her mouth, ready to bite.

Herman swooped in, scooping Emmie up. “Hey now, no biting your brother, or Daddy’s gonna have to tickle your tummy!” he teased.

Emmie’s face lit up when she saw him. “Daddy!” she giggled, her voice pure sunshine.

Anastasia didn’t turn her down. She wanted this time with the kids, this rare slice of quiet happiness.

Pattie, still silent as ever, was taking her medicine. The doctors had suggested surgery, but Herman hadn’t told Anastasia yet. Then everything happened, and it got pushed aside. He worried that if things went wrong, it would break Anastasia all over again.

Sometimes, seeing Pattie forced to use hand gestures to communicate, Herman’s heart ached in ways he couldn’t explain.

A breeze picked up outside. Anastasia carried Nancy inside and asked the housekeeper, “Is Daria not home?”

“Caterina took her out. That little one loves the playground—she begged to go see the slides and swings.”

At the playground, Caterina watched Daria zip down the slide, glancing at her watch, just about to call home when she noticed someone familiar approaching.

“Mrs. Walker, over here!” Caterina waved when she spotted Autumn.

Autumn hurried over. “Where’s Daria?”

Caterina pointed to the ball pit, where Daria was giggling with the other kids.

Seeing her granddaughter so happy, Autumn’s face softened into a smile. She reached into her purse and handed Caterina a stack of bills. “Thank you for looking after her.”