The Bound Between Us

Chapter 844

The moment Autumn realized that Daria was her grandson-her daughter Julie's child her heart thudded with emotion. She wanted nothing more than to gather the little boy up and never let go.

Autumn managed to rein in her feelings, smoothing her expression and offering a warm, sincere compliment. "He's such a handsome kid, isn't he? Those bright eyes... he's going to break some hearts when he's older, I'm sure of it."

Katelyn, thinking Autumn was just being polite, grinned. "He's alright, I suppose. Mrs. Walker, can I get you some coffee?"

"Oh, anything's fine," Autumn replied. "Back on the farm, we didn't have coffee- just plain water, really. I'm not picky. And please, don't call me Mrs. Walker. Just Autumn is fine! No need to be so formal. You're helping me settle in here in Riverdale, and honestly, I already think of you as a friend. Let's skip the formalities and be sisters from now on."

All the while, Autumn's eyes rarely left Daria, her affection and longing written all over her face.

Katelyn laughed. "Well, I'm a year older, so I guess I get to call you my little sis, then."

"Works for me, Katelyn," Autumn replied, smiling easily, and the two women slipped into a comfortable chat.

Meanwhile, Anastasia sat quietly to the side, scrolling through her phone, though she kept glancing up at Autumn, curiosity and caution flickering in her eyes.

Katelyn ordered a coffee for Autumn. Before long, Daria woke up from his nap. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, and spotting Anastasia, reached out. "Mommy, up!"

He'd never really had a mother, but he'd heard other kids call for theirs, and he wanted that too. There was something about Anastasia

one word "Mommy"-hit Anastasia hard. Surprise, longing,

because of Julie and Grannie Anita's schemes, was gone. And now Julie's son was calling her

her own son hadn't been taken, he'd be about Daria's

froze, unable to move, not reaching for

the nanny's arms and climbed

so naturally,

"Mommy" startled both Autumn

'Mommy.' She's not your

run cold She was suddenly sure: she had to get Daria back. No way would she let her grandson stay with the Salstroms. Anastasia,

closer to Anastasia, as if he hadn't

Daria back. "Hey, why don't you go look at

the pond over there? They're really

slid down and scampered

on him,

nanny nodded. "Of course,