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.

seemed to catch her interest-except the kids. Only

could break

Herman nodded and told the driver, "Take us

Salstrom Manor."

An hour later.

Salstrom Manor.

stepped into the yard, she heard

The two little ones

onto the soft

case.

were standing as goalies, one on

and Nancy both

ball, each refusing to let go. The sight had

Pattie in stitches.

always impatient, squeaked out,

Emmie opened her mouth, ready to

Emmie up. "Hey now, no biting

gonna have to tickle your tummy!"

saw him. "Daddy!"

sunshine.

feet and toddled toward Anastasia, arms

heart softened instantly. Even if the whole world tried to

her way back up for

the sweet, familiar scent

felt whole

Anastasia's, snuggling

kiss on her. "Mama."

word brought tears to

her

her smile said everything.

her, Anastasia felt the strength to

moving forward.

light return to her eyes and breathed a silent sigh

Anastasia's soft spot, but they

and the worry

little.

walked over, grinning.

lost so much weight

is half its size. Mom's

making you a feast.

need to eat."

do