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

could break through her

is." Herman nodded and told

Salstrom Manor."

An hour later.

Salstrom Manor.

Anastasia stepped into the yard, she heard Emmie and

back. The two little ones

onto the soft

case.

as goalies, one on each side,

Nancy both tumbled down, but

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

Pattie in stitches.

impatient, squeaked out,

held on tighter, so Emmie opened her mouth, ready

scooping Emmie up. "Hey now, no biting your brother,

gonna have to tickle your

up when she saw

sunshine.

and toddled toward Anastasia, arms

if the whole world tried

way back up for these little

close, breathing in the sweet,

she felt whole

pressed her cheek against Anastasia's, snuggling in, and planted

kiss on her. "Mama."

single word brought tears to

Anastasia and hurried over, her face beaming. She couldn't speak,

her smile said everything.

all three children gathered around her,

moving forward.

return to her eyes and breathed

kids were Anastasia's soft spot,

a look with Katelyn, and the worry in both

little.

over,

so much weight

half its

you a feast.

need to eat."

"Daisy, what do