The Bound Between Us

Chapter 856

The next day.

News was out: the Salstrom family was planning a big birthday party for Pattie. Her actual birthday wasn't until June 6th-there were still two months to go.

But for her eldest granddaughter, Katelyn was all in. As soon as she heard Herman's decision, she called up Anastasia. "Ana, let me handle Pattie's birthday party, okay? I promise it'll be fabulous-totally grand! Pattie's going to be the prettiest little princess. And of course, we'll need to get her a custom dress..."

Katelyn was so excited, she barely let Anastasia get a word in. Honestly, from how things were shaping up, Pattie herself wouldn't have much say, either.

Salma, always the practical one, saw right through Katelyn's intentions. She pulled Anastasia aside and said gently, "Ana, if your mother-in-law wants to plan the birthday, just let her. Don't get into it with her. It's just a birthday. We can find our own way to show Pattie how much we love her."

Salma had spent enough time around Katelyn to know her well.

Katelyn wasn't a bad person. She was just a little intense, a bit impressionable, and cared way too much about appearances and family ties. But to her credit, she was never stingy with Anastasia or the kids. The problem was, if anyone got in her ear, she'd fold easily and change her mind.

Overall, Katelyn meant well-she just acted on impulse and didn't always think about how others might feel. She'd been soft on Julie back in the day and nearly got taken advantage of. Then she adored Sandy for being clever and sweet-until she discovered Sandy had her own agenda.

Anastasia understood where Salma was coming from. She smiled. "Don't worry, Mom. I'm not going to compete with her over this. There's no need. In fact, she's probably the best person for the job. After the way she acted toward Pattie at Emmie and Nancy's baby shower, everyone could tell she didn't like Pattie. Now, she'll have to show with her actions how much she cares. That way, no one will dare look down on Pattie."

would, too. And if Katelyn threw her a big, impressive party, people would

smiling.

noticed Salma was dressed up in a bright red blouse and teased, "Mom,

staying at Southridge Estates.

own wife and kids. He's just your father-nothing more to me. Gotta be clear about that. I'm

You never told me! When do I get to

someone, Salma had worked hard her whole life-she was just in her late fifties, not even sixty. There was

at Southridge Estates,

refusing to

pocket money Anastasia gave

away. She only stayed because she loved her daughter and grandkids. Otherwise, she might have moved

She kept a low profile, especially since Katelyn

a single mom-tough and fiercely independent. Anastasia

stand tall

"You'll meet him some other time-today, I'm