The Bound Between Us

Chapter 529

Herman had truly indulged himself that evening, leaving both him and Anastasia in a state of blissful contentment. They lay sprawled on the couch, Anastasia nestled comfortably in his arms, their laughter mingling with the stillness of the room. "Those old sayings really hit the nail on the head-nothing like a full belly to stir up desire," Anastasia teased, her voice playful as she traced lazy circles on his chest.

His breath was still heavy with their recent exertions, warming the nape of her neck. "Makes me want to shirk my duties forever. But I've got to start grooming my successor. Pattie's only six now; I figure by the time she's twenty, she can take over. Gives me fourteen years."

Hearing him talk so candidly about the future, Anastasia shifted in his embrace to look up at his chiseled features. "Pattie... she..."

He cut her off, his voice soft but firm, "She's a Fletcher, your daughter. If no one else will claim her, then she's mine."

Anastasia wanted to argue, to say more, but the words lodged in her throat. There was no telling what the next decade or more would bring. For all she knew, Herman might change his mind, and there was no point in disturbing the peace of the moment over what-ifs. She turned away again, pressing her back against his warmth, and closed her eyes. "I'm off to sleep."

Post-exercise drowsiness came quickly to Anastasia, and she always slept deeply afterward.

"Alright," Herman whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her neck.

The next day dawned on the much-talked-about union between the Fletcher and Linwood families. Herman had left a wedding invitation for Anastasia before heading to the office.

Pattie at school, Anastasia, with invitation in hand, made her way to the

the invite to bear witness to

ten, her face half-hidden behind a mask. She found

about fifteen tables, all filled

wholly for the sake of celebrating nuptials; many were

Devin, the Linwood patriarch, greeted guests. The absence of the Fletchers, except for Feiman and some distant relatives, was palpable.

head of the Fletchers. His absence signaled that Joseph's status hadn't been acknowledged, and thus, neither was the

that

with the groom? Where is he?

"He's on the way, stuck in traffic. He'll be here any

Herman? Flynn? Anastasia?" Devin prodded. "Haven't seen

couldn't make it back in time, insisted I apologize to you on

it. Katelyn's absence was one thing, but without Herman, this wedding would be the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons,

Feiman and Devin were showered with congratulations, Feiman slipped away under the guise of fetching the bride, only to frantically dial Joseph's number. Calls went unanswered, and Herman and Flynn's phones were off, as if by some silent agreement.

"Where?"