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

could break through her

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

Salstrom Manor."

An hour later.

Salstrom Manor.

the yard, she heard Emmie and

little ones were playing

onto the soft

case.

standing as goalies, one on each side,

Nancy

they clung to the ball, each refusing to let go.

Pattie in stitches.

always impatient, squeaked out,

tighter, so Emmie opened her

"Hey now, no biting your

to tickle your tummy!" he

she saw him. "Daddy!" she giggled, her voice

sunshine.

clambered to her feet and toddled toward Anastasia, arms

softened instantly. Even if the whole world tried to

back up

hugged Nancy close, breathing in the sweet, familiar scent of her

she felt whole

Anastasia's, snuggling in,

kiss on her. "Mama."

single word brought tears

hurried over, her face beaming. She couldn't

her smile said everything.

children gathered around her, Anastasia

moving forward.

to her eyes and breathed a silent sigh of

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

the worry in

little.

walked over, grinning.

so much

its size.

you

need to eat."

do we