The Bound Between Us

Chapter 902

Rowan was hopelessly kind, the sort of soft-hearted that makes you want to hug

him just for existing.

Hanna had tried to talk sense into him, more times than she could count. "Rowan,

you've got to stop letting Asher walk all over you." But every time Asher turned up

needing help, Rowan just couldn't say no.

Anastasia had looked Rowan in the eye and said, honest as could be, "Thank you

for taking care of him. He'll come to understand how much you mean. I hope you

two find happiness."

Hanna never said she liked Rowan-not in so many words. But it was there in

every little thing she did for him, in every sidelong glance and gentle touch. You'd

have to be blind not to notice.

Hearing Anastasia's words, Hanna blushed and looked away, suddenly shy.

Anastasia headed out of the clinic. Herman's car was waiting by the curb, engine

humming. He'd come with her today.

She slid into the passenger seat. Herman didn't ask what she and Rowan had

talked about. Instead, he took her hand, his voice soft and warm. "How about we

go out on the boat tonight? The stars look incredible over the water."

Anastasia shook her head. "I want to go to Salstrom Manor. I miss the kids."

Her voice was steady, almost emotionless.

It was the first time she'd left the house since everything blew up. Herman had

done his best to scrub those scandalous photos from the internet, but even so, he

worried whenever she was out of his sight. He insisted on being there, just in

case.

catch her interest-except the kids. Only thoughts

break

is." Herman nodded and told the driver, "Take us

Salstrom Manor."

An hour later.

Salstrom Manor.

soon as Anastasia stepped into the yard, she heard

in the back. The two little

falling onto the soft mats Katelyn had spread

case.

and Pattie were standing as goalies,

girls. Suddenly, Emmie and Nancy

to the ball, each refusing to let go. The sight had Katelyn

Pattie in stitches.

impatient, squeaked out,

held on tighter, so Emmie opened

Emmie up. "Hey now, no

gonna have to tickle your tummy!"

face lit up when she saw him. "Daddy!" she giggled, her voice

sunshine.

her feet and toddled toward

softened instantly. Even if the whole world

way back

in the sweet,

she felt whole

Anastasia's, snuggling in, and planted

kiss on her. "Mama."

single word brought tears

over, her face beaming. She

her smile said everything.

three children gathered around her, Anastasia felt the strength to

moving forward.

return to her eyes and breathed

were Anastasia's soft spot, but they were her strength,

with Katelyn, and the worry in both their eyes faded

little.

over, grinning.

lost so much weight

half its size. Mom's

you a feast.

need to eat."

"Daisy, what do we have in the fridge?