The Bound Between Us

Chapter 810

Anastasia had always been the one to keep her emotions under wraps. She'd waited so long, holding onto hope, and finally, the day had come he was back. But the man she'd longed for didn't even know her anymore.

That kind of heartbreak was something only she could understand. Still, she refused to let it show. The fact that he'd come home at all was comfort enough.

Every inch of the house still carried his touch-he'd picked out the curtains, arranged the photos, chosen the silly mugs in the kitchen. Now, he wandered through it like a stranger, as if none of it felt familiar.

Their two little ones, Emmie and Nancy, were babbling in the playpen, gripping the rails, chubby faces bright with smiles as they stretched their arms out to Herman. Blood really does run deep-no one could fake the bond between them. The twins, with their wobbly little legs, stumbled toward their dad.

And then, as if to seal the moment, Emmie-just eight months old-managed to say her first word. "Up!” she squeaked, reaching out.

Being a girl, Emmie always seemed a step ahead-she was crawling, flipping over, toddling along the edges, while Nancy hit every milestone just a little later.

That sweet, sticky "up" hit Herman right in the heart.

Anastasia felt a lump in her throat. Maybe, just maybe, the babies did remember their dad.

Herman bent over and scooped Emmie up, and she shrieked with laughter, her pudgy hands grabbing at his cheeks, squishing his face, then gnawing at him with

her gums.

was teething-curious about everything, always wanting to taste the world,

them for so long. She'd almost believed

teeth hadn't come in yet, so her gumming didn't hurt, but she sure left Herman's face covered in drool.

yell instead. When Herman didn't pick him

kids are already fighting

play favorites, Herman picked up Nancy too, balancing a baby in each arm. Nancy, competitive as ever, went straight for Herman's nose just like his

time, Herman seemed to relax. Even if he couldn't remember, something about this felt

the family some

the yard. Anastasia turned to Dailey. "Did you

hoping the family doctor could check

nodded. "James is out on the prairie, should be back in a few days. I'll remind

things at the company, and Flynn, it's your turn to step up. I'm trusting all of

help Herman

grinned. "Don't worry, Anastasia. Now that Herman's back, spend time with

whispered, "Ana, you want my advice? Try something a little spicy tonight-bet he remembers

couldn't help but laugh. Monica always had the wildest

I've got things under control," she said glancing at Jason.