The Bound Between Us

Autumn was just about to leave when she heard Daria was sick, and all her plans flew out the window.

She turned to Katelyn, worry etched on her face. "Katelyn, what happened to Daria? Is her fever bad? Did you check her temperature?"

Katelyn finished giving instructions to the nanny and hung up. "She's running a fever. I didn't ask how high. Autumn, don't you have things to do? Go on, take care of them."

But Autumn couldn't make herself go. Daria was her granddaughter, and Katelyn didn't seem the least bit bothered. That was her family-of course she cared.

Still, she'd already said she was leaving. She couldn't just backtrack now. Honestly, Autumn felt like Katelyn was going to be the death of her today.

She remembered Katelyn telling the nanny to take Daria to Hope Hospital. Without another thought, Autumn grabbed her bag and hurried out to the hospital to wait for them.

***

Hope Hospital.

Anastasia was tagging along with Monica, who was getting a check-up. Monica had woken up feeling nauseous and immediately worried she might be pregnant, so she'd dragged Anastasia with her for backup.

Monica didn't dare let Jason come. She was too nervous, not ready for him to know if there was even anything to know.

Anastasia was scrolling on her phone in the hallway when Monica finally came out of the doctor's office, clutching her test results.

"Well?" Anastasia's eyes were wide with curiosity. "Are you?"

Doc says it's just a stomach bug, probably

nudged her. "What, you hoping for a baby? Ready

that long. Then again, Anastasia had

it's right. Time doesn't

mean, Jason would actually make a great dad. He'd be the type to show up

"You've got it bad! Monica, you want to get married,

I'm bringing it

scoffed. "He can

it

proposal, not just aring

felt a little pang. Herman had never proposed to her properly. She used to imagine someone pulling

stops-down on one

flash mob or a ring hidden in

but honestly it hardly ever happened that way Afterward, you always told your friends:

him do it

absolutely right. The

have to wait till Jason's done with this case. Ana, could you wait for me in the car?

Anastasia said,

over and hurried

headed downstairs toward the